U-Shaped Card Rack Structure for Dense Board Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Card rack systems in the electronics industry face challenges such as inaccessible key components for installation, maintenance, and repair due to stacked card configurations, high costs, and labor-intensive assembly processes, while alternative methods often waste space and are expensive.
Innovation Solution
A card rack system designed as a single, inexpensive structure made from non-conducting materials that can be stamped out for mass production, featuring a snap-fit or press-fit locking mechanism, allowing for easy installation and providing access to a high percentage of each card's surface area while optimizing space usage, with adjustable mounting angles and secure hooks for various personnel and board sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional card rack systems are used to support cards in close proximity, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility to key components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure is segmented into multiple levels or tiers that stagger the card positions, allowing components on different cards to be accessible from different directions. This segmentation maintains close proximity of cards while creating accessible zones for installation and maintenance personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system transitions from a single-plane card arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration where cards are positioned at different heights and angles. This dimensional change allows components to be accessed from multiple directions simultaneously, resolving the conflict between compact spacing and component accessibility.
2Reliability
If traditional card rack systems are used, then card support functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate components (card holders, mounting brackets, fasteners) are merged into a single integrated rack structure. This consolidation maintains reliable card support functionality while eliminating the complexity of assembling multiple discrete parts, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: supporting cards, providing mechanical stability, enabling accessibility, and facilitating installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining support reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional card rack systems are installed in enclosures, then card mounting capability is improved, but assembly labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cards are pre-positioned or pre-configured on the rack structure during manufacturing, so that during installation only the rack itself needs to be mounted in the enclosure. This preliminary action significantly reduces assembly time while maintaining the adaptability of the card mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure incorporates self-aligning or self-locking features that automatically position and secure cards during installation without requiring complex fastening operations. This self-service mechanism reduces assembly labor intensity while preserving full card mounting capability.
4Ease of operation
If other card mounting methods are used to provide easy access, then accessibility is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure incorporates adjustable or movable elements that allow the configuration to be optimized for both accessibility and space utilization. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to provide easy access to components while maintaining efficient use of enclosure space, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A support rack for a substantially planar circuit board includes first and second spaced apart sides. The sides define a plurality of spaced apart product receiving support surfaces where corresponding surfaces on each side are parallel to one another and spaced apart by a central region to form a U-shaped rack. Between pairs of support surfaces on a selected side are truncated, trapezoidal-like protrusions which terminate in product retaining clips. Integrally formed braces can be provided to increase rack strength.