Rotatable Locking Mechanism for Expansion Cards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking mechanisms for securing expansion cards in computing devices are not compatible with different size expansion cards, requiring all cards to have a hook feature and notch, limiting the types of cards that can be added.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable locking mechanism with different orientations, featuring a base and main body that can move between open and closed positions, with mating features on opposite sides to securely engage various expansion card form factors, allowing for secure installation of both first and second form factor cards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional latch device with hook feature is used to secure expansion cards, then the expansion card can be firmly fixed in the chassis, but the locking mechanism is not compatible with different size expansion cards and requires all cards to have specific hook features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different expansion card types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed with a main body that can be rotated between a first orientation and a second orientation, with different mating features facing different directions. This allows a single locking mechanism to securely hold multiple types of expansion cards with different form factors, eliminating the need for different locking mechanisms for different card types while maintaining firm securing capability for each card type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed orientation locking mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but it can only accommodate one type of expansion card form factor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple expansion card form factorsVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main body of the locking mechanism is designed to be rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation. This dynamic capability allows the locking mechanism to adapt to different expansion card form factors by rotating the main body to the appropriate orientation, enabling support for multiple card types without requiring multiple separate locking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11262812B2Rotatable locking mechanism for computer expansion cards

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A locking mechanism for securing different expansion cards in a slot of a chassis of a computing device is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a base and a main body. The base is coupled to the chassis and movable between an open position and a closed position. The main body is coupled to the base and movable between a first orientation and a second orientation. When the base is in the closed position and the main body is in the first orientation, a first mating feature of the main body engages an expansion card having a first form factor inserted into the slot. When the base is in the closed position and the main body is in the second orientation, the second mating feature engages an expansion card having a second form factor inserted into the slot of the chassis.