Continuous Wedge Lock Support Columns for Chassis Load Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wedge lock support columns in electronic chassis face structural and manufacturability issues due to cutout portions that reduce weight and structural strength, and are not designed to withstand the normal forces generated by wedge locks during installation.

Innovation Solution

The wedge lock support columns are machined as solid shapes with a square wave design, protruding from fillet regions, and are sized to accommodate wedge locks, ensuring structural integrity and manufacturability while minimizing weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If cutout portions are added to wedge lock support columns to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but structural strength is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of support columnsVSAvoidstructural strength of support columns

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a porous or lattice internal structure within the support columns that maintains continuous material paths for load bearing while creating void spaces to reduce overall weight. This allows the columns to retain structural integrity through optimized material distribution rather than solid construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The support columns are divided into segmented sections with strategic cutouts that remove non-critical material while preserving load-bearing continuity. The segmentation creates a optimized structure where material is placed only where structurally necessary, reducing weight without compromising strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If wedge lock support columns are designed without accommodation for specific wedge locks, then design flexibility is maintained, but stress distribution becomes inadequate leading to potential failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibility of chassisVSAvoidreliability of wedge lock assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support columns incorporate localized features such as recesses, ledges, or contoured surfaces at specific positions where wedge locks will engage. These local modifications provide targeted stress distribution and proper load transfer paths without changing the overall column design, maintaining versatility while ensuring reliable wedge lock accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support columns are pre-designed with predetermined geometric features that anticipate and accommodate standard wedge lock configurations. This preliminary design of engagement surfaces and stress distribution features ensures proper load transfer before the wedge lock is actually installed, preventing stress concentration and failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If continuous solid shapes are used for wedge lock support columns instead of cutout designs, then structural integrity is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of support columnsVSAvoidweight of support columns

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite construction combining different materials or material densities within the support columns. This allows regions of high structural requirement to use denser, stronger materials while other regions use lighter materials, achieving continuous load paths for integrity while minimizing overall weight through material optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The support columns utilize three-dimensional optimized geometries with varying cross-sections along their length. By changing the dimensional configuration of material distribution (thicker at load points, thinner elsewhere), the columns achieve continuous structural integrity where needed while reducing weight in non-critical regions through advanced geometric design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3890462B1Wedge lock support columns in electronic chassis

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

An electronic chassis includes a first side (105a), and a second side (105b) opposite the first side (105a). The electronic chassis also includes a first set of wedge lock support columns (110) machined on the first side (105a), and a second set of wedge lock support columns (110) machined on the second side (105b). Each wedge lock support column of the first set of wedge lock support columns and the second set of wedge lock support columns (110) is machined as a continuous shape.