Storage Card Adapter Latch for Thermal Pad Compression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage card adapters face difficulties in applying sufficient compressive force to thermal pads for effective heat dissipation from M.2 storage cards, making it challenging to efficiently cool the components and requiring uncomfortable or strenuous efforts from users.
Innovation Solution
The storage card adapter incorporates a latch system with a pivot post and latch clamp, or a tab and angled segment, to securely mate the cover with the carrier frame, applying compressive force to thermal pads and ensuring efficient heat dissipation by allowing the cover and carrier frame to be easily secured, thereby enhancing thermal pad efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional storage card adapters use simple cover attachment mechanisms, then the device is easy to manufacture and operate, but insufficient compressive force is applied to thermal pads reducing heat dissipation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system automatically applies compressive force to the thermal pads when the cover is closed, without requiring the user to manually apply pressure. The spring-loaded latch mechanism self-adjusts to maintain optimal compression force, eliminating the need for user effort while ensuring effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system acts as an intermediary between the cover and the thermal pads, transmitting and regulating the compressive force. The spring mechanism within the latch system mediates the force application, providing consistent compression without requiring direct user intervention on the thermal pads themselves.
2Temperature
If high compressive force is applied to thermal pads to enhance heat dissipation, then thermal efficiency improves, but the mechanism to achieve this force becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is segmented into modular components: a latch arm, a spring mechanism, and engagement points. This segmentation allows the complex function of applying high compressive force to be divided into simple, manageable parts that work together, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system uses a dynamic spring-loaded mechanism that automatically adjusts the compressive force on the thermal pads. The spring provides continuous pressure adjustment, allowing the system to maintain optimal force without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms or multiple components.
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 latch system effectively applies a high compressive force, enhancing the thermal pads' ability to draw heat away from storage cards, while providing an easy-to-use mechanism that reduces user effort, ensuring efficient cooling of M.2 storage cards.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded latch system that applies a desired amount of compressive force to components housed within the storage card adapter
Implementation Method 2
thermal pads that are pressed firmly against the M.2 storage cards housed inside of a storage card adapter. This direct contact helps to draw heat away from the storage cards
Data Source
AI summary
Technology is provided for a storage card adapter. The storage card adapter is used for housing storage cards (e.g., M.2 storage cards), and the storage card adapter can then be inserted into a drive bay. The storage card adapter includes a latch system that, when engaged, brings together the cover and carrier frame of the storage card adapter such that at least 75 lbs. of compressive force is applied to thermal pads disposed on either side of storage cards housed within the storage card adapter. The storage card adapters can also include removable spring arms suitable for use in engaging the storage card adapter with a drive bay.