Sliding-Cover Locking Assembly for Tight-Space Module Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching mechanisms in server hard disk carriers often face difficulties in disengagement due to limited lateral space, making it hard to separate the latching block from the server chassis.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a mounting frame and a locking assembly that includes a main body, a latch, and a sliding cover. The latch is rotatably connected to the main body and can be driven to rotate by the sliding cover, allowing it to engage or disengage from a latching column without separate rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latching block is used on a hard disk carrier, then the hard disk carrier can be fixed to the server chassis, but disengaging the latching block becomes difficult when lateral space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is designed to rotate between locked and unlocked positions, and the sliding cover translates linear motion into rotational motion of the latch. This dynamic mechanism allows the latch to automatically rotate and disengage from the latching column when the sliding cover is moved, solving the problem of difficult disengagement in limited lateral space while maintaining reliable locking when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding cover acts as an intermediary component between the user's linear pulling motion and the latch's rotational disengagement. By introducing this intermediate element, the system converts a simple linear pull into the necessary rotational motion of the latch, making disengagement easy even when lateral space is constrained
2Reliability
If the latching block is pushed and pulled for disengagement, then the locking can be released, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the disengagement function into a single linear motion of the sliding cover, which simultaneously drives the latch to rotate and separate from the latching column. This merges multiple actions (latch rotation and disengagement) into one simple operation, significantly reducing unlocking time while maintaining secure locking when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is pre-configured in a rotatable connection with the main body, ready to rotate when needed. The sliding cover is pre-positioned to drive the latch rotation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the sliding cover is pulled, the latch immediately rotates and disengages without requiring complex multi-step operations, reducing unlocking time while preserving locking security
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device and a functional module including the locking device are provided. The locking device includes a mounting frame with a latching column, and a locking assembly locking or releasing the mounting frame. The locking assembly includes a main body pivotally connected with the mounting frame, a latch rotatably connected with the main body, and a sliding cover slidably mounted on the main body and can drive the latch to rotate relative to the main body. When the latch is engaged with the latching column, the locking assembly is locked to the mounting frame. When the sliding cover is moved relative to the main body, the latch rotates relative to the main body to disengage from the latching column. The latch does not need to be rotated separately, and unlocking efficiency of the locking device is improved.