Shock Test Device for Expansion Slot Disconnection Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing the stability of host computers during shock are costly and ineffective in detecting disconnections between expansion slots and connecting fingers, especially when simulating various external cards with different weights and structures.

Innovation Solution

A shock test device with a mainboard, structure unit, and detection module that simulates the weight and supporting structure of external cards, using a detection module to produce a warning signal when the connecting finger is disconnected from the expansion slot, employing OR-gates, pull-up resistors, D-type flip-flops, NOT-gates, diodes, and LEDs to indicate touch conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If real external cards are used for testing, then the test can detect actual disconnection issues, but the cost becomes overwhelming high and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidtest device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy model of external cards using a mainboard with connecting fingers that replicate the essential electrical connection features. This copy model includes detection modules that monitor connection status without requiring the full complexity of real external cards, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while reducing device complexity and test costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The test device is designed with universal mainboards that can simulate multiple types of external card connections through standardized connecting fingers. The detection module can monitor various connection types (PCI, PCI-X, PCI Express) using the same basic structure, eliminating the need for multiple specialized test devices for different card types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If real external cards are used for testing, then the test can detect actual disconnection issues, but the cost becomes overwhelming high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidtest cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy model of external cards using a mainboard with connecting fingers that replicate the essential electrical connection features. This copy model includes detection modules that monitor connection status without requiring the full complexity of real external cards, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while reducing device complexity and test costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The test device uses inexpensive mainboard replicas instead of expensive real external cards. These simplified test fixtures can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, providing a cost-effective alternative to using actual proprietary external cards for routine stability testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If real external cards are used for testing, then the test can detect unseen disconnections, but the test becomes unable to standardize across different card types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidtest standardization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The test device is designed with universal mainboards that can simulate multiple types of external card connections through standardized connecting fingers. The detection module can monitor various connection types (PCI, PCI-X, PCI Express) using the same basic structure, eliminating the need for multiple specialized test devices for different card types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The test device adapts to different external card types by changing parameters such as the number of connecting fingers, their spacing, and electrical characteristics. The mainboard design allows adjustment of these parameters to match different card specifications while maintaining the same detection methodology, enabling standardized testing across diverse card types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8769178B2Shock test device

Publication Date: 2014.07.01 INVENTEC CORP

AI summary

The invention provides a shock test device suitable for an expansion slot of a computer system. The shock test device includes a mainboard, a structure unit and a detection module. The mainboard has a connecting finger electrically connected to the expansion slot. The structure unit is disposed at the mainboard for simulating a weight and a supporting structure. The detection module is coupled to at least one pin of the connecting finger for detecting a touch condition between the connecting finger and the expansion slot so as to produce a warning signal. In this way, the shock test device can detect whether or not a link plug-in in a host computer (for example, the link between the expansion slot and the connecting finger portion of the shock test device) is disconnected due to shocking or unseen disconnected and then reconnected again.