Shakeproof Modular Computer System Container Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular computer systems designed for field use, especially in automotive applications, face challenges with accessibility of slots due to vibration and shock, making it difficult to exchange circuit boards, particularly when they are screwed in place, such as in the PCIe standard, and existing solutions do not adequately address detachment, slippage, or damage from vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A modular computer system design featuring a housing with a removable container that can be lowered into the housing, equipped with external data connections for easy communication with the motherboard and a housing cover that exerts force to secure the container, ensuring shakeproof fixation and easy accessibility of circuit boards, while also incorporating a spring device and guiding mechanism for enhanced stability and correct alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circuit boards are screwed firmly in place in the trunk, then vibration resistance is improved, but accessibility for exchange becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system is divided into modular components: a fixed housing and a removable container that can be independently taken out. This segmentation allows the container with circuit boards to be accessed and exchanged without removing the entire system from the trunk, thus maintaining vibration resistance while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The container holding the circuit boards is extracted as a separate removable unit from the main housing. This extraction enables the container to be easily removed and replaced even when the system is mounted in a confined space like a trunk, solving the accessibility problem while the housing remains securely fixed for vibration resistance.
2Ease of operation
If container is made removable for easy access, then accessibility is improved, but shakeproof fixation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container is pre-equipped with connection elements (lugs, hooks, or latches) that automatically engage with corresponding features on the housing when the container is placed in position. This preliminary preparation of connection mechanisms ensures that the container can be quickly installed and securely fixed without requiring complex assembly operations, thus maintaining both accessibility and shakeproof fixation.
3Ease of operation
If external data connections are installed on container, then ease of connection is improved, but protection against detachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The data connections are nested within the container structure itself, with connection elements integrated into the container's housing rather than exposed on the exterior. This nesting arrangement allows data connections to be easily accessible when the container is properly positioned, while the container's own structure provides protection against detachment and damage from vibrations.
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 solution provides a balance of vibration resistance and easy accessibility of circuit boards, allowing for effortless exchange or addition of components even in confined spaces like vehicle trunks, meeting mechanical load requirements for road vehicle test systems and ensuring secure fixation against shocks and vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The container holding device is configured to exert a force on the at least one container to fix the at least one container in a shakeproof manner in the housing
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a spring device and guiding mechanism for enhanced stability and correct alignment
Data Source
AI summary
A modular computer system includes: a housing; at least one container; a data connection; and a housing cover. The at least one container in a lowered state is configured to be connected to a motherboard of the computer system via at least one data connection installed on the outside of the at least one container. The data connection is for exchanging data between pluggable circuit boards in the at least one container and the motherboard of the computer system while the at least one container is in the lowered state. The housing cover is configured to be fixed on the housing. A container holding device is installed on the housing cover, wherein the container holding device is configured to exert a force on the at least one container to fix the at least one container in a shakeproof manner in the housing after the housing cover has been fixed on the housing.