Replaceable Frame Assembly for PCIe Expansion Cards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer devices, such as server computers and in-vehicle infotainment systems, face challenges in accommodating expansion cards of varying sizes due to the need for multiple openings in the case, which is difficult to implement effectively beyond personal desktop computers.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable frame assembly comprising a base plate, fixing units, electrical connection interfaces, and a fixation plate that allows for secure and flexible installation of expansion card modules, enabling communication with the main board and accommodating different PCIe card sizes through adjustable components and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple openings with different sizes are formed on the computer device's case to accommodate various PCIe card sizes, then any type of PCIe card can be added to the computer device, but this solution is difficult to implement in server computers, single board computers, embedded system computers, industrial computers, and in-vehicle infotainment systems
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into a fixed portion and a replaceable frame assembly. The frame assembly can be removed and replaced as a single unit, allowing different configurations for different PCIe card sizes without modifying the main case structure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining case simplicity while enabling versatility through modular replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The replaceable frame assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, accommodates different PCIe card sizes through interchangeable frame bodies, and maintains electrical connections. This universal component resolves the contradiction by enabling the case to handle various card types without requiring multiple specialized openings in the main case.
2Device complexity
If a standardized opening size is used in the computer device's case, then the case structure becomes simpler, but expansion cards with different sizes cannot be properly accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is designed to be replaceable and adjustable, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different PCIe card sizes. Instead of a static case structure with fixed openings, the dynamic frame assembly can be swapped to match the required card dimensions, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and size adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The replaceable frame assembly acts as an intermediary between the simple case structure and the diverse PCIe cards. It provides the necessary adaptation layer that allows a standardized case opening to accommodate various card sizes through frame body replacement, thus resolving the contradiction by introducing a mediating component.
3Ease of repair
If the frame assembly is designed to be replaceable, then maintenance and expansion become easier, but the overall device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is segmented into distinct components (frame body, mounting bracket, electrical connection interfaces) that can be independently replaced or maintained. This segmentation enables easy repair and expansion by allowing technicians to swap only the necessary frame body without disassembling the entire case, resolving the contradiction between ease of maintenance and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly is pre-configured with mounting brackets, electrical connection interfaces, and positioning features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows for quick installation and removal during maintenance or expansion operations without requiring complex assembly procedures, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A replaceable frame assembly is disclosed, which comprises: a base plate, a first fixing unit, a second fixing unit, a front panel, at least one first electrical connection interface, a second electrical connection interface, a third electrical connection interface, and a fixation plate. The replaceable frame assembly is adopted for accommodating an expansion card module, and can be disposed in a case of an electronic device. After being disposed in the case, an electrical connection end of the first electrical connection interface is embedded into an electrical slot that is disposed on a main board, such that the expansion card module communicates with the main board through the second electrical connection interface, the third electrical connection interface, the first electrical connection interface, and the electrical slot, thereby making the expansion card module become a functional electronic module of the electronic device.