Disk Drive Latch Mechanism with Integrated Operating Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for mounting and removing disk drives from electronic devices require complex latch units and a significant pushing force to disconnect the electrical connector, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A simplified latch unit with first and second latch members, interlocking members, a driving member, and an operating member, where the driving member and operating member are designed to pivot and rotate, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement with minimal force, reducing the complexity and force required for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latch unit with multiple components (first and second latch members, interlocking members, cam arrangement, and operating member) is used, then the disk drive can be retained in the disk drive casing, but the structure becomes complicated and requires significant pushing force to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch member and operating member into a single integrated component. The operating member includes both the latch portion that engages with the disk drive and the pushing portion that applies force, eliminating the need for separate latch members, interlocking members, and cam arrangements. This merging reduces structural complexity while maintaining the retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the latch mechanism (retaining the disk drive) and the actuating mechanism (pushing the disk drive out). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall latch unit structure while maintaining reliable retention and operation.
2Reliability
If a traditional latch unit with cam arrangement and multiple biasing members is used, then the disk drive can be securely retained, but a relatively large pushing force is required to disconnect the terminal from the electrical connector
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the latch and operating functions into one member, the patent eliminates the cam arrangement and multiple biasing members that required large pushing forces. The integrated operating member directly pushes the disk drive terminal from its connection position to the disconnected position, reducing the required force while maintaining secure retention through the simplified latch structure.
3Device complexity
If a simplified latch unit with integrated operating member is used, then the structure becomes simpler and less pushing force is required, but the mechanism must still ensure reliable engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated operating member combines the latch portion and pushing portion into a single component that performs both retention and actuation functions. This merging simplifies the structure while ensuring reliable engagement through the latch portion's direct connection to the disk drive and reliable disengagement through the pushing portion's direct force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating member is designed to automatically perform both latching and pushing actions through its own structure. When the user applies force to the pushing portion, the entire operating member moves as one unit, automatically achieving both disengagement and ejection without requiring separate actuation mechanisms, thereby ensuring reliable operation with minimal force.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a casing and a latch unit. The latch unit includes first and second latch members, first and second interlocking members, a driving member, and an operating member. The first latch member is provided on a disk drive. The first interlocking member is formed on the first latch member. The second latch member is pivoted to the casing, and is rotatable relative to the casing between latched and unlatched positions. The second interlocking member is formed on the second latch member, and engages releasably the first interlocking member when the disk drive is received in the casing and when the second latch member is disposed at the latched position. The driving member is pivoted to the casing. The operating member is pivoted to the casing, and is operable so as to drive rotation of the second latch member to the unlatched position through the driving member.