Quick Release Mechanism for Electronic Device Access Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and uninstallation of access units, such as optical disk drives (ODD) or hard disk drives (HDD) in personal computers are complex, inflexible, and time-consuming, leading to inconvenient operations for users and increased production overhead in manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A quick release mechanism is introduced, featuring a carrier with a recess and an elastic member that engages with a restricting portion to securely hold the access unit, and a movable member that, when actuated, allows the access unit to be easily removed by deforming the elastic member and moving the fixed member perpendicular to the access unit's direction, simplifying the installation and uninstallation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional installation and uninstallation procedures are used (removing housing, removing connector, loosening screws), then the access unit can be installed or removed, but the process is complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The access unit is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently installed and removed from the main device body. The mounting structure divides the connection into discrete elements (mounting holes, elastic members, restricting portions) that can be quickly engaged and disengaged without affecting the entire device assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism incorporates elastic members that can dynamically deform to enable quick release. When external force is applied, the elastic members deform to release the restricting portions from the mounting holes, allowing the access unit to be quickly removed without manual screw loosening or housing removal.
2Reliability
If conventional installation procedures are used, then the access unit can be securely mounted, but the process is inflexible and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members automatically engage with the restricting portions when the access unit is inserted, providing self-locking functionality. The mounting mechanism serves itself by using the insertion force to compress the elastic members into the restricting portions, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and reducing procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting state is controlled by changing the deformation parameter of the elastic members. In the mounted state, the elastic members are compressed and engaged with the restricting portions. During removal, the elastic members deform to release the engagement, allowing transition between mounted and removed states through controlled deformation rather than complex mechanical operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the access unit is securely restricted in the recess, then the mounting is stable, but the removal process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members are pre-loaded in a compressed state during installation, creating a preliminary restraining force that secures the access unit in place. This pre-applied force ensures stable mounting during normal operation. For removal, an external force is applied that overcomes this pre-loaded elastic force, allowing the elastic members to deform and release the restricting portions, thus enabling easy removal despite the secure initial mounting.
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 mechanism enables quick and convenient installation and removal of access units without the need for complex procedures like detaching the housing or loosening screws, enhancing user maintenance and improving production efficiency and manufacturing overhead.
Implementation Method 1
the first contact portion pushes the elastic member along the first direction to deform and separate from the restricting portion
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing with a carrier therein. The carrier includes a recess with a restricting portion therein. An access unit is disposed in the recess. An elastic member is connected to the access unit and engaged with the restricting portion to restrict the access unit in the recess. A fixed member is connected to the access unit. A movable member is movably disposed on the carrier, including a first contact portion and a second contact portion. When an external force is exerted on the movable member along a first direction, the first contact portion pushes the elastic member along the first direction to deform and separate from the restricting portion, and the second contact portion pushes the fixed member to move along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, such that the access unit can be removed from the housing.