HDD Buffer Structure with U-Shaped Slits for Impact Absorption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional buffer members in notebook PCs are insufficient to absorb the impact on the hard disk drive (HDD) effectively, leading to potential damage and inoperability when the device falls.

Innovation Solution

A buffer structure with U-shaped slits in the recess of the main unit cabinet, combined with deformable plastic material and elastic buffer members, absorbs impact by compressing and deforming to minimize vibration transferred to the HDD, utilizing ribs to concentrate and attenuate impact, and a hole to prevent motor housing contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional buffer member is interposed between the casing and the HDD, then the HDD is protected from external impact, but the impact absorption capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHDD protection capabilityVSAvoidimpact absorption capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The recess bottom is divided into multiple regions by U-shaped slits, creating multiple independent buffer zones. Each region can deform independently to absorb impact energy, significantly improving impact absorption capability compared to a solid buffer member

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer structure transitions from a static rigid buffer member to a dynamic deformable structure. The U-shaped slits enable the recess bottom to flex and deform during impact, allowing energy absorption through controlled deformation rather than rigid resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 3:

The recess bottom is designed as a flexible thin-walled structure with U-shaped slits that can bend and deform under impact. This flexible membrane structure absorbs impact energy through elastic deformation, providing superior protection compared to rigid buffer members

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the recess bottom is made deformable to absorb impact, then impact absorption improves, but the structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact absorption capabilityVSAvoidrecess bottom strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped slits segment the recess bottom into multiple regions that can deform independently. This segmentation allows controlled deformation in specific areas while maintaining overall structural integrity, preventing catastrophic failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recess bottom exhibits different mechanical properties in different regions. Areas with U-shaped slits are designed to be deformable for impact absorption, while other portions maintain sufficient strength for structural support, achieving localized optimization of both deformation and strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 buffer structure effectively absorbs external impacts in two stages, reducing vibration and preventing direct contact that could damage the HDD, enhancing the overall shock absorption performance.

Implementation Method 1

a buffer structure with U-shaped slits in the recess of the main unit cabinet, combined with deformable plastic material and elastic buffer members, absorbs impact by compressing and deforming to minimize vibration transferred to the HDD

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

utilizing ribs to concentrate and attenuate impact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact attenuation: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS8830670B2Electronic device having mounting structure for hard disk drive
Publication Date: 2014.09.09 DYNABOOK INC
  • US8830670B2 patent drawing
  • US8830670B2 patent drawing
  • US8830670B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided with a casing including a module receiving portion which receives a module and includes a module supporting wall and a module surrounding wall. The module supporting wall includes a module support portion, and an opening provided between the support portion and the module surrounding wall.