Collapsible Enclosure Protrusions for HDD Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hard disk drives (HDDs) face challenges in achieving maximum shock resistance and space efficiency within a compact enclosure, as providing sufficient sway space for shock absorption increases manufacturing and assembly costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a 'collapsible under initial shock' (CUIS) feature in the enclosure, which includes rib-like protrusions that align and support the HDD during assembly and absorb shock, reducing the need for additional fixtures and allowing the HDD to move freely within the enclosure during a shock event.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sufficient sway space is provided for shock absorption, then shock resistance is improved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment support function and shock absorption function into a single integrated protrusion structure. The protrusions serve dual purposes: providing alignment support during assembly and acting as shock-absorbing elements during operation, eliminating the need for separate alignment fixtures and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide alignment support during assembly, serve as shock-absorbing elements during operation, and create necessary sway space. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the enclosure design
2Reliability
If sufficient sway space is provided for shock absorption, then shock resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment support function and shock absorption function into a single integrated protrusion structure. The protrusions serve dual purposes: providing alignment support during assembly and acting as shock-absorbing elements during operation, eliminating the need for separate alignment fixtures and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions automatically provide alignment support during assembly without requiring external fixtures or tools. The structure is designed to self-align the data drive during assembly, and then automatically transition to providing shock absorption during operation
3Reliability
If protrusions are designed to collapse under shock, then shock resistance is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are designed with controlled collapse characteristics that allow them to deform under shock loads, absorbing impact energy before it reaches the data drive. The structure is engineered to collapse in a controlled manner during shock events, providing cushioning protection
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are designed with specific geometric parameters and material properties that allow them to collapse under certain shock thresholds. The collapse behavior is controlled through parameter optimization, ensuring protection against head crashes while maintaining structural integrity for normal operation
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 simplifies assembly, reduces costs, and provides effective shock resistance by aligning mounting holes and creating necessary sway space without additional tools, while ensuring the HDD remains protected from damage within the compact enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
elastomeric shock absorbing systems that suspend the hard disk drive (HDD) within the enclosure. During an applied shock the elastomeric material will compress as the HDD moves thus absorbing/dissipating the energy from the shock wave and protecting the HDD from damage
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a data drive and an enclosure. Shock absorber mounting holes on the enclosure can receive shock absorbers to connect to the data drive. In this way the data drive can be suspended from the enclosure. The enclosure can also have one or more protrusion. The one or more protrusion can be located such that when the data drive is placed thereon and each shock absorber is placed within a respective shock absorber mounting hole, each shock absorber is aligned with a mounting hole on the data drive. This can allow securement of the respective shock absorber to the respective data drive mounting hole to suspend the data drive. When the data drive is assembled within the enclosure, the one or more protrusion is sized such that an impact on the one or more protrusion by the data drive will destroy the one or more protrusion.