Rotatable Tenon Mechanism for Hard Drive Extraction in Limited Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hard drive extraction and installation mechanisms only allow movement in a single direction, making it difficult to align with connectors in limited computer spaces, restricting flexibility and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
An extracting and installing structure that includes a vertical driving component and a rotatable tenon, enabling the electrical device to move in two perpendicular directions by transforming vertical reaction forces into horizontal forces, using a linkage rod and chute system with a rotatable tenon to facilitate horizontal displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-direction linkage mechanism is used for hard drive extraction and installation, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot align with connectors in limited computer spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotatable tenon mechanism that enables the hard drive to move from single-direction linear motion to two-dimensional compound motion. The tenon rotates around a pivot point, allowing the hard drive to first move vertically along a chute and then horizontally toward the connector, effectively adding a rotational dimension to the extraction/installation path.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement path is divided into two distinct segments: a vertical movement phase guided by the chute and linkage rod, followed by a horizontal rotation phase enabled by the rotatable tenon. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one direction of motion while the combination achieves multi-directional capability.
2Volume of stationary object
If a single-direction extraction mechanism is used, then the mechanism is straightforward, but the displacement space required is large
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing rotational motion around the tenon pivot point, the mechanism converts what would be a long linear displacement into a compact arc-shaped path. The hard drive rotates horizontally after vertical extraction, allowing connection to the connector with minimal overall displacement space required within the computer chassis.
3Area of stationary object
If the hard drive must align directly with the connector, then the connection is straightforward, but the space available in computer shell is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable tenon mechanism provides operational flexibility by allowing the hard drive to approach the connector from an angled path rather than requiring perfect direct alignment. Users can insert or extract the hard drive at various angles, and the tenon will guide it into proper connection, significantly easing the ease of operation within limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism automatically compensates for misalignment through the rotatable tenon's natural rotation. As the hard drive is inserted or extracted, the tenon self-adjusts its angle to maintain connection, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment by the user.
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 solution allows for reduced space requirements during extraction or installation, enabling the hard drive to be easily removed or installed in non-aligned positions, optimizing space usage within the computer shell.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable tenon, for transforming the vertical reaction force from the vertical driving component to another reaction force working in a horizontal direction while applying the horizontal reaction force upon the electrical device
Data Source
AI summary
An extracting and installing structure for electrical device is disclosed, which comprises: a base for receiving an electrical device; a first chute; a linkage rod, configured with a first protrusion and capable of sliding inside the first chute in a first direction; and a rotatable tenon, configured with a second chute and an interlocking end as the second chute is provided for the first protrusion of the linkage rod to inset therein and the interlocking end is fitted inside an interlocking element of the base; wherein, when the linkage rod is driven to rotate the rotatable tenon, the rotatable tenon is going to force the electrical device to move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.