Hard Disk Carrier Buffer Element Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hard disk enclosures with metal rails and supporting bases transmit vibrations easily, leading to reduced rotation speed and potential damage due to friction and resonance, especially under high rotation speeds.
Innovation Solution
A carrier device with a supporting element comprising a buffer element of lower material stiffness than the supporting base, which is slidably disposed between rail elements, absorbing vibrations through protruding portions and through holes to prevent transmission to the hard disk, and elastic plates to absorb vibrations in various directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal rails and metal supporting base are used in hard disk enclosure, then structural strength and stability are improved, but vibration transmission increases causing reduced rotation speed and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer element made of plastic material is introduced as an intermediary between the metal rail and the supporting base. This buffer element absorbs and dampens vibrations from the metal rail, preventing them from being transmitted to the supporting base and hard disk. The buffer element thus serves as a mediator that decouples the vibration transmission path while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting element combines metal (for strength) and plastic buffer material (for vibration damping) into a composite structure. The supporting base may be made of metal for structural integrity, while the buffer element is made of plastic material with different mechanical properties to absorb vibrations. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of strength and vibration reduction.
2Ease of manufacture
If metal rail and supporting base are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but resonance and noise increase due to impact between metal components
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer element acts as an intermediary that absorbs impact energy between the metal rail and supporting base, preventing direct metal-to-metal contact. This eliminates the resonance and noise generated by impact while maintaining the simple metal rail structure for ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer element is a simple, inexpensive plastic component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. While the metal rail structure remains for ease of manufacture, the inexpensive buffer element absorbs the harmful impacts and can be replaced without significant cost.
3Productivity
If high rotation speed is implemented to meet read rate requirements, then productivity is improved, but vibration-induced friction increases causing damage and speed reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer element serves as a mediator that isolates the hard disk from vibrations in the rail system. This allows the hard disk to maintain stable rotation at high speeds without vibration-induced friction affecting the reading head or causing damage, thereby enabling sustained high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer element provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing vibrations before they can reach the hard disk. This preventive measure protects the hard disk from vibration-induced friction and damage, allowing high rotation speeds to be maintained without the harmful effects that would otherwise limit productivity.
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
Effectively reduces vibration transmission to the hard disk, preventing damage and noise by absorbing and dissipating external impacts, maintaining stable rotation speed and reducing resonance.
Implementation Method 1
The buffer element has a first edge and a second edge disposed oppositely to each other. The first edge of the buffer element comprises a first protruding portion and the first edge is pressed against the first rail element through the first protruding portion. The second edge of the buffer element is pressed against the second rail element.
Implementation Method 2
elastic plates to absorb vibrations in various directions
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier device comprises a rail and a supporting element. The rail includes a first rail element and a second rail element disposed oppositely. The supporting element is slidably disposed between the first rail element and the second rail element along the rail. The supporting element includes a supporting base and a buffer element. The supporting base has a lateral wall. The buffer element has a lateral side as well as a first edge and a second edge disposed oppositely to each other. The buffer element is disposed on the lateral wall with its lateral side facing the lateral wall of the supporting base. The first edge is pressed against the first rail element through a first protruding portion of the first edge. The second edge is pressed against the second rail element. The material stiffness of the buffer element is less than that of the supporting base.