Stacked Expansion Card Assembly Vertical Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of electronic components on a mainboard for enhanced functionality in miniaturized computers and electrical products leads to a larger surface area and reduced positioning space, limiting the placement of other components.

Innovation Solution

A stacked expansion card assembly is implemented, where expansion cards are electrically connected via connectors and supported by heat sinks or pillars, allowing for layering above the mainboard without increasing the surface area, enabling additional expansion cards to be added without direct connectors on the mainboard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple slots or connectors are positioned on the mainboard to install multiple expansion cards, then the functionality of the computer or electrical product is expanded, but the surface area of the mainboard increases and the positioning space for other electrical components is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsurface area of mainboard

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional layout of expansion cards on the mainboard to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple expansion cards are arranged vertically in layers, with lower cards supporting upper cards through supporting members. This vertical stacking enables multiple expansion cards to be installed without increasing the horizontal surface area of the mainboard, thus resolving the contradiction between expanded functionality and limited surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple slots or connectors are positioned on the mainboard to install multiple expansion cards, then the functionality of the computer or electrical product is expanded, but the positioning space for other electrical components is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidpositioning space for electrical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By arranging expansion cards in a vertical stacked configuration rather than a horizontal planar layout, the patent frees up horizontal positioning space on the mainboard for other electrical components. The supporting members transfer the weight and connection functions to the vertical dimension, allowing greater flexibility in positioning other components on the mainboard surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If expansion cards are stacked vertically with supporting members, then the surface area of the mainboard is not increased, but the structural complexity and stability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface area of mainboardVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the expansion card assembly into modular segments, where each expansion card is a separate, interchangeable unit. The supporting members are also segmented, with each supporting member independently supporting a specific upper expansion card. This segmentation reduces overall structural complexity by creating standardized, replaceable modules rather than a monolithic complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting members act as intermediaries between the lower expansion cards and the upper expansion cards. These intermediaries simplify the connection mechanism by providing a standardized interface for mechanical support and electrical connection, reducing the complexity of direct card-to-card connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Area of stationary object

If expansion cards are stacked vertically with supporting members, then the surface area of the mainboard is not increased, but the stability of the stacked configuration must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface area of mainboardVSAvoidstability of stacked configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lower expansion cards are designed with integrated supporting members that are pre-positioned to support upper expansion cards. This preliminary arrangement of support structures ensures that when upper cards are installed, the stability is already established, reducing the risk of misalignment or instability during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9342116B2Stacked expansion card assembly

Publication Date: 2016.05.17 GIGA BYTE TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A stacked expansion card assembly is positioned on a mainboard. The mainboard includes a mainboard connector. The stacked expansion card assembly includes a first expansion card, at least one first supporting member, and a first connector. The first card includes a contact card end and electrically connected with the mainboard connector by inserting the contact end of the first expansion card to the mainboard connector. The first supporting member is positioned on the mainboard and supports the first expansion card. The first connector is positioned on the first expansion card and electrically connected or disconnected with a second expansion card by removable insertion of the second expansion card to the first connector. Thereby, the expansion cards can be installed onto the mainboard without increasing the surface area of the mainboard and limited by the layout of the electronic components on the mainboard.