Storage device carrier and latch mechanism

Abstract

A device cradle mechanism configured for attachment to an electronic device, such as a hard disk drive, includes: a pair of rotatable handles that interlock at a common first pivot at a proximal end of each handle and a respective second pivot at a distal end; a pair of pin mechanisms each coupled at the second pivot of the respective handle and having a protruding latch pin; and a frame with which each pin mechanism is translationally coupled. Such a linkage system acts as an over-center mechanism in a device manipulation state in response to an upward manipulation force and in which the latch pin is in a retracted position within the frame, in a neutral state in which the latch pin is in an extended position extending to the outside of the frame, and operate in a locked-over-center state in which the latch pin is clamped in the extended position to lock into the data storage system.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional application No. 18 / 225,652, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on July 24, 2023, entitled “STORAGE DEVICECARRIER AND LATCHING MECHANISM,” and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes, which application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 463,254, filed on May 1, 2023. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention may generally relate to the handling of data storage devices, and more particularly to an ergonomic storage device carrier mechanism. Background Art

[0004] As networked computer systems grow in number and functionality, the demand for storage system capacity is also increasing. Cloud computing and large-scale data processing have further increased the demand for digital data storage systems that can transmit and accommodate large amounts of data. One way to provide sufficient data storage is to use arrays of data storage devices (DSDs) in data centers. Many data storage devices can be housed in electronic housings (sometimes called "racks"), which are typically modular units that can hold and operate independent DSDs in arrays, computer processors, routers, and other electronic equipment. Because data centers typically include many rack-mountable storage devices for storing large amounts of data, a lot of equipment manipulation may be required, and associated user fatigue may occur.

[0005] Any approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any approach described in this section qualifies as prior art merely by virtue of its inclusion in this section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0007] Figure 1A is a perspective view illustrating a storage device carrier mechanism coupled to a storage device according to one embodiment;

[0008] Figure 1B is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of storage device assemblies inserted into a storage system according to one embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2Ais a perspective view of an exemplary storage device carrier mechanism according to one embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2B is an example according to one embodiment Figure 2A a top view of a storage device bay mechanism;

[0011] Figure 3A is in a maneuvering position according to an example of an embodiment Figure 2A a side view of a storage device bracket mechanism;

[0012] Figure 3B is in a neutral position according to an example of one embodiment Figure 2A a side view of a storage device bracket mechanism;

[0013] Figure 3C is in a locked over-center position according to an example embodiment Figure 2A a side view of a storage device bracket mechanism;

[0014] Figure 4 is an example according to one embodiment Figure 2A An exploded perspective view of a storage device bracket mechanism;

[0015] Figure 5A is an example according to one embodiment Figure 2A a top perspective view of a frame of a storage device bay mechanism;

[0016] Figure 5B is an example according to one embodiment Figure 5A Bottom perspective view of the frame;

[0017] Figure 6 is an example according to one embodiment Figure 2A a bottom perspective view of a pin mechanism of a storage device bracket mechanism;

[0018] Figure 7A is in a maneuvering position according to an example of an embodiment Figure 2A a top view of a storage device bay mechanism;

[0019] Figure 7B is in a locked over-center position according to an example embodiment Figure 2A a top view of a storage device carrier mechanism; and

[0020] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a bracket and a latch mechanism attached to a storage device, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Generally speaking, methods for storage device brackets and latch mechanisms are described, such as methods for large form factor hard disk drives (HDDs). In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention described herein. However, it will be apparent that the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in the form of block diagrams to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the present invention described herein.

[0022] introduction

[0023] the term

[0024] Reference herein to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," etc., is intended to mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic being described is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. However, instances of such phrases are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0025] The term "substantially" should be understood to describe a feature that is mostly or nearly structured, constructed, dimensioned, etc., but in practice manufacturing tolerances, etc., result in situations where the structure, configuration, dimensions, etc. are not always or necessarily exactly as described. For example, describing a structure as "substantially vertical" would give the term its ordinary meaning, such that the sidewalls would be vertical for all practical purposes, but might not be at precisely 90 degrees throughout.

[0026] While terms such as "best," "optimize," "minimize," "maximize," "maximize," etc. may not have certain values associated with them, if such terms are used herein, it is intended that one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such terms will include affecting a value, parameter, metric, etc., in a beneficial direction consistent with the present disclosure as a whole. For example, describing a value of something as "minimum" does not require that the value actually be equal to some theoretical minimum value (e.g., zero), but should be understood in a practical sense that the corresponding goal is to move the value in a beneficial direction toward the theoretical minimum value.

[0027] Scenario

[0028] Recall that data centers often include numerous rack-mountable storage devices (e.g., DSDs) that require manipulation, which can lead to associated user fatigue, such as that associated with installing multiple storage devices into a data storage system. For example, known approaches utilize mechanical assemblies that require the user to squeeze a spring-loaded, recessed sliding button to install and release a storage device from the storage system. This provides a beneficial single action, but users have cited fatigue from having to squeeze the button when a large number of storage devices are installed into the storage system. Furthermore, increasing the storage capacity of storage devices, such as hard disk drives (HDDs), is one of the ongoing goals of HDD technology evolution. In one form, this goal manifests itself as increasing the number of disks implemented in a given HDD. However, such an approach would undoubtedly increase the weight of the HDD and could ultimately even lead to the need for devices with larger form factors (e.g., devices that are thicker in the disk stacking direction than the common 1-inch height form factor). The aforementioned approach would be difficult to use with larger and heavier HDDs, as users would face the challenge of lifting such devices from the storage system, as they could weigh twice as much as current HDDs. Other known methods use a cam lever with a locking switch / button that is single action to lock, but typically double action to release (e.g., first press the unlock button, then lift upward on the lever cam to fully release and lift). Cam lever type mechanical assemblies typically have a short cam lever that is not positioned above the center of gravity of the storage device, so while lifting of current HDDs may be manageable, for larger and heavier HDDs, such activity will be difficult. Consequently, increasing the number of disks in an HDD while maintaining ergonomic operability presents a challenge.

[0029] Operational Scenario

[0030] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary storage device carrier mechanism coupled to a storage device, according to one embodiment. A storage device assembly 100 ("assembly 100") includes a storage device carrier and a latch mechanism 102 ("carrier mechanism 102") attached to a storage device 104, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) in an extended form factor (e.g., greater than 1 inch thick). As described in more detail elsewhere herein, carrier mechanism 102 is attached to one end of storage device 104 and includes a latch having two handles (see, e.g., Figures 2A to 2B The two handles are configured to manipulate (e.g., lift, carry, insert, install, remove, etc.) the storage device 104, each handle being coupled to a corresponding pin mechanism (see, e.g., Figures 2A to 2BThe assembly 100 is coupled to a pin mechanism 204 configured to latch or temporarily lock the assembly 100 into the data storage system.

[0031] Figure 1B is a perspective view of a plurality of storage device assemblies inserted into a storage system according to one embodiment. As depicted herein, the data storage system 110 includes a plurality of storage device assemblies 100a, 100b, 100c (see, e.g., FIG. Figure 1A The plurality of storage device assemblies are each inserted into an electronic equipment rack, such as into a corresponding slot 113 of a system housing 112. Figure 1B As depicted, assemblies 100b, 100c are each fully mounted (eg, mechanically and electrically connected) into system housing 112, whereby the respective latch pins (see, e.g., Figures 2A to 2B 100a is not fully installed in the system housing 112 because its latch pin 206 ( Figures 2A to 2B ) do not extend into corresponding receptacles of the system housing 112, but rather rest on a structure of the system housing 112. This is an intentional but temporary state of the assembly 100a to illustrate a feature of the cradle mechanism 102, whereby the latch pins can be used to prevent any assembly 100 from falling into the system housing, such as when the cradle mechanism 102 is not being properly utilized, and thereby, for example, to prevent risk of damage to corresponding electrical connectors comprising the storage devices 104 or the system housing 112. Here, the cradle mechanism 102 of the assembly 100a is in a physical state, referred to elsewhere herein as the neutral state of such an over-center mechanism.

[0032] Storage device bays and latch mechanisms

[0033] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary storage device carrier mechanism according to one embodiment, and Figure 2B is an example according to one embodiment Figure 2A A top view of the storage device bay mechanism. Figures 2A to 2B Further illustrated Figure 1A The bracket mechanism 102.

[0034] The storage device carrier and latch mechanism 102 (or "storage device carrier mechanism 102" or simply "carrier mechanism 102") includes a pair of rotatable handles 202 that interlock at a common first pivot 203 at a proximal end of each handle 202, wherein each handle 202 also includes a corresponding second pivot 205 located at a distal end of each handle 202, wherein the proximal and distal ends are so labeled. The carrier mechanism 102 also includes a pair of translatable pin mechanisms 204 that are each coupled to the distal end of a corresponding handle 202, and a frame 208, wherein each pin mechanism 204 includes a latch pin 206 projecting therefrom, and each pin mechanism 204 is translatably coupled to the frame. Typically, the handle 202 (or collectively, the bracket mechanism 102) is constructed such that in response to the common first pivot 203 being moved vertically away from the second pivot 205 (i.e., the handle 202 being pulled upward), each pin mechanism 204 translates longitudinally inward within the frame 208 (e.g., in a direction along the length of the frame 208 or along the long axis of the frame) to place each corresponding latch pin 206 in a retracted position relative to the frame 208, which position or state is described in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0035] Storage Device Bay and Latch Mechanism - Operational Status

[0036] Figure 3A is in the operating position according to the embodiment of the present invention Figure 2A A side view of a storage device bracket mechanism, Figure 3B is in a neutral position according to the example of the embodiment Figure 2A a side view of a storage device carrier mechanism, and Figure 3C is in a locked over-center position according to an example embodiment Figure 2A 1. A side view of a storage device carrier mechanism 102. With respect to the functionality or operational capabilities of the carrier mechanism 102, the mechanism is described as having three general states or relative component positions or states: (i) an actuated (or "install / remove") position, (ii) a neutral (or "natural" or "relaxed") position, and (iii) a locked (or "over-center") position. Generally, the handle 202, the pin mechanism 204, and the frame 208 are cooperatively configured to operate as or similar to what is commonly referred to as an over-center mechanism (sometimes referred to as an over-center toggle).

[0037] Figure 3A205 , the latch pins 206 are in a retracted position within the frame 208. Figures 2A to 2B ) is connected and held within the frame. Typically, the manipulating state is when a user is manipulating (such as lifting, carrying, inserting, installing, removing, etc.) the storage device (see, e.g., Figure 1A The expected location of the storage device 104).

[0038] Figure 3B The "neutral" state of the carriage mechanism 102 is depicted, which corresponds to the common first pivot 203 being positioned slightly above the second pivot 205, with the latch pin 206 in an extended position extending outside of the frame 208. According to one embodiment, the latch pin 206 is in an extended position due to the spring mechanism (see, e.g., Figure 4 、 Figure 5A The spring mechanism 208b) and the push pin (see e.g. Figure 6 When the handle 202 is no longer being acted upon, e.g., no longer being pulled upward by the user / operator, the bracket mechanism 102 is forced from the manipulated state to return to the neutral state. Figure 1B ) as described above, for systems that may not be fully mounted to a system housing such as system housing 112 ( Figure 1B ) in the storage device component 100 ( Figure 1A ), its latch pin 206 does not extend into a corresponding receptacle in the system housing 112, but may rest on some structure in the system housing 112. Thus, in the neutral state, the latch pin 206 may be used to prevent any component 100 from falling into the system housing, such as when the bracket mechanism 102 is not being properly utilized.

[0039] Figure 3C205 , the common first pivot 203 is substantially or nearly coplanar with the second pivot 205, with the latch pin 206 in an extended position. As with an over-center toggle (or over-center mechanism generally), with the handle 202 mechanically constrained in the depicted position (including positioning of the common first pivot 203 slightly below the second pivot 205), a linkage system of fixed length levers and pivots provides the force and clamping or locking force to hold the bracket mechanism 102 in place. Here, the handle 202 can be vertically constrained in a downward direction, for example, by a handle interlocking tooth 202a and hook 202b and pin 202c mechanism ( Figure 4 ) and / or the interlocking hook 202d of the handle 202 and the pin 204b of the pin mechanism 204 ( Figure 4 ) and / or through the frame 208, wherein the common first pivot 203 is over-center (e.g., at or past the "center," such as being coplanar with the other pivots 205), and thus is at least partially based on the outer walls of the frame 208 and possibly on resistive structures external to the rack mechanism 102, such as the storage system 112 ( Figure 1B ) of the separator assembly 112a ( Figure 1B ), the latch pin 206 can be coupled to the blocking structure) and is in compression or longitudinal clamping so that the bracket mechanism 102 cannot be effectively moved or unlocked unless the linkage is moved. Thus, here the storage device assembly 100 can be latched or locked into place in the storage system housing 112 by the bracket mechanism 102. However, by relatively minimal upward pull on the handle 202, the assembly 100 can be easily returned to Figure 3A The latch pin 206 is retracted and disengaged from the system housing 112 for removal and further manipulation.

[0040] Storage Device Brackets and Latch Mechanisms - Component Parts

[0041] Figure 4 is an example according to one embodiment Figure 2AExploded perspective view of a storage device carrier mechanism of the present invention. Here again depicted is the carrier mechanism 102, which includes a pair of handles 202 configured to interlock, a corresponding pair of pin mechanisms 204 configured to interlock or otherwise couple with each of the handles 202 and each including at least one latch pin 206, and a frame 208 to which each pin mechanism 204 is coupled, such as by a latch tab 208a, wherein the number of latch pins 206 may vary depending on the embodiment. Note that according to one embodiment, the carrier mechanism 102 includes five components, but only three separate parts. In other words, each of the two handles 102 is identical (i.e., the same part), and each of the pin mechanisms 204 is identical (i.e., the same part), thereby providing a cost advantage through part count efficiencies. According to one embodiment, the handles 202 are coupled to the carrier mechanism 102 via a series of interlocking teeth 202a and hooks 202b and a pin 202c mechanism at a pivot 203 ( Figures 2A to 2B ) at the pivot axis 205 ( ). According to one embodiment, each handle 202 is interlocked via a series of interlocking hooks 202d of the handle 202 and the pin 204b of the pin mechanism 204. Figures 2A to 2B ) are interlocked or coupled with corresponding pin mechanisms 204. Also visible within the frame 208 are a pair of spring mechanisms 208b, the function of which is described in greater detail elsewhere herein.

[0042] Figure 5A is an example according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2A A top perspective view of the frame of the storage device bay mechanism, and Figure 5B is an example according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 5A As previously described and according to one embodiment, the frame 208 includes latch tabs 208a on each side for attaching each corresponding pin mechanism 204 (see, e.g., Figures 2A to 2B 、 Figure 4 ) and a pair of spring mechanisms 208b, one at each opposing longitudinal portion of the frame 208. According to one embodiment, the spring mechanisms 208b are implemented as a type of spring known as a leaf spring. As discussed, each spring mechanism 208b is coupled to a corresponding push pin of each pin mechanism 204 (see, e.g., Figure 6 The mechanical interaction between the push pin 204a) and the bracket mechanism 102 in response to the handle 202 (see, for example Figures 2A to 2B 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4) is no longer acted upon (e.g., released) and automatically returns from the manipulated state to the neutral state to provide preload. According to one embodiment, the frame 208 further includes a pair of limiters 208c (wherein the number of limiters 208c may vary depending on the embodiment) and a base plate 208d, wherein the pair of limiters are configured to limit the inward movement or translation of the pin mechanism 204 within the frame, and the base plate is configured to provide structural rigidity to the frame 208 and support other components of the bracket mechanism 102 ( Figure 1A 、 Figures 2A to 4 ).also, Figure 5B The bottom perspective view of FIG. 1 shows one or more fixed attachment tabs 208e that project inwardly from each of the plurality of side walls of the frame 208 and are configured for snapping together or otherwise attaching the bracket mechanism 102 ( Figure 1A ) is attached to the storage device 104 ( Figure 1A ) at one end, such as by engaging each attachment tab 208e with a corresponding receiving structure of the storage device 104.

[0043] Figure 6 is an example according to one embodiment Figure 2A As previously described and according to one embodiment, each pin mechanism 204 includes an inner push pin 204a that projects inwardly (longitudinally in the frame of reference of the carrier mechanism 102) and is configured to engage the frame 208 ( Figures 2A to 5B ) of the corresponding spring mechanism 208b ( Figure 4 、 Figure 5A ) mechanically interact (e.g., preload) such that the latch pin 206 of the pin mechanism 204 is biased in an extended position protruding outside the frame 208. As discussed, the mechanical interaction between each push pin 204a of the pin mechanism 204 and the corresponding spring mechanism 208b of the frame 208 provides the bracket mechanism 102 with a spring mechanism that responds to the handle 202 (see, e.g., Figures 2A to 2B 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4 ) is no longer acted upon and automatically returns to the neutral state from the manipulating state. Also shown here is a pin 204b that interlocks with a corresponding hook 202b of the handle 202 (see, for example, Figure 4 ), and a latch pin 206 protruding from the pin mechanism 204, and the latch pin is configured to operate to lock the storage device assembly 100 ( Figure 1A to Figure 1B ) latches / unlatches or locks / unlocks to the system housing 112 ( Figure 1B ), as described elsewhere in this article.

[0044] Storage device bays and latch mechanisms - spring mechanisms

[0045] Figure 7Ais in a maneuvering position according to an example of an embodiment Figure 2A As described, Figure 7A The storage device manipulation position of the rack mechanism 102 depicted in FIG corresponds to the common first pivot 203 being positioned substantially above the second pivot 205 in response to an upward manipulation force on the handle 202, with the latch pin 206 in a retracted position within the frame 208 (see, e.g., FIG. Figure 3A ).like Figure 7A As shown in the top view of FIG. 1 , each push pin 204a of each pin mechanism 204 (also see, for example Figure 6 ) is shown as flexing, loading, compressing, or otherwise acting on a corresponding spring mechanism 208b of the frame 208 in response to an upward manipulating force on the handle 202 (see also, e.g., Figure 5A Thus, in response to the handle 202 being released, each spring mechanism 208b responsively deploys, unloads, rebounds, or otherwise returns to its neutral, largely unloaded state (or "substantially unloaded"), thereby returning the cradle mechanism 102 to its neutral state (see, e.g., Figure 3B ).

[0046] Figure 7B is in a locked over-center position according to an example embodiment Figure 2A As described, Figure 7B The locked state of the bracket mechanism 102 depicted in FIG. 1 corresponds to the common first pivot 203 being substantially or nearly coplanar with the second pivot 205, with the latch pin 206 being in an extended position (see, e.g., FIG. 2 ). Figure 3C ).like Figure 7B As shown in the top view of FIG, each push pin 204a of each pin mechanism 204 and each corresponding spring mechanism 208b of the frame 208 are shown as being undeflected or largely unloaded (here again or "substantially unloaded"), wherein an over-center clamping or locking force holds the cradle mechanism 102 in the locked state. With each push pin 204a and corresponding spring mechanism 208b being largely unloaded when the cradle mechanism 102 is in the locked state, these components preferably will not exert any force (or at most only a negligible force) so that these components will not cause the handle 202 to accidentally unlock and release the storage device 104 ( Figure 1A ). Thus, in this position, the storage device assembly 100 ( Figure 1A ) can be latched or locked to the storage system housing 112 ( Figure 1B ) in the appropriate position. However, by relatively minimal upward pull on the handle 202, the assembly 100 can be easily returned to Figure 7AThe latch pin 206 is retracted and disengaged from the system housing 112.

[0047] Method of using a storage device carrier and latch mechanism

[0048] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a bracket and a latch mechanism attached to a storage device according to one embodiment. For example, Figure 8 The method can be used to operate a bracket and latch mechanism attached to a storage device, wherein the bracket and latch mechanism includes: a pair of rotatable handles that interlock at a common first pivot at a proximal end of each handle, wherein each handle includes a respective second pivot at a distal end; a pair of translatable pin mechanisms, each coupled to the distal end of the respective handle and including a latch pin projecting longitudinally therefrom; and a frame to which each pin mechanism is translatably coupled, such as the bracket mechanism 102 illustrated and described throughout this document (see, e.g., Figures 2A to 2B ).

[0049] At block 802, an upward operating force is applied to the handle to move the bracket and latch mechanism to a device operating state corresponding to the common first pivot being positioned substantially above the second pivot with the latch pin in a retracted position within the frame. For example, an upward operating force (e.g., by a user / operator) is applied to the interlocking handle 202 ( Figures 2A to 2B 、 Figure 4 ), thereby the bracket mechanism 102 ( FIG. 1 , Figures 2A to 2B 、 Figure 4 ) moves to the device manipulation state (see e.g. Figure 3A ), the device manipulation state is related to the common first pivot 203 ( Figures 2A to 2B ) is basically positioned at the second pivot 205 ( Figures 2A to 2B ) corresponds to the top, wherein the latch pin 206 ( Figures 2A to 2B 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 ) is in frame 208( Figures 2A to 2B 、 Figure 4 、 Figures 5A to 5B ) in the retracted position.

[0050] At block 804, the storage device with the attached bracket and latch mechanism is positioned over the mounting slot of the storage system. For example, the bracket mechanism 102 (e.g., assembly 100 ( Figure 1A to Figure 1B )) of the storage device 104 ( Figure 1A ) is positioned in the storage system housing 112 ( Figure 1B ) mounting slot 113 ( Figure 1B ) above.

[0051] At block 806, the storage device is lowered into the mounting slot until connected to the mounting slot. For example, the assembly 100 is lowered into the mounting slot 113 of the storage system housing 112 to mechanically and electrically connect the mating electrical connector.

[0052] At block 808, the handle is released, thereby moving the carriage and latch mechanism to a neutral state corresponding to the common first pivot being positioned above the second pivot with the latch pin in an extended position extending outside the frame. For example, the handle 202 is released, thereby moving the carriage mechanism 102 to the neutral state (see, e.g., Figure 3B ), the neutral state corresponds to the common first pivot 203 being positioned above the second pivot 205, wherein the latch pin 206 is in an extended position extending outside the frame 208. According to one embodiment, the release handle 202 includes each push pin 204a ( Figure 6 ) and the corresponding spring 208b of the frame 208 ( Figure 4 、 Figure 5A ) between the spring load, thereby moving the bracket mechanism 102 to the neutral state.

[0053] At block 810, a downward locking force is applied to the handle in the neutral state, thereby moving the carriage and latch mechanism to a locked over-center state corresponding to the common first pivot axis being substantially or nearly coplanar with the second pivot axis, wherein the handle is prevented from further downward mechanical movement and is at least partially longitudinally compressed by the outer wall of the frame, and the latch pin is in an extended position. For example, a downward locking force is applied to the handle 202 in the neutral state, thereby moving the carriage mechanism 102 to the locked over-center state (see, e.g., FIG. Figure 3C ), the locked over-center state corresponds to the common first pivot axis 203 being substantially or nearly coplanar with the second pivot axis 205, wherein the handle 202 is prevented from further downward mechanical movement and is at least partially longitudinally compressed by the outer wall of the frame 208, and the latch pin 206 is in an extended position. As described elsewhere herein, the fixed-length lever and pivot linkage system of the carriage mechanism 102 provides the force and clamping or locking force to hold the carriage mechanism 102 in place. For example, based on the mechanism design, the handle 202 can be engaged in a downward direction by the handle interlocking teeth 202a and hook 202b and pin 202c mechanism ( Figure 4 ) and / or the interlocking hook 202d of the handle 202 and the pin 204b of the pin mechanism 204 ( Figure 4) and / or mechanically constrained by the frame 208. Thus, the common first pivot axis 203 is at or past "center," and the handle 202 is held in compression at least in part based on the outer walls of the frame 208 and possibly on resistive structures external to the cradle mechanism 102 into which the latch pin 206 may be inserted, such that the cradle mechanism 102 cannot be effectively moved or unlocked unless the handle 202 is moved.

[0054] Extensions and replacements

[0055] In the foregoing description, embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to a large number of specific details, which may vary according to different specific implementations. Therefore, various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments. Therefore, the present invention and what the applicant intends to be the sole and exclusive indicator of the present invention are the set of claims issued by this patent application in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent corrections. Any definitions of terms contained in these claims expressly set forth herein shall determine the meaning of these terms as used in the claims. Thus, limitations, elements, characteristics, features, advantages or attributes that are not expressly recited in a claim should not limit the scope of this claim in any way. Therefore, this specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0056] Furthermore, in this description, certain process steps may be shown in a particular order, and letters and alphanumeric labels may be used to identify certain steps. Unless expressly indicated otherwise in the specification, embodiments are not necessarily limited to any particular order of performing such steps. Specifically, these labels are used only to facilitate identification of steps and are not intended to specify or require a particular order of performing such steps.

Claims

1. A storage device bracket mechanism, comprising: a pair of rotatable handles interlocking at a common first pivot at a proximal end of each handle, wherein each handle includes a respective second pivot at a distal end of each handle; a pair of translatable pin mechanisms each coupled to the distal end of a respective handle, wherein each pin mechanism includes a latch pin projecting therefrom; and a frame, each pin mechanism being translationally coupled to the frame; wherein the handle is configured such that in response to the common first pivot axis being moved vertically away from the second pivot axis, each pin mechanism translates longitudinally inwardly within the frame to place each corresponding latch pin in a retracted position relative to the frame. 2 . The storage device bay mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising a spring mechanism configured to preload the corresponding latch pin into an extended position extending outside of the frame. 3 . The storage device bay mechanism of claim 2 , further comprising a push pin configured to mechanically interact with the spring mechanism.

4. The storage device rack mechanism of claim 1, wherein the frame includes spring mechanisms positioned at opposing longitudinal portions of the frame. 5 . The storage device rack mechanism of claim 4 , wherein each pin mechanism further comprises a push pin configured to mechanically interact with a corresponding spring mechanism of the frame.

6. A storage device bracket mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the handle, the pin mechanism and the frame are cooperatively constructed as an over-center mechanism so that (i) the device operating state corresponds to the common first pivot being positioned substantially above the second pivot in response to an upward operating force, wherein the latch pin is in a retracted position within the frame, (ii) the neutral state corresponds to the common first pivot being positioned slightly above the second pivot, wherein the latch pin is in an extended position extending outside the frame, and (iii) the locked over-center state corresponds to the common first pivot being substantially or nearly coplanar with the second pivot, wherein the latch pin is in the extended position.

7. The storage device carrier mechanism of claim 6, wherein: the frame including spring mechanisms positioned at opposing longitudinal portions of the frame; Each pin mechanism also includes a push pin, which is constructed to mechanically interact with a corresponding spring mechanism of the frame, so that in the operating state of the device, each push pin of the pin mechanism is constructed to load the corresponding spring of the frame, thereby returning the over-center mechanism to the neutral state in response to the elimination of the operating force.

8. The storage device carrier mechanism of claim 7, wherein: The over-center mechanism is constructed to move to the locked over-center state in response to a downward locking force on the handle in the neutral state, in which the handle is at least partially mechanically restrained vertically downward and longitudinally clamped by the outer wall of the frame.

9. The storage device rack mechanism of claim 1, wherein the frame includes means for attaching the rack mechanism to a storage device.

10. A method of using a bracket and latch mechanism attached to a storage device, wherein the bracket and latch mechanism comprises: a pair of rotatable handles interlocking at a common first pivot at a proximal end of each handle, wherein each handle includes a respective second pivot at a distal end; a pair of translatable pin mechanisms each coupled to the distal end of a respective handle and including a latch pin projecting longitudinally therefrom; and a frame, each pin mechanism being translationally coupled to the frame, the method comprising: Applying an upward operating force to the handle moves the bracket and latch mechanism to a device operating state corresponding to the common first pivot being positioned substantially above the second pivot with the latch pin in a retracted position within the frame.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: positioning the storage device with the attached bracket and latch mechanism over a mounting slot of a storage system housing; lowering the storage device into the mounting slot until it is connected to the housing; as well as Releasing the handle moves the bracket and latch mechanism to a neutral state corresponding to the common first pivot being positioned above the second pivot with the latch pin in an extended position extending outside of the frame.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the frame of the bracket and latch mechanism includes spring mechanisms positioned at opposing longitudinal portions of the frame, and each pin mechanism further includes a push pin configured to mechanically interact with a corresponding spring mechanism of the frame, the method further comprising: Wherein releasing the handle includes at least partially releasing a spring load between each push pin of each pin mechanism and the corresponding spring of the frame, thereby moving the bracket and latch mechanism to the neutral state.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: A downward locking force is applied to the handle in the neutral state, thereby moving the bracket and latch mechanism to a locked over-center state, the locked over-center state corresponding to the common first pivot axis being substantially or nearly coplanar with the second pivot axis, wherein the handle is prevented from further downward mechanical movement and is at least partially longitudinally compressed by the outer wall of the frame, and wherein the latch pin is in the extended position.

14. A hard disk drive assembly, comprising: Hard disk drive (HDD); A bracket and latch mechanism attached to the HDD via means for attaching, the bracket and latch mechanism comprising: a pair of rotatable handles that interlock at a common first pivot at a proximal end of each handle, wherein each handle includes a respective second pivot at a distal end of each handle, a pair of translatable pin mechanisms each coupled to the distal end of a respective handle, wherein each pin mechanism includes a latch pin projecting therefrom, and a frame, each pin mechanism being translationally coupled to the frame, wherein the handle is configured such that in response to the common first pivot axis being moved vertically away from the second pivot axis, each pin mechanism translates longitudinally inwardly within the frame to place each corresponding latch pin in a retracted position relative to the frame.

15. The hard disk drive assembly of claim 14, wherein the frame includes at least one inward protrusion on opposite sides of the frame, the at least one inward protrusion being positioned to mate with a corresponding receiving feature on the HDD to attach the bracket and latch mechanism to the HDD.

16. The hard disk drive assembly of claim 14, wherein the frame includes spring mechanisms positioned at opposing longitudinal portions of the frame.

17. The hard disk drive assembly of claim 16, wherein each pin mechanism further comprises a push pin configured to mechanically interact with a corresponding spring mechanism of the frame.

18. A hard disk drive assembly according to claim 14, wherein the handle, the pin mechanism and the frame are cooperatively constructed as an over-center mechanism so that (i) the device operating state corresponds to the common first pivot being positioned substantially above the second pivot in response to an upward operating force, wherein the latch pin is in a retracted position within the frame, (ii) the neutral state corresponds to the common first pivot being positioned slightly above the second pivot, wherein the latch pin is in an extended position extending outside the frame, and (iii) the locked over-center state corresponds to the common first pivot being substantially or nearly coplanar with the second pivot, wherein the latch pin is in the extended position.

19. The hard disk drive assembly of claim 18, wherein: the frame including spring mechanisms positioned at opposing longitudinal portions of the frame; Each pin mechanism also includes a push pin, which is constructed to mechanically interact with a corresponding spring mechanism of the frame, so that in the operating state of the device, each push pin of the pin mechanism is constructed to load the corresponding spring of the frame, thereby returning the over-center mechanism to the neutral state in response to the elimination of the operating force.

20. The hard disk drive assembly of claim 19, wherein: The over-center mechanism is constructed to move to the locked over-center state in response to a downward locking force on the handle in the neutral state, in which the handle is at least partially mechanically restrained vertically downward and longitudinally clamped by the outer wall of the frame.

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