Quick-Release Device Carrier With Latching Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional device carriers for computer chassis require complex components, high unit costs, and tools for insertion and removal, making them inefficient and costly for use in information handling systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of quick-release device carriers with a front panel, handle, and L-shaped bracket that includes protrusions and grooves for secure latching, allowing tool-less operation and easy insertion/removal of Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) or Solid State Drives (SSDs) from a chassis, along with integrated light guides for operational status indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional device carriers are used, then device security and connection reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device carrier is segmented into distinct functional components: a front panel for user interaction, a bracket for structural support and device mounting, and integrated protrusions for latching. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall structure compared to conventional monolithic carriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is extracted as integrated protrusions from the front panel that engage with corresponding grooves in the chassis, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This extraction simplifies the carrier structure while maintaining secure device retention.
2Reliability
If conventional device carriers are used, then device security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier incorporates a self-service latching mechanism where protrusions on the front panel automatically engage with grooves in the chassis when the device is inserted, and can be manually released by pressing the front panel. This eliminates the need for external tools while maintaining secure device retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The front panel is designed as a dynamic component that can move between locked and unlocked positions. When pressed, the front panel retracts the protrusions from the grooves, enabling tool-less device removal while maintaining security during normal operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional device carriers are used, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is merged into the front panel structure through integrated protrusions, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This merging reduces part count and assembly steps, lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining connection stability between the device carrier and chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The front panel serves multiple functions: user interaction interface, structural support, and integrated latching mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring stable device connection to the chassis.
4Ease of operation
If quick-release mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanism is segmented into simple geometric features: protrusions on the front panel and corresponding grooves in the chassis. This segmentation creates a straightforward latching system that achieves quick-release functionality without adding complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical latching system is replaced with a simple geometric interlocking mechanism using protrusions and grooves. This substitution achieves quick-release functionality through basic shape complementarity rather than complex mechanical linkages, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Quick-release device carriers for computer chassis are described. In some embodiments, a carrier configured to couple and to decouple a device into or from a chassis may include: a front panel having a proximal edge, a distal edge opposite the proximal edge, and a handle nearest the proximal edge, where the proximal edge includes at least one protrusion; and a bracket slideable into the chassis, where the bracket includes a lateral portion and a rear portion, where the distal edge is coupled to the lateral portion via a hinge, where the rear portion includes an opening configured to accommodate an electronic connector between the device and the chassis, where the at least one protrusion is configured to latch onto at least one corresponding groove of a fixed portion of the chassis when the carrier is in a closed position, and where the fixed portion is parallel to the lateral portion.