Tool-less Hard Disk Carrier Pin Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hard disk carriers require screws for fixation, making maintenance and replacement time-consuming and prone to data loss due to vibration during operation in server architectures.
Innovation Solution
A tool-less hard disk carrier design featuring a housing with pins and a moving part that clamps the hard disk without screws, utilizing a latching mechanism and elastic elements to secure the disk, allowing for rapid installation and removal without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix the hard disk, then the hard disk stability is improved, but the maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into multiple pins distributed at different positions (first pin at first position, second pin at second position, third pin at third position) that can independently engage with corresponding holes in the hard disk, allowing the hard disk to be securely fixed without requiring traditional screw fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier employs a movable component that can transition between a first state (where pins engage with hard disk holes to secure it) and a second state (where pins disengage to release the hard disk), enabling rapid replacement without manual screw operations
2Reliability
If screws are required for fixation, then the hard disk is securely fixed, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pins are positioned such that they automatically align with and engage into the corresponding holes on the hard disk when the carrier is in the first state, eliminating the need for operators to manually thread or tighten screws, thereby simplifying the installation process while maintaining secure fixation
3Productivity
If a tool-less design is used, then the maintenance speed increases, but the fixation reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into multiple independent pin-hole engagement points distributed at different positions on the carrier and hard disk, where each pin engages with a corresponding hole to provide distributed securing force, ensuring reliable fixation without requiring tools or screws
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier utilizes a movable component that transitions between a first state (pins engaged with hard disk holes for secure fixation) and a second state (pins disengaged for rapid removal), enabling tool-less operation that maintains fixation reliability while significantly improving maintenance speed
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
Enables stable and rapid installation and removal of hard disks without tools, reducing maintenance time and minimizing vibration-induced data loss, while also saving space with a thin design.
Implementation Method 1
The tool-less hard disk carrier includes a spring located at the bottom board. The spring is connected to the latching mechanism. The spring supplies a torque to make the first hook portion continuously engaged with the second hook portion.
Data Source
AI summary
The tool-less hard disk carrier is provided and configured to accommodate a hard disk. The hard disk has a first screw hole and a second screw hole respectively located at two sides of the hard disk. The tool-less hard disk carrier includes a housing, a moving part, a first pin, and a second pin. The housing includes a first sidewall and a bottom board connected to each other. The moving part has a sliding portion and an abutting portion connected to each other. The sliding portion is slidably engaged with the bottom board. The abutting portion is bent relative to the sliding portion to face the first sidewall. The abutting portion and the housing define an accommodating space, and the accommodating space is configured to accommodate the hard disk.