PCIe Connector Linkage Button for Obstructed Card Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rotating button of PCI-E connectors is often obscured by high-efficiency heat sinks or functional elements on motherboards, making it difficult for users to directly press and operate the button, which complicates the removal of expansion cards.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board module with a remote press button and linkage system that allows the rotating button to be driven from a location away from the connector, using a linkage mechanism with limiting portions and segments to transmit the press action along specific axes, enabling the rotating button to be rotated smoothly without direct access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotating button is placed at the end of the connector for direct operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the accessibility deteriorates when heat sinks or functional elements are installed on the motherboard
Solution Approach 1:
A linkage mechanism comprising a first segment and a second segment is introduced as an intermediary between the rotating button and the pressing button. The first segment extends along a first axis and is linked to the rotating button, while the second segment extends along a second axis and is linked to the pressing button, enabling indirect operation of the rotating button when directly accessible
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism utilizes multi-axis movement to transfer the pressing action from a remote location to the rotating button. The first segment moves along the first axis, and the second segment moves along the second axis, effectively translating the operation from one spatial dimension to another, allowing the pressing button to be positioned away from the connector
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a linkage mechanism is introduced to enable remote button operation, then the accessibility of the rotating button is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is divided into distinct segments: a first segment linked to the rotating button and a second segment linked to the pressing button. Each segment is constrained to move along a specific axis by corresponding limiting portions, allowing the complex motion to be broken down into simpler, independent movements that are easier to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism incorporates movable segments that can translate along specific axes rather than rigid fixed connections. The first segment is movable along the first axis, and the second segment is movable along the second axis, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity through controlled degrees of freedom
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit board module includes a circuit board body, a connector, a press button, a bracket, and a linkage. The connector includes a base and a rotating button rotatably disposed on the base. The press button is located away from the connector. The bracket includes a first limiting portion. The linkage is located between the rotating button and the press button and includes a second limiting portion corresponding to the first limiting portion, a first segment, and a second segment linked to the first segment. The first segment extends along a first axis and is linked to the rotating button. The second segment extends along a second axis and is linked to the press button. One of the second limiting portion and the first limiting portion extends along the first axis. The first segment is movably disposed on the bracket along the first axis.