Hard disk drive tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of maintaining and replacing hard disk drives in servers is time-consuming due to the need for screwing and unscrewing multiple drives, which is inefficient in high-performance computing environments.
Innovation Solution
A hard disk drive tray with elastic cantilever plates and side cases that use expansion fastening bolts and positioning pins to securely clamp and fasten hard disk drives without the need for screws, featuring hooks, latches, and a simplified structure for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard disk drives are screwed into the tray using conventional methods, then the hard disk drive is securely fastened, but the maintenance and replacement process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of screwing the hard disk drive into the tray as in conventional designs, the tray is designed to clamp onto the hard disk drive. The elastic cantilever plates with hooks engage with the side cases of the hard disk drive, reversing the traditional fastening direction and enabling rapid installation without screws
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cantilever plates provide dynamic fastening capability, allowing the tray to adapt to slight variations in hard disk drive dimensions while maintaining secure clamping. The elasticity enables quick engagement and disengagement without requiring precise alignment or manual screw tightening
2Strength
If multiple screws are used to fasten hard disk drives, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the structure becomes complex and installation becomes tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The screw fastening mechanism is completely removed from the design. The connection strength is achieved through the elastic cantilever plates that clamp onto the hard disk drive side cases, eliminating the need for screws, screw holes, and associated threading structures
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of multiple screws are merged into a single elastic cantilever plate structure. The plate simultaneously provides clamping force, positioning, and securing functions that would otherwise require multiple separate screw components
3Reliability
If conventional screw-based fastening is used, then the hard disk drive is firmly secured, but the maintenance process for large numbers of drives becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cantilever plates are pre-configured in the tray structure to automatically engage with the hard disk drive side cases upon insertion. This preliminary positioning and clamping action eliminates the need for manual screw fastening during maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The tray structure performs self-service fastening through the elastic cantilever plates that automatically clamp onto the hard disk drive when inserted. The system secures itself without requiring manual intervention for screwing or tightening operations
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
This solution significantly reduces the time required for maintaining and replacing hard disk drives by providing a quick and secure clamping mechanism, enhancing efficiency in server maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic cantilever plate is extended from each of two ends of the front frames. The couple of elastic cantilever plates are arranged parallel with each other for clamping the hard disk drive between the couple of elastic cantilever plates.
Data Source
AI summary
A hard disk drive tray for accommodating a hard disk drive is provided. The hard disk drive tray has a front frame. An elastic cantilever plate is extended from each of two ends of the front frames. The couple of elastic cantilever plates are arranged parallel with each other for clamping the hard disk drive between the couple of elastic cantilever plates. A lateral surface of each elastic cantilever plate is covered by a side case and an expansion fastening bolt for fastening the hard disk drive is arranged protruding from the other lateral surface of each elastic cantilever plate. The hard disk drive is clamped by, the elastic cantilever plates, a simplified structure of the hard disk drive tray. The elastic cantilever plate is covered by the side case and thereby reinforced.