Rotary Dial Cam Latch for Compact Durable SSD Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latches for securing electronic components like SSDs within a chassis are not durable, occupy excessive space, or both, and often fatigue over time due to being made from thin and sharp sheet metal.
Innovation Solution
A latch design utilizing axial movement of a spring-loaded dial wheel to radially move teeth on a leaf spring between engaging and disengaged positions, with a track on the dial wheel guiding a pin to retain the dial in a retracted position, supporting the teeth in the engaging position and incorporating an EMI spring for static discharge protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a hook and spring are made from the same piece of thin sheet metal, then the latch structure is simple and occupies less space, but the latch durability decreases due to fatigue over time
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is divided into separate components: a hook assembly made from sheet metal and a spring assembly made from wire stock. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall durability by preventing fatigue propagation that would occur in a monolithic thin-sheet design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses different material forms and properties by combining sheet metal for the hook with wire stock for the spring. This composite approach leverages the flexibility and strength characteristics of wire stock to create a more durable spring mechanism that resists fatigue compared to using thin sheet metal for both components.
2Strength
If a latch is designed to firmly secure electronic components, then the securing strength increases, but the space occupied in the chassis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring component utilizes a helical three-dimensional structure that provides high securing strength through its coiled geometry. This dimensional transformation allows the spring to achieve substantial mechanical advantage and holding force within a compact volume, firmly securing the electronic component without occupying excessive chassis space.
3Ease of operation
If a latch mechanism is designed for easy opening and closing, then the ease of operation increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded hook mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage through its inherent mechanical properties. The spring provides automatic resetting after engagement, and the hook geometry enables self-latching without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, maintaining ease of operation while limiting complexity increase.
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 latch securely fastens electronic components with minimal space usage, is easy to open and close, and provides durability against harsh conditions through the use of a spring-loaded mechanism and EMI protection.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring disposed about the shoulder screw and between the dial and the chassis
Implementation Method 2
an EMI spring for static discharge protection
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus provides a latch with a rotary dial and a leaf spring with teeth that extend from a frame into an engaging position. Inward axial movement of the dial causes the dial to deform the leaf spring and the teeth to extend into the engaging position. In the engaging position, the dial supports the teeth and resists forces that might otherwise cause the teeth to unlatch. In the engaging position, a catch in a track on the dial engages a pin of the frame to maintain the engaging position. From the engaging position, a rotation of the dial unseats the catch and allows the dial to move axially outward and the teeth to recede into the frame.