Storage Drive Mounting Bracket With Tool-Free Interference Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of securing and removing storage drives within computing devices is time-consuming and challenging due to the use of tiny screws and limited clearance, often requiring tools and causing screws to be easily lost.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system featuring a bracket with parallel sidewalls, fasteners, and grommets that allow for easy installation and removal of storage drives using interference fits and resilient materials to provide shock resistance and vibration isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screws are used to secure storage drives, then the storage drive can be firmly mounted, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is segmented into two distinct parts: a shaft portion that inserts into the threaded aperture and a head portion that remains outside. This segmentation allows the shaft to provide secure threading engagement while the head enables easy grasping and removal, resolving the contradiction between mounting stability and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring a tool to drive a screw in and out, the design inverts the interaction by making the fastener head directly graspable by fingers. The head is sized and shaped to be manipulated without tools, reversing the traditional screw operation from tool-dependent to tool-free, thus reducing installation time while maintaining secure mounting.
2Reliability
If traditional screws are used to secure storage drives, then the storage drive can be firmly mounted, but the process becomes difficult with small clearances and tiny screws
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is segmented into a shaft portion for engagement and a substantially larger head portion for manipulation. This segmentation allows the shaft to fit through the aperture while the head provides a large grip area, making the fastener easy to handle and install even in confined spaces with limited clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The enlarged head acts as an intermediary between the user's fingers and the fastener shaft. It provides a mechanical advantage for grasping and manipulating the fastener, transforming a difficult-to-handle small screw into an easily manipulatable component that can be installed and removed by hand.
3Device complexity
If traditional tiny screws are used, then the mounting structure can be compact, but the screws are easily dropped and lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into a small shaft portion that fits through the aperture and a substantially larger head portion that remains accessible. This segmentation ensures the compact mounting structure is maintained while the enlarged head prevents the fastener from being accidentally dropped or lost during installation or removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The enlarged head serves as an intermediary that provides a large, easily graspable surface. This intermediate structure prevents the fastener from slipping through fingers or being accidentally dropped, as the head is too large to be easily misplaced while still allowing the shaft to fit through the mounting aperture.
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
Facilitates quick and tool-free installation and replacement of storage drives, reducing installation time and enhancing durability through shock resistance and vibration isolation.
Implementation Method 1
The distal end of each fastener is formed as a pin of a second diameter smaller than the first diameter sized for linear, axial insertion within one of the corresponding threaded mounting apertures for an interference fit
Implementation Method 2
the grommets resist shock and vibrationally isolate the storage drive from the mounting bracket
Implementation Method 3
the grommets resist shock and vibrationally isolate the storage drive from the mounting bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for a storage drive includes a mounting bracket and a plurality of fasteners. The mounting bracket includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, parallel to and spaced apart from the first sidewall. Each of the first and second sidewalls defines a plurality of apertures therein, spaced apart from one another and configured to align with corresponding threaded mounting apertures defined within the storage drive. The fasteners are positioned within apertures of the first and sidewalls. Each fastener has a head end and a distal end separated by a shaft having a first diameter. The distal end of each fastener is formed as a pin of a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and sized for linear, axial insertion within the corresponding threaded mounting apertures for an interference fit.