Removable Hard Disk Carrier Tool-Free Elastic Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hard disk carriers require the use of hand tools for attachment and detachment due to rigid structures, making the process inconvenient, especially when dealing with multiple disks or frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A removable hard disk carrier design featuring an L-shaped support, flexible support, and side support that form an accommodating space, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without tools, using elastic deformation to facilitate disk placement and locking posts for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid rectangular frame is used for the hard disk carrier, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because hand tools are still needed for attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static rigid rectangular frame with a dynamic structure comprising an L-shaped support and a side support that can be moved between engaged and disengaged positions. The side support is movable along the L-shaped support, allowing the fixing frame to transition from a closed state (providing structural strength) to an open state (enabling easy disk insertion and removal without hand tools).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the originally rigid rectangular frame into separate components: an L-shaped support and a side support. This segmentation allows the side support to be independently moved, enabling the fixing frame to open and close. The segmentation maintains structural integrity when closed while enabling easy operation when opened, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If screws are used to fix the hard disk on the carrier, then the reliability of fixation is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming attachment and detachment processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the screws from the fixation mechanism, replacing them with a screw-free design. The side support itself serves as the fixing element, utilizing elastic deformation and engagement geometry to secure the hard disk. This extraction eliminates the need for hand tools while maintaining reliable fixation through the elastic engagement between the side support and L-shaped support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the elastic deformation mechanism of the side support. When the side support is moved to the engaged position, its elastic deformation automatically provides the necessary fixation force to secure the hard disk. The system self-regulates the fixation pressure through material elasticity, eliminating the need for manual screw tightening and ensuring consistent fixation reliability without human intervention.
3Ease of operation
If a removable framework is used to enable quick engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the frame structure and the fixation mechanism into a single integrated system. The L-shaped support and side support serve dual purposes: they form the structural framework and simultaneously provide the fixation function through their engagement and elastic deformation. This merging reduces the need for separate fixation components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining quick engagement capability.
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
Enables convenient and tool-free attachment and detachment of hard disks, reducing time and effort required for replacements and installations, while maintaining secure fixation without screws.
Implementation Method 1
the side support can depart away from the L-shaped support by elastically deforming the flexible support
Implementation Method 2
By restoration of the elastically deformed flexible support, the side support is engaged with the L-shaped support again for fixing the replacement hard disk
Data Source
AI summary
A removable hard disk carrier includes an L-shaped support, a flexible support, and a side support. The flexible support is fixedly connected to an end portion of the L-shaped support. The side support is fixedly connected to an end portion of the flexible support and is detachably engaged with another end portion of the L-shaped support. Therein, after the side support is detachably engaged with the L-shaped support, the L-shaped support, the flexible support, and the side support form an accommodating space therebetween and can fix a hard disk in the accommodating space. When the side support and the L-shaped support are not engaged, the side support can move away from the L-shaped support due to the resilient deformation of the flexible support, so that the hard disk can be detached from the removable hard disk carrier.