Resilient Biasing Clamp for Tool-Free Disk Drive Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disk drive mounting schemes are time-consuming and inconvenient, requiring tools for removal and insertion, and do not facilitate automated loading and unloading, while also failing to securely isolate the disk drive from vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly using a resilient biasing element mounted to a substrate, which biases the disk drive connector and substrate connector together, allowing easy manual or robotic insertion and removal without tools, and providing secure connection and vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting schemes with tools are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but operation time increases and automation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly uses a resilient biasing element that automatically engages with the disk drive when inserted, eliminating the need for manual tool operation. The biasing element self-adjusts to secure the disk drive in place and self-releases when the disk drive is removed, enabling tool-free operation and reducing installation/removal time
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly transitions from a static fastening mechanism to a dynamic one using a resilient biasing element. The biasing element can deform elastically during insertion to accommodate the disk drive, then automatically returns to its biased state to secure the drive, enabling both easy manual operation and automated handling
2Extent of automation
If resilient biasing element is used, then automated handling is enabled, but connection security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient biasing element is pre-loaded with elastic energy before engagement. When the disk drive is inserted, the pre-biased element automatically applies clamping force to secure the drive and establish electrical connections through the substrate connector, ensuring reliable connection without requiring additional securing actions
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient biasing element uses curved or elastic geometry to provide continuous contact pressure on the disk drive. This curved design allows the element to deform and conform to the disk drive shape while maintaining constant securing force, ensuring reliable connection during automated handling
3Area of stationary object
If minimal space is used for clamp assembly, then space efficiency is improved, but vibration isolation capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient biasing element functions as a flexible component that can be designed as a thin film or shell structure. This flexible element provides vibration isolation through its elastic properties while occupying minimal space, as it can deform to absorb vibration energy without requiring large physical dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration isolation capability is achieved by optimizing the physical parameters of the resilient biasing element, such as its elasticity modulus, thickness, and geometry. By carefully selecting these parameters, adequate vibration damping is obtained within a compact form factor that minimizes the space occupied by the clamp assembly
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 efficient, tool-free insertion and removal of disk drives, secure connections, and effective vibration damping, while minimizing space requirements and allowing for automated handling.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient biasing element biases the disk drive and the substrate connector together
Implementation Method 2
Appropriate selection of the biasing member can also help damp vibration of the disk drive during use
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed herein a clamp assembly and a method for clamping a disk drive to a substrate. The disk drive has a disk drive connector. The clamp assembly includes a resilient biasing element mounted to the substrate. The clamp assembly also has a substrate connector. When a disk drive connector is connected to the substrate connector, the resilient biasing element biases the disk drive and the substrate connector together.