PCI-E Connector Linkage Button for Obstructed Card Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

The advancement of technology has made it difficult for users to directly press the rotating button of a PCI-E connector due to the presence of high-efficiency heat sinks or elements with new functions, complicating the removal of expansion cards.

Innovation Solution

A circuit board module design featuring a remote press button and linkage mechanism that allows the rotating button to be driven remotely through a linkage system, including a bracket and linkage segments aligned along different axes, enabling the rotating button to be operated from a distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the rotating button is located at the end of the connector, then the connector structure is simple, but users cannot directly press the rotating button when heat sinks or new function elements are present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of rotating buttonVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A linkage mechanism comprising a first segment and a second segment is introduced as an intermediary between the press button and the rotating button. The first segment extends along a first axis and links to the rotating button, while the second segment extends along a second axis and links to the press button, enabling indirect actuation of the rotating button when directly accessible

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage mechanism utilizes spatial arrangement by extending segments along different axes (first axis and second axis) to transmit actuation force from the press button location to the rotating button location, effectively operating in multiple dimensional directions to overcome the blocking obstacle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a linkage mechanism is introduced to enable remote operation, then the rotating button becomes accessible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidlinkage mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage mechanism is divided into distinct segments (first segment and second segment) that can be independently positioned and connected. Each segment serves a specific function in transmitting motion along different axes, making the complex mechanism more manageable and easier to assemble

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage mechanism incorporates movable connections between segments that allow dynamic adjustment during operation. The segments can move relative to each other along specified axes, enabling the mechanism to adapt to the spatial relationship between the press button and rotating button while maintaining functional integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4194999B1Circuit board module
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 GIGA BYTE TECH CO LTD
  • EP4194999B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4194999B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4194999B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A circuit board module (100) includes a circuit board body (110), a connector (120), a press button (130), a bracket (140), and a linkage (150). The connector (120) includes a base (122) and a rotating button (124) rotatably disposed on the base (122). The press button (130) is located away from the connector (120). The bracket (140) includes a first limiting portion (142). The linkage (150) is located between the rotating button (124) and the press button (130) and includes a second limiting portion (151) corresponding to the first limiting portion (142), a first segment (152), and a second segment (154) linked to the first segment (152). The first segment (152) extends along a first axis (A1) and is linked to the rotating button (124). The second segment (154) extends along a second axis (A2) and is linked to the press button (130). One of the second limiting portion (151) and the first limiting portion (142) extends along the first axis (A1). The first segment (152) is movably disposed on the bracket (140) along the first axis (A1).