Disk Drive Latch Mechanism for Tool-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing system designs face challenges in efficiently integrating hard disk drives due to space, thermal constraints, cost, and ease of use requirements, which are not adequately addressed by existing hard disk drive carriers.
Innovation Solution
A disk drive module with a support member and a latch mechanism that includes a rotating handle and retention latch, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement with a chassis, enabling easy installation and removal of disk drives using a tool-less assembly with pins or screws, and incorporating an EMI shield and light pipe for status indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hard disk drive carrier is used, then the disk drive can be attached and inserted into a computing system, but the installation and removal process requires tools and is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical screw-fastening systems with a tool-less latch mechanism featuring a rotating handle that engages with positioning members. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for tools during installation and removal while maintaining secure attachment through the latch mechanism's engagement with the chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring external tools or assistance. The rotating handle enables the user to independently engage and disengage the retention latch, making the system self-serviceable and simplifying the installation/removal process.
2Reliability
If a secure latch mechanism is implemented, then reliable engagement is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotating handle for user operation, a retention latch for securing engagement, and positioning members for alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including the rotating handle that moves between engaged and unengaged positions, and the retention latch that can be displaced to release engagement. These dynamic components enable reliable engagement when needed while allowing quick release when required, balancing reliability with operational flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If tool-less assembly is used, then ease of use is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning members are pre-configured with specific geometries and engagement features that guide the latch mechanism into proper alignment during assembly. This preliminary configuration of the positioning members ensures that the rotating handle and retention latch engage correctly without requiring tools, while the precision requirements are concentrated in the manufacturing of these guiding features rather than the entire assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided herein. The system includes a support member and a latch mechanism. The support member includes a positioning member. The latch mechanism is connected to the support member. The latch mechanism includes a handle and a retention latch. The handle is formed to rotate about an axis. Rotation of the handle to shift engagement of the handle with the positioning member between an engaged position and an unengaged position. The retention latch to engage with a chassis and secure the support member therein. The retention latch connects to the handle. In the engaged position, the handle to connect to the positioning member and the retention latch to engage with the chassis. In the unengaged position, the handle and the positioning member to disconnect and the handle to displace the retention latch to release engagement of the retention latch with the chassis.