Tool-Free Latch Mechanism for Server Circuit Board Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices for server hosts require auxiliary tools for assembly and disassembly, making the process inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A fixing mechanism with a base, substrate, and latch system that allows for manual operation without tools, utilizing a constraining component and contacting component to move the substrate relative to the base for easy assembly and disassembly through a leverage mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fixing device (screw or bolt) is used to assemble and disassemble the expand card, then the fixing strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because an auxiliary tool such as a screwdriver is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is designed to be operated without auxiliary tools. The pressing component can be directly pressed by hand to drive the latch component, enabling the device to serve itself during assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-threaded mechanical connection is replaced with a pressing-and-latching mechanism. The pressing component applies linear force to drive the latch component along the sliding groove, transforming the rotational screw mechanism into a linear pressing mechanism that eliminates the need for screwdrivers.
2Ease of operation
If a tool-free fixing device is designed to improve ease of operation, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the latch and pressing component mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is segmented into distinct functional components: a pressing component for applying force, a latch component with a sliding groove for movement, and a limiting component for controlling the range of motion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch component is designed to be dynamically movable along the sliding groove rather than fixed. This dynamic structure allows the latch to move from a retracted position to an engaged position when pressed, providing automatic locking functionality without requiring complex mechanisms.
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
Enables rapid and tool-free assembly and disassembly of circuit boards, improving operational convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The driving portion slides relative to the contacting component with rotation of the bar, so as to move the substrate relative to the base along a structural direction of the second opening
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing mechanism includes a base, a substrate and a latch. The base includes a constraining component and a contacting component. The substrate is slidably disposed on the base. The substrate includes a body, a fixing hole structure and a connecting portion. The base and the body respectively hold circuit boards. The fixing hole structure is disposed on the body for sheathing the constraining component. The fixing hole structure includes a first opening and a second opening, the second opening is connected to the first opening in a linearly stretching manner. The latch is rotatably disposed on the substrate. The latch includes a bar and a driving portion. The driving portion is disposed on an end of the bar and movably contacts against the contacting component. The driving portion slides relative to the contacting component with rotation of the bar to connect the connectors of the circuit boards.