Single Piece Card Retainer with Rotating Flexible Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card retainer systems for securing and removing electronic components like graphics cards within card slots are cumbersome and lack efficient mechanisms for easy access and secure positioning.
Innovation Solution
A single piece card retainer with a flexible front surface and two connection points that rotates to open and close, allowing for easy insertion and removal of cards while securely attaching to the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional card retainer systems are used, then cards can be secured in card slots, but the mechanism is cumbersome and lacks efficient access
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple independent projections (first, second, third projections) that can move independently, each capable of engaging with cards in different slots. This segmentation allows localized operation where only the necessary projection needs to move for accessing a specific card, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining security for multiple cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer incorporates dynamic elements including the movable third projection that can shift between positions, and the rotatable connection points that allow the entire retainer structure to rotate. This dynamic design enables easy access to cards by rotating the retainer or moving individual projections, while maintaining a secure fixed position when closed.
2Reliability
If cards are securely retained in slots, then reliability is improved, but removal and access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer uses dynamic connection points that allow rotation, and a movable third projection that can shift position. When the retainer is in its closed position, these dynamic elements provide secure retention. When access is needed, the retainer can be rotated or the third projection moved, automatically adjusting the retention force to allow easy card removal while maintaining reliability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer design allows cards to be easily inserted and removed by simply pushing them in or pulling them out when the retainer is open. The flexible projections automatically adjust to accommodate card insertion without requiring complex manipulation, and the rotatable connection points enable the retainer to self-adjust during the insert/remove cycle.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single piece retainer structure is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility for easy access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
While manufactured as a single piece, the retainer is designed with segmented functional zones through independent projections that can move relative to each other. The third projection is specifically designed to move independently, and the connection points are positioned to allow rotation. This segmentation of function within a unified structure maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling flexible access operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece retainer incorporates dynamic capabilities through strategically placed connection points that allow rotation and a movable third projection that can shift position. These dynamic features are integrated into the monolithic structure, allowing the retainer to transition between secure and accessible states without requiring multiple separate components, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving ease of operation.
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 easy access and secure positioning of cards within the slots, enhancing usability and reliability by providing a simple and effective mechanism for card management.
Implementation Method 1
a front surface comprising a plurality of independent projections, wherein each of said plurality of independent projections is flexible
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides an apparatus, including: a processor; a housing including a plurality of slots; and a single piece card retainer, comprising: a back surface; a front surface comprising a plurality of independent projections, wherein each of the plurality of independent projections is flexible and aligns with a slot of the plurality of slots; and at least two connection points that connect the single piece card retainer to the housing, where the single piece card retainer rotates about the at least two connection points to open and close with respect to the plurality of slots. Other embodiments are described and claimed.