Tool-less Carrier With Tabs And Latch For Computing Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Servicing components in computing systems is often time-consuming and requires tools, making it difficult and delicate, especially when handling components like hard disk drives, and there is a need for rapid and tool-less installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system that includes a carrier with tabs, clips, and a latch, allowing for secure and tool-less installation and removal of components in three dimensions, compatible with various computing systems and form factors, using materials like metal, plastic, or resin, and can be retrofitted or integrated into new systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional component mounting methods are used, then components can be securely mounted, but servicing requires tools and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a carrier with tabs for component attachment, clips for securing the carrier to the compartment, and a latch mechanism for rapid engagement and disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables tool-less servicing through simple manual manipulation of the latch and clips.
Solution Approach 2:
The clips are pre-positioned on the compartment and the latch is pre-configured in a released state. When the carrier is inserted, the tabs automatically engage with the clips and the latch engages with the carrier tabs, performing the securing action before the user needs to complete the installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for tools and reduces servicing time.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then components are securely fixed, but the process is delicate and requires precision
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed to be self-securing through the interaction of its components. The clips automatically grip the carrier body, and the latch automatically engages with the carrier tabs when the carrier is inserted into the compartment. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable mounting without requiring delicate manual manipulation or precision alignment by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier acts as an intermediary between the component and the compartment mounting structure. It provides a standardized interface with tabs that engage with the clips and latch, simplifying the mounting process and ensuring reliable fixation without requiring the user to handle the component directly or perform delicate alignment operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a secure mounting system is implemented, then component stability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into three simple, standardized components: carrier with tabs, clips, and latch. Each component has a single, well-defined function and a simple geometry that facilitates manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation achieves stable component positioning without requiring a complex integrated mounting mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier is mountable to a component, and includes first tabs and second tabs. Clips and a latch are associated with a compartment of a computing system. The clips are to receive the first tabs, and the latch is to receive the second tabs, to isolate the carrier from movement in three dimensions.