Horizontal Cartridge HDD Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching and detaching cartridge type HDDs in image forming apparatuses are prone to operator error, leading to potential HDD breakage and data loss due to uncomfortable handling and lack of fail-safe mechanisms for signal reception, which can result in careless attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
The cartridge type HDD is designed with a horizontal case opening and a lock mechanism, allowing for safe and secure attachment and detachment, and an integrated HDD turn-off switch to prevent data loss, along with a tray system for easy access and a lock key for mechanical and electrical safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cartridge type HDD is attached vertically from the upper side, then the HDD can be inserted into the unit case, but the operator may cause the HDD to fall due to uncomfortable attitude leading to breakage and data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical attachment direction to a horizontal direction. The case opening is formed to open in the horizontal direction, allowing the HDD to be attached from the horizontal side rather than vertically from above. This inversion eliminates the need for the operator to extend their arm upward in an uncomfortable attitude, thereby preventing HDD breakage and data loss while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If connectors are provided in a deep portion inside the unit case, then electrical conduction is established, but the HDD may be attached or detached carelessly without fail-safe mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a lock mechanism that must be operated before the HDD can be attached or detached. The lock mechanism includes a lock key that, when operated, moves a lock member to release the locking state. This preliminary action ensures that the HDD is only attached or detached when intentionally commanded, preventing careless attachment/detachment while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the deep portion connectors.
3Reliability
If a lock mechanism is provided for secure attachment, then the HDD is safely fixed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the use of a lock key that the operator controls. When the lock key is operated, it directly moves the lock member to switch between locked and unlocked states without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. This self-service approach provides secure HDD fixation while minimizing device complexity by eliminating the need for motorized locks or electronic control circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge type HDD unit 20 is mounted on the outside of a back plate panel 2 of an exterior cover rear portion in an image forming apparatus 1. An HDD main body is detachably attachable into a unit case 21. When the HDD main body is attached into the unit case 21, the HDD main body is substantially horizontally inserted from a sideways case opening 22. In the conventional art, there is the problem that the HDD main body is caused to fall carelessly in attachment working in which the HDD main body is mounted to a housing case such that the HDD main body drops into a housing case in a vertical direction. However the problem above described is eliminated, and the attachment working of the HDD main body can be performed easily and safely. With reference to security protection of information stored in the on-board mounted built-in HDD, the information stored in the built-in HDD can be transferred to and stored in the cartridge type HDD.