Data Storage Drive Mounting Latch for Fast Screwless Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting data storage devices in computer enclosures are tedious and time-consuming, with screws often falling into the enclosure and being difficult to retrieve.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus featuring a latching unit with a receiving rack, connecting member, and pivoting mechanism that securely attaches data storage devices to a bracket using resilient members and hooks, allowing for easy assembly and compensation for manufacturing errors or vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to attach data storage devices to a bracket, then the mounting can be securely achieved, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a receiving rack for the data storage device, a connecting member with clamping blocks, and a bracket. This segmentation allows for pre-assembly of the receiving rack with the data storage device, and then simple attachment to the bracket, reducing the time required while maintaining secure mounting through the distributed clamping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving rack is pre-configured with clamping slots and the connecting member is pre-equipped with clamping blocks before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the mounting process to proceed quickly by simply engaging the pre-positioned clamping blocks with the clamping slots, eliminating the need for time-consuming screw fastening during the actual mounting operation.
2Reliability
If screws are used for mounting, then secure attachment is achieved, but screws can easily fall into the crowded interior of the computer enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from traditional screws and relocates it to an integrated clamping mechanism. The clamping blocks with resilient tabs engage directly with the clamping slots through a push-button or snap-action mechanism, eliminating the need for separate screw fasteners that could fall into the enclosure. The fastening action is performed by the connecting member itself, which remains externally accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member merges the positioning function (clamping blocks) with the fastening function (resilient tabs) into a single integrated component. This combination ensures that the fastening mechanism is built into the mounting structure itself, preventing loss of fastening elements while maintaining secure attachment through the unified clamping action.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid mounting structure is used, then precise alignment is achieved, but manufacturing errors and vibrations cause misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient tabs of the clamping blocks change their physical state from rigid to flexible under compression. When the clamping blocks are engaged with the clamping slots, the resilient tabs deform to accommodate minor misalignments caused by manufacturing tolerances or vibrations, then maintain a secure clamping force. This parameter change allows the structure to adapt to dimensional variations while preserving mounting security.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure incorporates dynamic elements through the resilient tabs that can flex and deform. This dynamic characteristic allows the rigid clamping blocks to adapt to slight misalignments by elastic deformation, accommodating manufacturing errors and vibration-induced shifts while maintaining firm attachment. The system transitions from a purely rigid structure to a semi-flexible one that can absorb dimensional variations.
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 solution simplifies the mounting process, ensures secure attachment of data storage devices, and provides a mechanism to alert users of improper alignment, reducing the risk of lost screws and enhancing assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member 75 deformable under compression, the first end 854 of which defines the hook 859
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting apparatus includes a bracket defining a clamping hole, a receiving rack, a connecting member fixed to the receiving rack, a receiving member fixed to the connecting member, and a latching unit. The latching unit includes a pivoting member pivotably mounted to the receiving member, a first resilient member, a second resilient member, a rotating member pivotably mounted to the pivoting member, a contact member abutting against the rotating member, and a hooking member clamped to the rotating member. The contact member and the hooking member are slidably mounted to opposite ends of the pivoting member, respectively, and can be moved towards each other. The first resilient member resists against the pivoting member and the hooking member to return the hooking member back. The second member resists against the pivoting member and the contact member to return the contact member back.