Disc Storage Tray Cover and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing disc storage and archive apparatuses face issues with internal discs jumping out when a disc tray is tilted during removal or mounting, especially when the upper surface of the tray is open, leading to potential damage and data risk.
Innovation Solution
A disc storage apparatus with a case having an upper surface opening, equipped with a sliding tray cover and a locking mechanism that includes a lever and locking claw to secure the cover, preventing discs from falling out during tray handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper surface of the disc tray is open to allow easy access and mounting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the discs may jump out and scatter when the tray is tilted during removal or mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The tray cover is designed to be mounted on the disc tray before the tray is removed from the storage rack. This preliminary action of covering the open upper surface prevents discs from jumping out during the subsequent tilting operation, thus maintaining both ease of operation and disc containment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The tray cover acts as a flexible protective element that can be easily mounted and removed. It covers the open upper surface of the disc tray, preventing discs from scattering while allowing easy access when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and disc containment
2Reliability
If a tray cover is added to cover the opening and prevent discs from falling out, then the disc containment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray cover is designed as a simple, lightweight component that can be easily mounted and removed. It is not a permanent or complex structure but a simple protective element that fulfills its function of preventing disc scattering and can be discarded or replaced if needed
Solution Approach 2:
The tray cover is designed as a simple protective element rather than a complex structure. It is a thin, lightweight component that covers the open upper surface of the disc tray, preventing discs from scattering while adding minimal complexity to the overall system
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the tray cover, then the disc containment is further improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the tray cover is mounted on the disc tray. This self-locking feature eliminates the need for manual locking operations, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring secure disc containment through the automatic engagement of the locking mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a disc storage apparatus that includes a case including an opening on an upper surface of the case and capable of storing N rows of stacked M disc-shaped recording media (N and M each indicate a positive integer of two or greater), a tray cover that slides from a rear end of the case and cover the opening, and a locking mechanism that locks a state of the opening being covered.