Drive Carrier Handle Latch With Acute-Angle Spring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of designing a latching assembly for small-sized drive carriers, such as EDSFF drive carriers, where the limited space constraints prevent the latch from properly retaining the handle in its closed position, is addressed by utilizing a helical compression spring aligned at an acute angle relative to the frame, which applies force to bias the latch towards the latched position, and a handle assembly with a locking arm to secure the drive carrier in the drive cage.
Innovation Solution
The latching assembly includes a helical compression spring positioned at an acute angle within the frame, pivotably connected to the latch and frame via spring posts, and a handle assembly with a locking arm, allowing the latch to function effectively in the limited space by applying force to retain the handle in the closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional latching assembly is used in a small-sized drive carrier, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the limited space prevents the latch from properly retaining the handle in its closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is positioned at an acute angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the frame rather than parallel to it, utilizing diagonal space within the drive carrier. This angular orientation allows the spring to fit within the limited volume while still providing sufficient retaining force on the latch, effectively resolving the space constraint issue through dimensional reconfiguration.
2Ease of manufacture
If the spring is positioned parallel to the frame, then the spring can be easily installed, but it cannot apply sufficient force to bias the latch towards the latched position in the limited space
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the spring at an acute angle to the frame, the design transforms the force application geometry. The angled orientation creates a more effective force vector that biases the latch towards the latched position with greater efficiency, overcoming the insufficient force problem while maintaining reasonable installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring's orientation parameter is changed from parallel (0 degrees) to an acute angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the frame. This parameter modification fundamentally changes how the spring interacts with the latch mechanism, enabling it to provide adequate retaining force within the constrained space of the small drive carrier.
3Volume of moving object
If the latch is made smaller to fit the limited space, then the drive carrier size is reduced, but the latch cannot properly retain the handle in its closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The spring's acute angular positioning creates additional operational space and mechanical advantage, allowing a smaller latch to effectively retain the handle. The angled spring configuration optimizes force application to the compact latch, ensuring reliable handle retention despite the reduced latch size and limited drive carrier volume.
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 solution ensures the latching assembly functions properly in the constrained space of the EDSFF drive carrier, securely retaining the handle in the closed position and enabling efficient installation and removal of media drives in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a helical compression spring... configured to apply a force along an axis to the latch to bias the latch towards the latched position
Data Source
AI summary
A drive carrier includes a frame to receive and carry a media drive, a handle assembly, and a latching assembly having a helical compression spring and a latch. The handle assembly having a handle is pivotably connected to the frame and configured to rotate relative to the frame between open and closed positions. The handle assembly in its closed position, is configured to engage to a drive cage and hold the drive carrier in the drive cage. The latch is pivotably connected to the frame and rotatable between latched and unlatched positions. A second locking arm of the latch in its latched position, is engageable with a first locking arm of the handle to retain the handle in the closed position. The helical compression spring is arranged at an acute angle relative to the frame and applies force on the latch to bias the latch towards the latched position.