Server Module Guiding Track and Unlocking Latch for Safe Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing servers face issues with expansion modules being damaged due to incorrect force or angle during insertion and withdrawal, requiring manual handling that can lead to improper installation or removal.

Innovation Solution

A server housing with a guiding device featuring a base, guiding track, and an unlocking member that allows for controlled insertion and withdrawal of plug-in modules without direct manual contact, using a movable unlocking member to manage the fixed portion's position and direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operators manually handle expansion modules by touching them with hands, then the operation is simple and direct, but the modules are damaged due to incorrect force or angle applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual handling simplicityVSAvoidmodule integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a guiding device with a guiding track and shaft as an intermediary between the operator and the expansion module. The guiding track guides the module along a predetermined path, while the shaft acts as a mediator that the operator manipulates to control module insertion and withdrawal, preventing direct hand contact with the module and ensuring correct force and angle application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding device enables the expansion module to guide itself during insertion and withdrawal through the guiding track, which limits the module's movement direction. The module's own structure interacts with the guiding track to ensure proper alignment and force application, reducing reliance on operator skill

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If expansion modules are inserted without a guiding mechanism, then the insertion process is quick and unrestricted, but the modules are damaged due to incorrect angle or force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion speedVSAvoidmodule integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding track serves as an intermediary structure that the expansion module passes through during insertion. It provides a predetermined path that ensures correct angle and force application, maintaining both insertion speed and module integrity by constraining movement to the intended trajectory

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding track is pre-configured with the correct angle and positioning requirements built into its structure. Before insertion begins, the track is already in place to guide the module, ensuring that the correct orientation and force are applied from the start of the insertion process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260113862A1Server and guiding device thereof
Publication Date: 2026.04.23 WISTRON CORP
  • US20260113862A1 patent drawing
  • US20260113862A1 patent drawing
  • US20260113862A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A server includes a server housing and a guiding device. The server housing includes an insertion portion. The guiding device includes a base and an unlocking member. The base includes a guiding track and a shaft. The base is fixed to the server housing, and the guiding track is adjacent to the insertion portion. The shaft has a fixed portion, the fixed portion has a latch position and a withdrawn position, and the latch position is closer to the insertion portion than the withdrawn position. The unlocking member includes a main body, a connecting portion, an abutting portion, and an operating portion. The unlocking member is movably arranged on the base through the connecting portion to have the initial position and the unlocking position. The abutting portion makes the fixed portion at the withdrawn position when the unlocking member is at the unlocking position.