Riser Card Connecting Device with Standoff Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing expansion cards in servers require a riser card to be fixed using multiple screws, which is time-consuming and can lead to instability and increased maintenance costs due to the risk of screw loosening.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device comprising a riser bracket, a positioning mechanism with standoffs and a latch, allowing the riser card to be quickly installed and detached without tools, eliminating the need for screws and reducing the risk of screw loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple screws are used to fix the riser card on the riser bracket, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation time increases and the risk of screw loosening occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the screws from the fastening system, replacing them with a screwless clamping mechanism. The positioning mechanism uses standoffs with clamping portions that directly clamp the card body, removing the need for separate fastening elements like screws, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a positioning mechanism with standoffs as an intermediary between the riser bracket and the riser card. The standoffs include clamping portions that directly engage with the card body, serving as a mediator that provides both positioning and fastening functions without requiring traditional screw fasteners
2Strength
If multiple screws are used to fix the riser card, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple fastening components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning and fastening functions into a single integrated positioning mechanism. The standoffs simultaneously provide positioning (through their placement and structure) and fastening (through the clamping portions), eliminating the need for separate screw fasteners and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism with standoffs serves multiple functions: it positions the riser card, clamps it securely, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design replaces the traditional separate positioning and fastening components, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength
3Stability of the object's composition
If screws are used for fastening, then the connection is secure, but the reliability decreases due to the risk of screw loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes screws from the system entirely, eliminating the source of potential loosening and failure. The screwless clamping mechanism uses elastic deformation and friction between the clamping portions and card body to maintain a reliable, maintenance-free connection that cannot loosen over time
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism is designed to be self-adjusting and self-maintaining. The elastic material of the clamping portions automatically maintains constant contact pressure on the card body, compensating for any dimensional variations or thermal expansion without requiring periodic tightening or maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting device includes a riser bracket, a positioning mechanism and a riser card. The positioning mechanism has a plurality of standoffs and a latch disposed on the riser bracket. Each standoff has a head, a shoulder and a neck interconnecting the head and the shoulder. The latch is movable between a locking position for locking the riser card and a releasing position. The riser card is formed with a plurality of through holes corresponding in position to the standoffs. Each through hole has a large hole portion for extension of the head of a respective standoff and a small hole portion having an inner diameter that is equal to an outer diameter of the neck of the respective standoff.