Elastomeric Hard Drive Mounting for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designers of portable computers face challenges in creating hard drive mounting structures that balance weight reduction with durability and aesthetics, often compromising on size or strength to achieve these goals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of elastomeric support members with a rigid inner portion and flexible outer portion for hard drive mounting, combined with a noise reduction structure using a weighted planar sheet, enhances durability and reduces vibration noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If weight reduction measures are taken in hard drive mounting structures, then the weight of the portable computer is reduced, but the durability and strength of the mounting structures deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure uses a composite design combining rigid plastic portions for structural support and elastomeric material for shock absorption and vibration damping. This composite approach allows weight reduction while maintaining or improving durability, as the elastomeric portions absorb impacts that would otherwise damage the hard drive, eliminating the need for heavier purely rigid structures.
2Strength
If robust hard drive mounting structures are formed, then durability is improved, but the weight of the portable computer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure uses a composite design combining rigid plastic portions for structural support and elastomeric material for shock absorption and vibration damping. This composite approach allows weight reduction while maintaining or improving durability, as the elastomeric portions absorb impacts that would otherwise damage the hard drive, eliminating the need for heavier purely rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric portions of the mounting structure provide beforehand cushioning by absorbing shocks and vibrations before they can reach the hard drive. This preventive cushioning protects the drive from damage during normal operation and accidental drops, allowing the use of lighter mounting structures compared to purely rigid alternatives that would require greater mass for protection.
3Shape
If aesthetic appearance is improved, then the appearance of the device is enhanced, but the device becomes more fragile and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure applies different material properties to different portions: rigid plastic in areas requiring structural support and aesthetic finish, and elastomeric material in areas requiring shock absorption. This local differentiation allows aesthetic portions to maintain their appearance while elastomeric portions provide damage protection, resolving the contradiction between appearance and durability.
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 provides enhanced durability and noise reduction for portable computer hard disk drive subsystems, protecting the drive from damage and minimizing operational noise.
Implementation Method 1
The outer portion may be formed from an elastomeric material. Upon an impact to the device, forces may be transmitted to the hard drive through the mounting pins and the elastomeric support members. However, the elastomeric material may serve to dampen such forces, and thereby protect the hard drive from damage.
Implementation Method 2
A noise reduction structure may be provided that helps to reduce vibration and associated noise in a hard drive. The noise reduction structure may have a planar member such as a copper-weighted sheet, a stainless steel-weighted sheet, or any other structure that has a suitable weight.
Data Source
AI summary
Portable computer structures are provided. The portable computer structures may include hard drive mounting structures. The hard drive mounting structures may include elastomeric support members. Each elastomeric support member may have a relatively rigid inner portion. The inner portion may include a hole that receives a hard drive mounting pin. Each elastomeric support member may also have a relatively flexible outer portion. The relatively flexible outer portion may be mounted within an opening in a plastic support member. The rigid inner portion may have a square outline and may be mounted within a square opening in the flexible outer portion.