Tray Assembly Sliding Carrier and Tilting Handle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hard disk tray installation and removal processes are inconvenient and require specific tools, making them time-consuming and prone to errors due to the need for screwing and unscrewing hard disks.
Innovation Solution
A tray assembly design featuring a carrier, base frame, handle, and connecting rod allows for tool-free installation and removal of storage devices by sliding and tilting mechanisms, utilizing guiding structures and lever arms to facilitate easy handling and locking of storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional screw-based installation method is used, then storage device can be securely fixed to hard disk tray, but installation and uninstallation become time-consuming and require specific tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the hard disk tray movable relative to the storage device through a sliding mechanism. The tray can be easily pulled out and pushed in without tools, transforming the static screw-fixed connection into a dynamic movable connection that maintains security while enabling quick removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary locking mechanism consisting of locking protrusions and locking grooves. This intermediary structure mediates between the storage device and hard disk tray, providing secure fixation when locked while allowing easy removal when unlocked, eliminating the need for screw tools.
2Reliability
If traditional screw-based installation method is used, then storage device can be securely fixed, but screws may accidentally fall into the hard disk tray causing loss
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism with protrusions and grooves acts as an intermediary that provides secure fixation without using screws. The interlocking geometric features maintain reliability while eliminating the screw components that could be lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical fastening system with a geometric interlocking locking mechanism. This substitution maintains the reliability of secure fixation while eliminating screws entirely, preventing the possibility of screw loss.
3Ease of operation
If handle mechanism is added to enable tool-free operation, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to rotate and drive the locking protrusions to engage or disengage with locking grooves. This dynamic mechanism transforms simple handle rotation into locking/unlocking action, providing ease of operation while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through motion transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle mechanism serves multiple functions: it rotates to drive the locking protrusions, transmits force to move the tray, and provides a user interface for operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while achieving tool-free operation.
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 simple and efficient installation and removal of storage devices without extra tools, reducing the effort required and preventing accidental loss of screws, while ensuring secure fixing and easy access for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The handle includes a fulcrum, a first lever arm, a second lever arm and a grip. The fulcrum is pivoted to the second side wall. The first lever arm is connected with the fulcrum and has a first length. The second lever arm is connected with the fulcrum and is pivoted to the connecting rod.
Implementation Method 2
The carrier includes a first guiding structure. The base frame further includes a base plate and a first side wall. The first side wall is connected with the base plate and has a second guiding structure. The second guiding structure and the first guiding structure are slidably connected.
Data Source
AI summary
A tray assembly configured for carrying a storage device is provided. The tray assembly includes a carrier, a base frame, a handle and a connecting rod. The carrier carries the storage device. The base frame slidably connects with the carrier, allowing the carrier to slide between a first position and a second position relative to the base frame. The base frame includes a locking part and the handle pivots to the base frame. Two ends of the connecting rod respectively pivot to the carrier and the handle. When the handle rotates relative to the base frame and drives the carrier to slide to the first position, the carrier is carried on the base frame and the handle locks up with the locking part. When the handle rotates relative to the base frame and drives the carrier to slide to the second position, the carrier tilts relative to the base frame.