Low Profile Auxiliary Hard Drive Mounting Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices like laptops face storage capacity limitations, and existing solutions for adding auxiliary hard drives are inconvenient due to the need for external carriers and cables, which require manual setup each time the device is used.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile auxiliary hard drive mounting system with a structure base and top cover that encloses the hard drive and cable, featuring a cable storage mount and connector mount to securely store the connector cable and prevent damage, allowing for a compact and convenient setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an auxiliary hard drive is connected via external USB connection, then storage capacity is increased, but portability and convenience deteriorate due to need for external carrier and cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary hard drive, connector cable, and carrier into a single integrated unit. The hard drive is mounted within the carrier structure, and the cable is stored inside the carrier, eliminating the need to carry separate external components. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining expanded storage capacity while dramatically improving portability and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the auxiliary hard drive and connector cable inside the carrier enclosure. The cable is stored within the carrier's internal space, and the hard drive is mounted within the same carrier structure. This nested arrangement allows all components to be contained in a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between storage expansion and portability.
2Ease of operation
If connector cable is stored externally, then cable management is simplified, but risk of damage and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cable storage function with the carrier structure by incorporating an internal cable storage compartment. The connector cable is stored within the carrier's internal space, combining protection and management functions into a single integrated solution. This resolves the contradiction by providing both easy cable management and protection against damage and loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by incorporating protective measures for the connector cable within the carrier. The cable is stored in a protected internal environment that shields it from physical damage, bending, and loss. This preventive protection resolves the contradiction by maintaining cable safety while simplifying cable management.
3Reliability
If auxiliary hard drive is mounted with external carrier, then hard drive is protected, but overall size and profile increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective carrier function with the mounting structure by integrating the hard drive mounting directly into the carrier body. The carrier serves dual purposes as both protection enclosure and mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate external mounting components. This resolves the contradiction by providing hard drive protection while minimizing overall size and profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the carrier to serve multiple functions simultaneously: protection enclosure, mounting structure, cable storage, and connector housing. This universal design resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive protection while minimizing the overall volume through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A low profile component mounting article is provided and includes a structure base, wherein the structure base defines a base cavity for containing a laptop computing device. The structure base further defines a cable opening and is configured to contain an auxiliary component having a connector cable, wherein the cable opening is communicated with the base cavity, and wherein when the auxiliary component is located within the base cavity, at least a portion of the extends out of the cable opening. Additionally, the structure base further includes a cable storage mount located proximate the cable opening and configured to removably contain the connector cable and a cable connector mount located proximate the cable storage mount and configured to removably contain the cable connector.