Rotary Tray Module for Electronic Device Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic system chassis designs are labor-intensive and time-consuming for large-scale deployment, with tray brackets that do not precisely align data storage devices with connectors, and inadequate ventilation leading to potential overheating.

Innovation Solution

A device tray module with an inner tray, enclosure, linkage assembly, and handle assembly that allows for easy and quick installation of electronic devices, precise alignment with circuit board connectors, and improved heat dissipation through design and configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a separate tray bracket is used to install data storage devices, then the devices can be installed in the chassis, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device installationVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tray bracket and the data storage device into a single integrated unit. The tray is formed as one piece with the device, eliminating the need for separate assembly and installation steps. This merging of components directly resolves the contradiction by making installation faster and less labor-intensive while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized integrated designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the tray bracket is inserted without precise alignment mechanisms, then the insertion process is simple, but the data storage device does not line up precisely with the connector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of tray insertionVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features directly into the tray structure before insertion. Alignment ribs, guide slots, or positioned protrusions are pre-formed on the tray during manufacturing, ensuring that the data storage device automatically lines up with the connector upon insertion. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple insertion operations while achieving precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If the connector is placed deep inside the compartment, then the chassis structure is compact, but the operator cannot see or align the connector easily during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechassis compactnessVSAvoidconnector visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces visual intermediaries such as alignment indicators, colored markers, or transparent sections on the tray and corresponding features in the chassis compartment. These visual cues serve as intermediaries that allow the operator to see and align with the connector's position even when it is located deep inside the compartment. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining compact chassis design while improving connector detectability through visual mediation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If trial-and-error alignment is used during insertion, then no complex alignment mechanisms are needed, but the process is time-consuming and risks damaging the hardware

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment mechanism complexityVSAvoidhardware damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates compliance features such as flexible connectors, spring-loaded contact points, or resilient mounting elements that can accommodate minor misalignments without causing damage. These cushioning elements are built into the system beforehand to protect against the harmful effects of imperfect alignment, resolving the contradiction by maintaining simple device complexity while reducing hardware damage risk through protective design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12302524B2Rotary tray module for electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A device tray including an inner tray, an enclosure, a linkage assembly, and a handle assembly is disclosed. The inner tray has a first base and walls defining a first receptacle adapted for receiving an electronic device. The enclosure has a second base and walls defining a second receptacle adapted for slidably retaining the inner tray. The linkage assembly includes a first linking member hingeably coupled to the second base, a second linking member coupled with the first linking member at a hinged joint, and a slider movably coupled with the second base along a linear path. The slider is hingeably coupled to the second linking member. The handle assembly is coupled to the slider and causing, in response to a manual force, the slider to move along the linear path and rotate the enclosure between a closed position and an open position.