Pivoting Optical Drive in Sunken Thin Computer Casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thin notebook computers require external disk drives due to the thickness constraints of built-in disk drivers, which complicates design and increases device thickness.
Innovation Solution
A computer device with a built-in disk driver featuring a sunken structure and a pivoting or sliding tray mechanism that allows the disk driver to move out of the casing for optical disk reading, positioned non-overlappingly with the keyboard to minimize thickness and enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional standard disk driver is built into the portable computer device, then the disk driver can read optical disks, but the thickness of the portable computer device becomes no less than the total thickness of the conventional standard disk driver plus the keyboard
Solution Approach 1:
The disk driver is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a retracted position (reducing thickness) and an extended position (providing full functionality). The tray mechanism enables the disk driver to move in and out of the casing, dynamically adjusting the device's overall thickness based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the depth dimension by creating a sunken structure that houses the disk driver. The tray extends in the depth direction from the sunken structure, allowing the disk driver to occupy three-dimensional space efficiently. This dimensional approach enables the disk driver to be integrated without increasing the device's external thickness when retracted.
2Length of stationary object
If the disk driver is disposed under the keyboard to save space, then the device thickness may be reduced, but the position of the disk driver overlaps with the keyboard position
Solution Approach 1:
The disk driver is nested within a sunken structure that is integrated into the casing. The sunken structure creates a recessed area where the disk driver can be housed without protruding beyond the device's external dimensions. This nesting approach allows the disk driver to be contained within the available space without overlapping with the keyboard or increasing overall thickness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an external disk driver is equipped for the thin notebook computer, then the disk driver functionality is maintained, but the design becomes more complicated and the device loses its thin structure
Solution Approach 1:
The disk driver is merged with the casing to form an integrated unit. The sunken structure is part of the casing itself, and the tray is connected to the casing, creating a unified design. This merging eliminates the need for separate external disk driver components and simplifies the overall design while maintaining thin profile and full functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer device with a built-in disk driver is disclosed in the present invention. The thin computer device includes a casing for accommodating at least one electronic component. A sunken structure is disposed on a surface of the casing. The thin computer device further includes a disk driver movably disposed inside the sunken structure. The disk driver includes a tray, a drive motor, a track set, and an optical read-in module. The tray movably connected to the casing for holding an optical disk. The drive motor disposed on the tray. The track set disposed on the tray. The optical read-in module slidably disposed on the track set. The optical read-in module reads information from the optical disk when the tray holds the optical disk and is located outside the sunken structure.