Carrier Frame Latching Mechanism for Server Housing Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer and server housings lack a positioning structure between the carrier frame and the housing body, leading to potential user injury and damage to hard/optical disk drives due to accidental rotation of the carrier frame.
Innovation Solution
A latching assembly is integrated into the carrier device, allowing the carrier frame to be securely positioned at a second position relative to the housing body, enhancing safety and reducing fabrication costs through a simple manufacturing process and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If no positioning structure is provided between the carrier frame and housing body, then the carrier frame can be freely rotated for easy operation, but the carrier frame may accidentally rotate back causing user injury and damage to electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The latching assembly is pre-configured on the carrier frame, with the latching arm positioned to automatically engage with the engaging groove when the carrier frame is rotated to the second position. This preliminary positioning structure ensures that before the carrier frame completes its rotation, the latching mechanism is already in place to secure it, preventing accidental rotation back and ensuring user safety while maintaining operational ease
2Reliability
If a latching assembly is added to position the carrier frame, then the carrier frame can be securely positioned at the second position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the latching arm with engaging end, the resilient arm providing elastic force, and the releasing arm for manual operation. Each component has a specific function, and they work together through simple mechanical interaction. The latching arm engages with the engaging groove on the housing body, while the resilient arm provides the necessary force to maintain engagement. This segmentation allows for a reliable positioning mechanism without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arm in the latching assembly automatically provides the necessary elastic force to engage and maintain the latching arm in the engaging groove without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. When the carrier frame is rotated to the second position, the resilient arm's elasticity naturally drives the latching arm into the engaging groove, and the system self-maintains this position. To release, the user simply presses the releasing arm, which automatically disengages the latching mechanism. This self-service mechanism achieves reliable positioning with minimal structural complexity
3Reliability
If a complex latching assembly structure is used, then the carrier frame can be securely positioned, but the fabrication cost and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latching assembly components (latching arm, resilient arm, releasing arm) are designed to be integrated into a single molded piece through injection molding technology. This merging of multiple functional elements into one component eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of individual parts. The single-piece construction maintains all necessary functions: the latching arm for engagement, the resilient arm for elastic force, and the releasing arm for operation. This approach significantly reduces fabrication cost and manufacturing time while ensuring reliable carrier frame positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A housing includes a housing body formed with an engaging groove and a carrier device disposed in the housing body. The carrier device includes a carrier frame and a latching assembly. The carrier frame is configured to carry an electronic component and includes a pivoting sidewall rotatably pivoted to the housing body. The carrier frame is rotatable between a first position, where the carrier frame is disposed in the housing body, and a second position, where the carrier frame is pivoted out of the housing body. The latching assembly is disposed on the pivoting sidewall and is releasably engaged to the engaging groove so as to position the carrier frame at the second position.