Server Tray Elastic Support for Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited internal space in server apparatuses leads to misalignment issues during expansion connection of external devices, causing difficulties in smooth assembly and potential damage to connectors.
Innovation Solution
A server apparatus design featuring a tray movably connected to a bottom board via elastic pieces, allowing horizontal and vertical adjustments to align connectors precisely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If external devices are connected to the host device via connectors in a server apparatus with limited internal space, then the processing capability of the server apparatus is improved, but the connectors may be misaligned and damaged during the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed to be movable relative to the bottom board, allowing dynamic adjustment of the host device position. The elastic piece enables the tray to move horizontally and vertically, providing real-time alignment capability during connector assembly, thus preventing misalignment and damage while maintaining expansion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic piece changes the positional parameters of the tray relative to the bottom board. By allowing the tray to move within a certain range (first distance horizontally, second distance vertically), the system can adjust the connector positions to achieve precise alignment, resolving the misalignment issue in limited space.
2Device complexity
If the tray is fixed on the bottom board, then the structure is simple and stable, but the connectors cannot be aligned precisely during expansion connection
Solution Approach 1:
The tray connection structure transitions from a fixed state to a movable state through the elastic piece. The tray can move horizontally along the pin and vertically within the elastic constraint, providing alignment capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to rigid precision mounting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic piece acts as an intermediary between the fixed bottom board and the movable tray. It provides both constraint and flexibility, allowing the tray to achieve precise connector alignment while being supported by the stable bottom board structure, thus resolving the conflict between structural simplicity and alignment precision.
3Ease of operation
If the tray is made movable to allow alignment adjustment, then the connector assembly is facilitated, but the tray may move excessively and affect system stability
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed with controlled movability rather than complete freedom of movement. The elastic piece constrains the tray's movement to specific directions and ranges (first distance horizontally, second distance vertically), providing enough flexibility for alignment while maintaining stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic piece provides beforehand cushioning by constraining the tray's movement range before excessive movement can occur. The elastic constraint acts as a pre-established boundary that prevents the tray from moving beyond the alignment-needed distance, thus facilitating assembly while protecting against instability.
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
Facilitates quick and damage-free assembly of connectors by enabling flexible positioning of the tray relative to the bottom board, ensuring precise alignment and smooth connection.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one elastic arm extends from the body to pass through the slot of the tray and abut against the bottom board when the tray is connected on the bottom board, for allowing the tray to move a first distance relative to the bottom board
Data Source
AI summary
A server apparatus includes a bottom board, a tray, a host device disposed on the tray and having a first connector, and an elastic piece. A pin protrudes from the bottom board and is inserted into a hole of the tray to make the tray movably connected on the bottom board. The elastic piece includes an elastic arm and a body connected on the tray. The elastic arm extends from the body to pass through a slot of the tray, so as to abut against the bottom board for supporting the tray above the bottom board when the tray is connected on the bottom board. Therefore, the tray can move a first distance relative to the bottom board.