PCIe Card Locating Member for Tool-Free Slot Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCIe/PCI interface card installation methods are inconvenient, requiring tools and constraining circuit layout flexibility due to fixed baffle sizes and locations, leading to potential data transmission interruptions and design limitations.
Innovation Solution
An interface card quick plug-and-unplug device with a locating member that automatically clamps onto the PCIe/PCI slot, eliminating the need for a baffle and allowing tool-free installation, enhancing connection stability and flexibility in circuit layout design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws and baffle are used to affix the PCIe interface card to the computer case, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring hand tools and complicated installation/removal processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the baffle component entirely from the PCIe interface card design. Instead of using a baffle that extends to the computer case, the locating member is integrated directly into the PCIe interface card body, eliminating the need for separate baffle attachment hardware and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating member is designed to automatically engage with the PCIe slot positioning structure through spring-loaded contact members that flex and lock into place during insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual screw fastening, allowing the card to secure itself to the slot without external tools or additional fastening operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-size baffle is used for all PCIe interface cards, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the baffle size cannot be adjusted to match different PCIe card heights
Solution Approach 1:
The locating member incorporates spring-loaded contact members that provide flexible, dynamic engagement with the PCIe slot. The spring mechanism allows the contact members to deflect and adapt to slight variations in slot positioning and card height, providing a universal solution that works across different PCIe card form factors without requiring fixed-size baffles.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating member design serves multiple functions: it positions the card horizontally, provides vertical compliance for different card heights, and secures the card to the slot simultaneously. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for different baffle sizes for different card types, as the same locating member structure adapts to various PCIe interface card specifications.
3Reliability
If the baffle is affixed to the computer case, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locating member functionality directly into the PCIe interface card body, eliminating the separate baffle component. The locating member is integrated into the card's structural framework, combining the positioning and securing functions into a single unified element that reduces the total component count and simplifies the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle component is completely extracted from the system. Instead of having a separate baffle that attaches to the computer case, the locating member performs the positioning function directly at the PCIe slot interface, removing the intermediate baffle element and its associated mounting hardware from the assembly.
4Reliability
If the baffle position is fixed relative to the PCIe slot, then the connection stability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the PCIe slot location cannot be freely adjusted in the circuit layout design
Solution Approach 1:
The locating member's spring-loaded contact members provide dynamic positioning that can accommodate variations in PCIe slot location. The spring mechanism allows for slight positional adjustments and tolerances, enabling the same locating member design to work with slots positioned at different locations on the motherboard while maintaining secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating member design incorporates adjustable spring pressure and contact point positioning that can be modified to match different PCIe slot locations and geometries. By changing the spring force parameters and contact member dimensions, the same basic locating member structure can adapt to various slot positions in the circuit layout, providing flexibility in motherboard design.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface card quick plug-and-unplug device for use with a PCIe interface card is disclosed to include a shell covering a part of the PCIe interface card, and a locating member disposed at one side of the shell and/or the PCIe interface card for engagement with the PCIe slot upon insertion of the PCIe interface card into the PCIe slot. Biasing the locating member allows quick removal of the PCIe interface card from the PCIe slot without any tool. The interface card quick plug-and-unplug device enhances the flexibility of the design of computer circuit layout.