Riser Cage Bracket With Interchangeable Windows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices often lack the appropriate electrical connectors or have them in inconvenient locations, necessitating the use of a riser card and riser cage bracket to support expansion cards, which can be cumbersome and costly to replace when switching between different expansion card form factors.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable riser cage assembly with a riser cage bracket that can change configurations by interchanging different riser cage windows, allowing it to remain connected to the primary system board while being reconfigured, thus eliminating the need to replace the entire riser cage bracket when switching between full-height and low-profile expansion cards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional riser cage bracket is used to support expansion cards, then the expansion card can be securely supported, but the entire bracket must be replaced when switching between different expansion card form factors (full-height and low-profile)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different expansion card form factorsVSAvoidcomplexity of replacement process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The riser cage bracket is divided into separate components: a riser cage body and interchangeable riser cage windows. The body remains connected to the primary system board while the windows can be independently swapped to accommodate different expansion card form factors, eliminating the need to replace the entire bracket.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The riser cage body is designed with universal mounting interfaces that can support multiple types of riser cage windows, each configured for different expansion card form factors. This allows a single body to serve multiple functions by simply changing the window component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the entire riser cage bracket is replaced when switching expansion card form factors, then the correct support configuration is achieved, but time and potential damage risk increase during replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reconfigurationVSAvoidtime required for bracket replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the bracket into a permanent body and replaceable windows, the reconfiguration process is reduced to simply removing and installing the window component, which takes significantly less time than replacing the entire bracket while minimizing exposure to damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The riser cage windows are pre-configured with specific dimensions and mounting features matched to particular expansion card form factors. Users can directly install the pre-prepared window that corresponds to their expansion card type without needing to modify or reconfigure the bracket structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different types of riser cage brackets are manufactured for different expansion card form factors, then each form factor can be properly supported, but inventory complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for various expansion card form factorsVSAvoidnumber of bracket types to inventory

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single riser cage body design serves multiple functions by being compatible with different riser cage window types. This universal body eliminates the need to manufacture and inventory separate brackets for each expansion card form factor, reducing SKUs while maintaining full support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The segmentation into body and window components allows the industry to maintain a single standardized body design while offering interchangeable windows for different form factors. This reduces manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements compared to producing entirely different brackets for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250048581A1Riser cage bracket assembled from a riser cage body and interchangeable riser cage windows

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A system for assembling a riser cage bracket is disclosed. The system includes a riser cage body, a first riser cage window, and a second riser cage window. The first and second riser cage windows are configured to be interchangeably and removably connectable to the riser cage body to assemble the riser cage bracket. The first riser cage window is configured to, when connected to the riser cage body, define a first space between the riser cage body and the first riser cage window to receive a full-height expansion card detachably coupled to the riser cage bracket. The second riser cage window is configured to, when connected to the riser cage body, define a second space between the riser cage body and the second riser cage window to receive a low-profile expansion card detachably coupled to the riser cage bracket.