Screwless Interface Card Fixing Mechanism With Pivoting Clamp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fixing mechanisms for interface cards in server computers rely on screws, which are difficult to assemble and often lost, and shaft components that occupy excessive mechanical space and lack structural strength.

Innovation Solution

A fixing mechanism comprising a first platform, a first bent portion, a second platform, and an engaging portion, where the second platform pivots relative to the first platform via the first bent portion to engage with the interface card and casing, eliminating the need for screws and reducing mechanical space occupation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws are used to fix the interface card, then the interface card can be securely fixed, but the assembly procedure becomes difficult and screws are easily lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes screws from the fixing mechanism, extracting the problematic fastening element while retaining the fixation function through a screwless clamping structure where the interface card is secured by elastic deformation of the fixing mechanism body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing mechanism uses its own elastic deformation to achieve both fixation and self-alignment. The elastic body deforms during insertion to allow card entry, then automatically clamps to secure the card without requiring separate fastening operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a shaft component is used to fix the interface card, then the interface card can be fixed, but the mechanical space occupied increases and the structural strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shaft component's positioning function with the elastic body's clamping function into a single integrated structure. The elastic body simultaneously provides mechanical support, positioning, and fixation, eliminating the need for separate shaft components and reducing overall space occupation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing mechanism employs composite construction combining rigid portions for structural support and elastic portions for clamping action. This allows the mechanism to achieve high structural strength while maintaining compact dimensions through optimized material distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a shaft component is used to fix the interface card, then the interface card can be fixed, but the structural strength is not enough and the component damages easily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic body provides dynamic adaptation to the interface card, deforming during insertion to accommodate variations in card dimensions while maintaining secure fixation. This dynamic characteristic enhances reliability by accommodating manufacturing tolerances and wear over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 mechanism provides easy assembly, sufficient structural strength, and efficient fixation of interface cards without using screws, while minimizing mechanical space usage, addressing the limitations of conventional screw-based and shaft component-based systems.

Implementation Method 1

The first bent portion is connected to the first platform. An end of the second platform is connected to the first bent portion. The second platform pivots relative to the first platform via the first bent portion.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9066438B2Fixing mechanism for fixing an interface card of an electronic device and electronic device therewith

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

A fixing mechanism includes a first platform, a first bent portion, a second platform and an engaging portion. The first platform is fixed on a casing of an electronic device. The first bent portion is connected to the first platform. An end of the second platform is connected to the first bent portion. The second platform pivots relative to the first platform via the first bent portion. The engaging portion is disposed on a side of the second platform. The engaging portion is for engaging with an interface card and the casing as the second platform pivots relative to the first platform, so as to fix the interface card on the casing.