Toolless Data Storage Carrier With Spring Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and installation of data storage devices in enclosures are time-consuming and prone to incorrect installation due to the need for multiple fasteners, increasing costs and risks of improper assembly.
Innovation Solution
A toolless data storage device carrier design that secures data storage devices without mechanical fasteners, using clips to apply continuous spring pressure across rails, reducing the need for tools and parts, and minimizing assembly time while ensuring secure attachment and vibration mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple mechanical fasteners are used to secure data storage devices, then the attachment strength and reliability are improved, but the assembly time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts, clips) from the data storage device carrier, extracting the complicating elements while maintaining secure attachment through integrated rail mechanisms that hold devices via friction and geometric constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The support rails are designed to combine multiple functions: structural support, device positioning, and securement mechanisms are merged into a single integrated component rather than separate fasteners, reducing assembly steps while maintaining reliability
2Strength
If multiple fasteners and components are used, then the securement strength is improved, but the quantity of parts and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional fasteners and complex securing mechanisms are completely removed from the design, leaving only the essential support rails that provide securement through their geometry and friction-based contact with the device
Solution Approach 2:
The support rails serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, positioning devices correctly, and securing devices through friction and geometric constraints, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing overall complexity
3Reliability
If traditional fastener-based assembly is used, then the secure attachment is ensured, but the risk of incorrect installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier design enables self-service installation where the device simply drops onto the support rails and secures automatically through friction and geometric constraints, without requiring tools or complex assembly procedures that could lead to errors
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
The toolless carrier reduces assembly time, minimizes incorrect installations, and effectively secures data storage devices, maintaining uninterrupted electrical connections and reducing the risk of damage from vibration and movement.
Implementation Method 1
a clip physically contacting each rail while spanning the data storage device, the clip being shaped to continuously force each rail into contact with the data storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage enclosure can house and electrically connect to multiple data storage devices respectively secured by a carrier. A toolless data storage device carrier can be configured with a data storage device disposed between first and second rails and a clip physically contacting each rail while spanning the data storage device. The clip being shaped to continuously force each rail into contact with the data storage device.