Optical Disc Drive Diagonal Ejection Key Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical disc drives often experience accidental tray ejection due to accidental pressing of the eject key, especially in standard designs where the eject key must travel a longer distance for horizontal ejection, which is not suitable for all types of drives.
Innovation Solution
The optical disc drive incorporates a slanted ejection mechanism with a front cover and eject key, where the eject key must be moved diagonally relative to the tray's ejecting direction, utilizing elastic members and a pusher mechanism to prevent accidental ejection by requiring a specific directional displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the eject key is pressed horizontally for a certain distance to eject the tray, then accidental ejection is prevented, but the ejection operation becomes more complex and is limited to customized drives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ejection key movement from horizontal (one dimension) to diagonal (combining vertical and horizontal dimensions). The ejection key is configured to move diagonally downward and forward, pressing against the pusher at an angle rather than purely horizontally, thereby preventing accidental activation while maintaining standard drive specifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the movement parameters of the ejection key by changing its trajectory angle. The ejection key moves along a diagonal path at a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the horizontal plane, transforming the activation mechanism from simple horizontal pressing to angled diagonal pressing, which prevents accidental activation while maintaining operational simplicity
2Reliability
If the eject key travels a longer distance for horizontal ejection, then accidental ejection is prevented, but the operation becomes less efficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing a diagonal movement path that combines vertical and horizontal components, the patent achieves reliable tray ejection in a shorter overall distance. The diagonal trajectory allows the ejection key to reach the pusher more efficiently than purely horizontal movement, reducing the time required while preventing accidental activation through the angled motion requirement
3Reliability
If the horizontal ejection technique is used, then accidental ejection is prevented, but it is not suitable for standard type optical disc drives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal ejection mechanism that works with standard optical disc drives. The diagonal ejection key design is compatible with standard drive bay dimensions and tray mechanisms, allowing the same solution to be applied across both standard and customized drive types without requiring drive-specific modifications
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the ejection key movement angle to diagonal, the patent creates a solution that fits within standard drive specifications while achieving the anti-accidental ejection function. The angled trajectory accommodates standard drive bay geometries and pusher positions, making the mechanism adaptable to various standard drive configurations
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 effectively prevents accidental tray ejection while maintaining standard specifications, ensuring the tray is not released when the user is holding the device, enhancing user safety and device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of elastic members, each having one end connected to the control portion and the other end penetrating the switch opening and fixed to the inner side of the front cover
Data Source
AI summary
The instant disclosure relates to an optical disc drive, which includes a tray, a front cover fixed to the tray, and an eject key. The tray has a control surface facing the ejecting direction and an ejection switch disposed thereon. The front cover has a base portion and a switch opening formed thereon. The eject key has a control portion, an abutting portion connected to the control portion, and at least one elastic member. The control portion is slidably disposed on the outer surface of the front cover toward a first direction diagonal to the ejecting direction. The elastic member is disposed in between the control portion and the front cover. The control portion can be displaced toward the first direction in causing the abutting portion to generate a horizontal displacement parallel to the ejecting direction toward the ejection switch. The instant disclosure also describes an ejection mechanism.