Plug-in Card Stabilizing Apparatus Grounding and Shock Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug-in cards for storage systems face challenges in enhancing electromagnetic compatibility and anti-shock/vibration capabilities, particularly due to the nature of their connector design which limits effective electro-static discharge and grounding.

Innovation Solution

A stabilizing apparatus comprising a contact part electrically coupled to a chassis ground terminal, a transmission pole, and a hook part, which mechanically engages with the plug-in card to provide stable grounding and resistance to shock/vibration, utilizing springs for efficient state switching and contact management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a plug-in card uses a connector design for fastening and connection, then the plug-in card can be easily installed and removed, but the electro-static discharge and grounding capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation and removal convenienceVSAvoidelectro-static discharge and grounding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A stabilizing apparatus is introduced as an intermediary component between the plug-in card and chassis. This apparatus includes a contact part that electrically couples to a ground terminal and a manipulation part that enables user-controlled contact establishment. The intermediary stabilizing apparatus bridges the gap between the simple connector design and the need for reliable electro-static discharge capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the contact part is always in contact with the plug-in card, then the grounding capability is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding capabilityVSAvoidcontact management mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizing apparatus employs a dynamic contact mechanism where the contact part can transition between contacting and non-contacting states with the plug-in card. A manipulation part allows users to control this transition, enabling the system to adapt its grounding capability dynamically rather than maintaining constant contact, thus balancing reliability with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If springs are used for state switching, then the operation speed is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate switching speedVSAvoidspring mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism enables periodic or rapid state transitions between contact and non-contact states. When the manipulation part is actuated, the spring provides rapid restoring force to switch the contact part between states, allowing quick response to user operations while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution significantly enhances the electromagnetic compatibility and anti-shock/vibration capabilities of plug-in cards by ensuring reliable grounding and rapid electrostatic discharge, while maintaining mechanical stability and user-friendly operation.

Implementation Method 1

a first spring coupled to the contact part and adapted for generating a force that resists a movement of the contact part towards the first positive direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a second spring coupled to the transmission pole and adapted for generating a force that resists a movement of the transmission pole towards the second positive direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10949729B2Stabilizing apparatus for plug-in card, chassis, and associated manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2021.03.16 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US10949729B2 patent drawing
  • US10949729B2 patent drawing
  • US10949729B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a stabilizing apparatus for a plug-in card, a chassis including the stabilizing apparatus and associated manufacturing method. The stabilizing apparatus comprises a fixed part adapted for attaching the stabilizing apparatus to a chassis for supporting the plug-in card and a contact part electrically coupled to a ground terminal of the chassis and movable towards the plug-in card supported on the chassis along a first positive direction perpendicular to an extended plane of the plug-in card, so as to contact the plug-in card.