Trigger-Type Self-Locking Mechanism for Tool-Free Server Rackmount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional movable fasteners for rackmount servers are complex, costly, and difficult to assemble, requiring tools and training for operation, and are not universally applicable to servers of different heights.
Innovation Solution
A trigger type self-locking device with a trigger base, moving trigger, snap hook, elastic plate, and safety lock that allows for intuitive locking and unlocking without tools, simplifying components and reducing manufacturing and assembly costs by using a J-shaped moving trigger with a pivot hole, snap hook, and elastic plate for quick locking connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional movable fasteners with latch bases are used for locking servers, then the servers can be securely fixed in rackmount cabinets, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the movable fastener body, latch base, and locking mechanism into a single integrated trigger-type locking device. The trigger mechanism directly actuates the latch base without requiring separate movable fastener components, thereby reducing part count while maintaining secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger-type locking device is designed with universal compatibility to work with servers of different heights and configurations. The latch base can engage with various server profiles, and the trigger mechanism provides a standardized interface that simplifies the locking system across different server models.
2Reliability
If traditional movable fasteners with multiple components are used, then locking function is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple functional components into a single trigger-type locking device, the patent reduces manufacturing steps and assembly operations. The integrated design eliminates the need to assemble separate movable fastener bodies, springs, and latches, thereby reducing both manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining reliable locking function.
3Reliability
If traditional movable fasteners are used, then servers can be locked, but operation becomes non-intuitive and requires training
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger-type locking device is designed to be self-explanatory and self-operating. The trigger mechanism naturally follows intuitive human interaction patterns where pulling the trigger releases the latch, similar to common door mechanisms. This self-service design eliminates the need for operator training while maintaining secure locking capability.
4Loss of time
If buckle mechanisms are used to fix servers, then screw removal time is saved, but the mechanism cannot be universally applied to servers of different heights
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger-type locking device incorporates an adjustable latch base that can accommodate servers of different heights. The mechanism maintains the quick-release advantage of buckle mechanisms while adding vertical adaptability, allowing the same device to securely lock various server configurations without requiring multiple specialized 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
The device provides intuitive operation, reduces manufacturing and assembly complexity, and is universally applicable, enabling quick locking and unlocking of servers within rackmount cabinets without tools, enhancing maintenance convenience and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic plate installed between the snap hook and the pivot hole and extending obliquely along a bottom edge of the moving trigger for limiting the moving trigger from being assembled onto the stop block... the snap hook is under the effect of the restoring elastic force of the elastic plate, so that the moving trigger generates a reciprocating swing inside the trigger base
Data Source
AI summary
A trigger type self-locking device for servers and rackmount cabinets includes a trigger base and a moving trigger installed at an end of a slide rail moving section of a server. The rackmount cabinet has a latch base fixed to a slide rail fixed section for locking the slide rail moving section into the rackmount cabinet. The moving trigger is pivoted to the trigger base for passing a snap hook and a pulling part of the moving trigger out from the trigger base. An elastic plate installed at the middle of the moving trigger produces a resilient force of driving the snap hook and pulling part. During operation, the moving trigger can complete a locking connection with the latch base quickly and intuitively perform locking and unlocking operation to greatly simplify the components and reduce the cost and difficulty of the manufacturing.