Fulcrum Shaft Transporting Unit for Compact Disk Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional disk devices with slot-in type disk transporting mechanisms occupy a large area within the case due to the longitudinal extension of transferring means and guide members, limiting miniaturization and efficient space utilization, and face challenges in securely conveying disks due to the rotation of transfer rollers about their own axes.

Innovation Solution

A disk device design featuring a transporting unit with a transfer roller extending longitudinally and a clamp unit, supported by a fulcrum shaft, where the motor for rotating the transfer roller is positioned separately, allowing for compact arrangement and secure disk conveyance by rotating the transporting unit towards the rotation drive unit, with a power transfer member transmitting power coaxially with the fulcrum shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transferring means and guide member extend longitudinally from insertion opening into case, then disk can be conveyed securely, but transferring means occupies large area inside case

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk conveyance securityVSAvoidarea occupied by transferring means

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer roller is rotated about a fulcrum shaft positioned at one end, changing the rotation axis from longitudinal to transverse orientation. This dimensional change allows the transferring means to be positioned compactly near the insertion opening without requiring longitudinal extension into the case, thereby reducing the area occupied while maintaining conveyance functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of extending the guide member and transferring means longitudinally from the insertion opening into the case, the invention positions the transfer roller at the insertion opening with rotation about a transverse fulcrum shaft. This inverted arrangement achieves secure disk conveyance through the rotational motion at the opening rather than through longitudinal guidance structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If motor rotates transfer roller about its own axis, then transfer roller can convey disk, but motor rotation area occupies space preventing case miniaturization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk conveyance capabilityVSAvoidmotor rotation area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer roller is made to rotate about a fulcrum shaft positioned at one end of the roller, changing the rotation axis from the roller's own axis to a transverse axis. This dimensional change eliminates the need for a separate motor rotation area, allowing compact integration near the insertion opening and enabling case miniaturization while maintaining disk conveyance capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Speed

If transfer roller rotates about its own axis, then roller can rotate toward inside of case, but disk cannot be clamped securely with rotating roller

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroller rotation speedVSAvoiddisk clamping security

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer roller rotates about a fulcrum shaft positioned at one end of the roller, creating a lever arm configuration. This dimensional change in rotation geometry allows the roller to apply clamping force effectively to the disk while rotating, solving the problem of insecure clamping that occurred with axial rotation. The transverse rotation enables both motion toward the case interior and secure disk engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design enables miniaturization of the disk device by reducing the size and weight of the transporting unit, allowing for efficient mechanism arrangement and secure conveying and retrieval of disks without occupying excessive space, while preventing slippage and ensuring proper disk clamping.

Implementation Method 1

a power transfer member rotating coaxially with the fulcrum shaft, wherein the power of the motor is transmitted to the transfer roller via the power transfer member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower transmission through rotating member: Gear

Implementation Method 2

a transporting-unit rotating unit rotatably supported about a fulcrum shaft positioned at one end, the transporting-unit rotating unit operable to rotate the transporting unit from a standby position to a transfer operation position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever rotation: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS7472404B2Disk device having a transporting-unit rotating unit rotating about a fulcrum shaft

Publication Date: 2008.12.30 ALPINE ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A disk device according to the present invention includes a transporting unit having a transfer roller within a casing. The transfer roller is rotatable about a fulcrum shaft. An integral gear is rotatably provided in the fulcrum shaft. The power of a motor fixed in the casing is transmitted to a worm wheel of the transporting unit via the integral gear and is further transmitted to a roller gear. Therefore, by the rotation on its own axis of the transfer roller and the rotating operation of the entire transporting unit, a disk is conveyed.