HDD Tray Pivoting Cover With Retractable Fixing Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling, replacing, or repairing hard disk drives (HDDs) in servers are cumbersome due to the need for screw-based locking and detaching procedures, especially with the introduction of hot-swapping requirements in Open Compute Project (OCP) servers, which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A HDD tray and rack assembly design that allows HDDs to be fixed without screws, utilizing retractable fixing members and elastic mechanisms to securely hold the HDD in place, enabling easy assembly and detachment by pivoting the cover relative to the base, and a sliding track system for the HDD tray on the rack that uses stoppers and arcuate edges to facilitate smooth insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to lock HDDs in server trays, then the HDD can be securely fixed, but the assembly and detachment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is designed as a dynamic component that can automatically transition between extended (locked) and retracted (unlocked) states. When the tray is inserted into the rack, the fixing member automatically extends to engage with the rack structure, providing secure fixation without manual screw operations. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the complexity of screw-based locking while maintaining secure HDD fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member implements self-service functionality by automatically engaging with the rack structure when the tray is inserted. The elastic member stores and releases energy to automatically extend the fixing member into the rack's receiving structure, eliminating the need for manual screw tightening or complex locking procedures. This self-locking mechanism maintains reliable fixation while significantly simplifying the assembly process.
2Reliability
If screw-based locking is used for HDD trays, then secure fixation is achieved, but the hot-swapping operation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic fixing member enables rapid tray insertion and removal by automatically transitioning between locked and unlocked states. During hot-swapping operations, the fixing member retracts allowing quick tray removal, then automatically extends to secure the tray upon reinstallation, eliminating the time-consuming screw-based locking process while maintaining secure fixation throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member performs preliminary action by pre-loading the fixing member into an extended position ready to engage with the rack structure. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the tray is inserted, the fixing member is already in the correct state to immediately engage and secure the tray, enabling fast hot-swapping operations without requiring manual screw operations.
3Ease of operation
If retractable fixing members are used, then assembly and detachment is simplified, but the structural complexity of the tray increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the locking action, the elastic retention force, and the automatic engagement mechanism. By merging these functions into one integrated component rather than separate screw, spring, and latch elements, the overall structural complexity is minimized while maintaining ease of operation through automatic engagement and disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary element that transfers and stores mechanical energy between the tray and rack structures. This intermediary spring mechanism simplifies the overall system by providing the necessary force to extend and retract the fixing member automatically, eliminating the need for complex motorized or manually operated locking mechanisms while maintaining structural integrity.
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 design significantly improves the efficiency of HDD assembly and detachment by eliminating the need for screws and simplifying the hot-swapping process, allowing for quick and convenient installation and removal of HDDs within the server.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member located in the concave hole, and a bead connected to the elastic member. A portion of the bead normally protrudes from the concave hole and is adapted to be retracted into the concave hole when compressed.
Data Source
AI summary
A hard disk drive (HDD) tray adapted to carry a HDD includes a base and a cover pivoted to the base. The base includes a bottom plate and two base lateral plates connected to the bottom plate. The cover includes a top plate and two cover lateral plates connected to the top plate. One of each of the cover lateral plates and the corresponding base lateral plate includes a first fixing member which is retractable, and the other includes a fixing hole corresponding to the first fixing member. The HDD is located between the base and the cover. When the cover covers the base, the first fixing members extend into the corresponding fixing holes to fix the relative location of the cover and the base. When the cover is pivoted upward relative to the base, each first fixing member is drawn back along an inner wall of the fixing hole to exit the corresponding fixing hole. A HDD rack assembly is also provided.