Wedge Retainer for Electronic Modules Using 20-30 Degree Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retainers for securing electronic modules to bodies often fail to provide sufficient retention force for a given input force and are limited by the use of odd numbers of wedges, which restricts the extended and compressed dimensions, and do not effectively utilize even numbers of wedges.
Innovation Solution
A retainer design featuring wedges with ramped ends at angles between 20 and 30 degrees, allowing for a serial, interleaved wedge assembly that can be compressed to increase retention force, and using retention pins and larger mounting holes to accommodate an even number of wedges, enabling greater flexibility in dimensions and thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional retainers use odd numbers of wedges with 45-degree contact angles, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the retention force is insufficient and the extended/compressed dimensions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the contact angle parameter from the conventional 45 degrees to a range of 20-30 degrees. This parameter modification increases the retention force by optimizing the mechanical advantage of the wedge mechanism, allowing the retainer to generate sufficient clamping force while using an even number of wedges for improved dimensional flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the retainer into an even number of wedge segments (e.g., two or four wedges) rather than using an odd number. This segmentation allows for symmetrical distribution of clamping forces and provides greater flexibility in designing the extended and compressed dimensions of the retainer while maintaining adequate retention force.
2Ease of manufacture
If the contact angle is increased to 45 degrees, then the wedge structure is easier to manufacture, but the thermal performance and retention force are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The contact angle parameter is optimized to 20-30 degrees instead of the conventional 45 degrees. This change improves thermal performance by enhancing contact between the retainer and the cold plate, while also increasing retention force. The manufacturing complexity increases slightly but remains practical.
3Force
If even numbers of wedges are used with 20-30 degree contact angles, then retention force and thermal performance are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the contact angle to 20-30 degrees, the patent achieves high retention force with an even number of wedges. The mechanical advantage provided by this angle range allows for effective clamping force generation, and the even number of wedges provides symmetrical force distribution that simplifies the overall assembly process despite the increased wedge count.
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 design achieves increased retention force and improved thermal performance by allowing even numbers of wedges and optimizing contact angles, while avoiding unwanted binding in the compressed configuration.
Implementation Method 1
A screw can be threaded into the threaded bore. The screw can be moved into the threaded bore to move the retaining arrangement into a compressed configuration
Implementation Method 2
A first end wedge with a first ramped end can be mounted on the rail. A second end wedge with a second ramped end can be mounted on the rail. At least one inner wedge with a third ramped end and a fourth ramped end can be slidably mounted on the rail
Implementation Method 3
An electronic module can be positioned on the rail between the first end wedge and the second end wedge. A first clamping surface of the at least one inner wedge and a second clamping surface of the second end wedge can be urged away from the rail, when the retaining arrangement is moved into the compressed configuration, to secure the electronic module to the body
Implementation Method 4
Securing a circuit board or card to a cold plate may also support the removal of heat from the board or card, including via heat transfer from the board or card to the cold plate via the retainer
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining arrangement can secure an electronic module to a body. Two end wedges, each with a ramped end, can be mounted on a rail. At least one inner wedge can be slidably mounted on the rail between the two end wedges, with ramped ends of the at least one inner wedge engaging the ramped ends of the two end wedges. Each of the ramped ends can have a respective angle of between 20 degrees and 30 degrees. An even number of inner wedges can be provided. A pin extending through mounting holes in one of the end wedges, but not extending into the rail, can secure the end wedge to a screw for moving the retaining arrangement into the compressed configuration.