Screw-Free Hard Disk Tray With Pivoting Cover For Hot-Swap
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling and disassembling hard disks in servers are complicated due to the need for screw-based locking and detaching procedures, which is inconvenient for hot-swap operations in OCP servers.
Innovation Solution
A disk tray and rack assembly that fixes hard disks without screws, utilizing a body and cover design with protruding fixing members and engagement mechanisms to secure the disk tray to the hard disk rack, allowing for screw-free installation and easy disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw-based locking mechanisms are used to secure hard disks to disk trays and racks, then the structural stability and reliability are improved, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly procedures increases and the time required for hot-swap operations is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screw-based locking mechanism from the system and replaces it with a screw-free engagement system. The disk tray body includes protruding fixing members that engage with corresponding holes in the hard disk, and the cover pivots to lock the tray to the rack using engagement members and slots, completely eliminating the need for screws while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing members on the disk tray body automatically engage with the screw holes on the hard disk when the tray is assembled, and the cover's engagement members automatically lock with the rack's slots when the cover is closed. This self-securing mechanism eliminates the need for manual screw tightening while ensuring reliable fixation.
2Strength
If multiple screws and locking procedures are required to secure disk trays to racks, then the firmness of connection is improved, but the productivity and speed of hard disk replacement operations are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to pivot between open and closed positions, allowing the disk tray to be quickly inserted or removed from the rack. When closed, the cover's engagement members lock into the rack's slots to provide firm connection. This dynamic design enables rapid hot-swap operations while maintaining connection strength during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The disk tray assembly is segmented into the tray body and the cover, which can be independently manipulated. The tray body engages with the hard disk, while the cover engages with the rack, allowing for modular assembly and disassembly without requiring multiple screws or complex procedures.
3Reliability
If traditional screw-based fixation methods are used, then the security of hard disk mounting is ensured, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing function is merged into the disk tray body itself through the protruding fixing members that are integrated into the tray structure. Similarly, the locking function is merged into the cover through the engagement members. This integration eliminates the need for separate screws and locking components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining mounting security.
Data Source
AI summary
A hard disk tray adapted for accommodating a hard disk having a plurality of screw holes at two sides is provided. The hard disk tray includes a body and a cover. The body includes two body lateral walls and a plurality of fixing members protruding from the two body lateral walls and corresponding to at least a part of the screw holes. The cover is pivoted to the body and includes two cover lateral walls. When the hard disk is placed in the hard disk tray, the fixing members extend into the at least a part of the screw holes, and when the cover is closed to the body, the two cover lateral walls are located outside the two body lateral walls so as to prevent the two body lateral walls from moving outwardly. A hard disk rack assembly is further provided.