Storage Drive Mounting Bracket With Push-Fit Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of securing and removing storage drives within computing devices is time-consuming and difficult due to the use of tiny screws and limited clearance, which can lead to loss and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system featuring a bracket with sidewalls, fasteners, and grommets that utilize an interference fit and resilient materials to facilitate easy installation and removal of storage drives without screws, providing shock resistance and vibration isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional screws are used to secure storage drives, then the storage drive can be firmly fixed, 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 aperture and a head portion that remains outside. This segmentation allows the shaft to provide secure anchoring while the head enables easy gripping and removal, eliminating the need for tools and reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a screw that requires rotational tightening, the invention inverts the fastening mechanism by using a push-through pin that relies on interference fit and friction. The fastener is inserted in a linear motion and secured by friction rather than threading, making removal as simple as pushing it out from the other side.
2Reliability
If traditional tiny screws are used, then the storage drive can be secured, but the screws are easily dropped and lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener exhibits local quality by having different characteristics at different parts: the shaft has a diameter slightly larger than the aperture for interference fit and secure anchoring, while the head has a larger diameter for easy gripping. This local differentiation ensures both reliable fixation and ease of handling without loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The head of the fastener acts as an intermediary element between the user's finger and the shaft. It provides a large gripping surface that prevents the fastener from being dropped, while still allowing the shaft to perform its fastening function through the aperture.
3Volume of moving object
If clearances are small in the housing, then the device can be compact, but screwing storage drives becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dimension of the fastening operation from rotational (screwing motion requiring lateral clearance) to linear (push-through motion requiring minimal lateral space). This dimensional change allows the fastening operation to be performed in tight clearances where traditional screws would be difficult to manipulate.
4Productivity
If interference fit fasteners are used, then quick installation is achieved, but shock and vibration may affect the storage drive
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient material surrounding the aperture acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and dampens shock and vibration before it reaches the storage drive. This beforehand cushioning protects the drive while maintaining the quick installation benefits of the interference fit fastener.
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 quick and tool-free installation and replacement of storage drives, reducing installation time and enhancing drive performance through improved stability and shock resistance.
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 resilient material may resist shock and vibrationally isolate the storage drive from the mounting bracket, the housing base, and the housing cover
Implementation Method 3
The resilient material may resist shock and vibrationally isolate the storage drive from the mounting bracket, the housing base, and the housing cover
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.