HDD Vibration Isolator with Split Cylindrical Projections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retaining structures for hard disk drives (HDDs) in image forming apparatuses often fail to adequately protect HDDs from vibrations, leading to potential damage between the magnetic disk and head, and may damage the vibration isolator during attachment, resulting in inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A retaining structure comprising a frame with a through hole and a vibration isolator with a cylindrical portion that fits into the hole, featuring projecting portions and notches to absorb vibrations and prevent the isolator from falling off, allowing for secure and efficient attachment without deforming the isolator excessively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional vibration isolator is used to protect the HDD from vibrations, then the HDD is protected from damage, but the vibration isolator may be damaged during attachment and installation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration isolator is divided into multiple cylindrical portions (first, second, third cylindrical portions) with different structures. Each portion serves a specific function: the first portion with outer projections for initial engagement, the second portion with inner projections for securing, and the third portion for vibration isolation. This segmentation allows the isolator to be attached efficiently without excessive deformation while maintaining protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the vibration isolator have different structural properties tailored to their specific functions. The first cylindrical portion has outer projections for easy engagement with the through hole, the second portion has inner projections for securing against the housing, and the third portion has a specific structure for vibration isolation. This local differentiation optimizes both attachment efficiency and protective function.
2Reliability
If the vibration isolator is securely attached to protect the HDD, then protection is improved, but the attachment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The first cylindrical portion of the vibration isolator is pre-formed with outer projections that automatically engage with the through hole during insertion. This preliminary structural design eliminates the need for complex attachment steps, as the isolator secures itself through the engagement of these pre-formed projections with the through hole and housing.
3Reliability
If the vibration isolator is designed to absorb vibrations effectively, then HDD protection is improved, but the isolator structure becomes complex and may be damaged during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration isolator is segmented into three distinct cylindrical portions, each with specific structural features. The first portion handles engagement, the second portion handles securing, and the third portion handles vibration isolation. This segmentation allows the vibration absorption function to be optimized in the third portion without compromising the strength of the engagement and securing portions during installation.
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 solution effectively absorbs vibrations, prevents damage to the HDD and vibration isolator, and improves attachment efficiency by allowing the HDD to be securely fixed without deforming the isolator, thus enhancing protection and work efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration isolator is mounted on the frame and abutting against the information recording device accommodated in the accommodation space
Implementation Method 2
The cylindrical portion includes projecting portions formed by splitting one end portion of cylindrical portion into a plurality of portions
Data Source
AI summary
A HDD retaining mechanism includes a frame and a vibration isolator. The frame includes a through hole in a prescribed position. The vibration isolator includes a smaller cylindrical portion formed so as to be fitted in the through hole. The smaller cylindrical portion includes projecting portions formed by splitting one end portion of the smaller cylindrical portion into a plurality of portions in a circumferential direction. The projecting portions project into the accommodation space and abut against a HDD when the smaller cylindrical portion is fitted in the through hole. Each of the projecting portions includes a notch part recessed toward a center position of the smaller cylindrical portion from an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion and extending across each of the projecting portions in the smaller circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion.