Tray Braking Device With Deformable Buffer Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tray-type disc drives face issues with unstable and inaccurate ejection of trays, leading to potential collisions and reduced efficiency due to uncontrolled ejection distances and speeds, which can result in damage to discs and increased production costs from the use of limit switches.
Innovation Solution
A tray braking device incorporating a buffer structure, such as a cantilever or elastomer, that generates a braking force through deformation to slow down the tray as it approaches the finish position, preventing collisions and stabilizing the ejection process, thus eliminating the need for a limit switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the ejection time is extended to ensure accurate tray ejection, then the tray can reach the default position, but the tray may collide with the stopper and tremble heavily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer structure (elastic element or damping component) between the tray and the stopper that provides beforehand cushioning. This cushioning mechanism absorbs the impact energy when the tray reaches the end of its ejection stroke, preventing collision and trembling while allowing the ejection time to be extended for precision without causing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful collision effect into a beneficial controlled deceleration process. By designing the buffer structure to engage at the end of the ejection stroke, the harmful impact force is transformed into a controlled damping force that smoothly reduces the tray's velocity to zero, turning the potential damage into a protective mechanism.
2Reliability
If the power output from the tray motor is increased to ensure tray ejection, then the tray can reach the default position, but the tray may collide with the stopper disposed on the base
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer structure is pre-installed in the ejection path between the tray and stopper. When high power is applied to ensure reliable ejection, the buffer structure is already in position to absorb the impact, allowing high motor power to be used without causing collision damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer structure acts as an intermediary element between the tray and the stopper. It mediates the interaction by absorbing the excess energy from high-power motor operation, allowing the motor to deliver reliable ejection force while the buffer protects against collision by intercepting and dissipating the impact energy.
3Reliability
If a limit switch is added to prevent tray collision, then the tray can be protected from exceeding the predetermined position, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical limit switch system with a passive mechanical buffer structure. The buffer provides position control and collision prevention through its physical deformation characteristics, eliminating the need for sensors, switches, and control circuits, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer structure uses simple, inexpensive materials (elastic elements, damping compounds) that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This cheap passive component replaces expensive active control systems like limit switches, achieving the same protective function at lower cost.
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 buffer structure ensures stable and controlled tray ejection, reducing the risk of disc damage and lowering production costs by avoiding high-speed collisions and eliminating the need for a limit switch.
Implementation Method 1
the buffer structure leans between the sliding plate and the base and generates deformation
Implementation Method 2
through elasticity and deformation of a buffer structure
Data Source
AI summary
The tray braking device includes a tray, a tray motor, a sliding plate and a buffer structure. The tray is used for carrying a disc. The tray motor is used for driving the tray to a finish position from a first position. The sliding plate is disposed on a base. The buffer structure is disposed between the sliding plate and the base. When the tray moves to a second position from the first position, the tray moves at a first speed, and the second position is positioned between the first position and the finish position. When the tray moves towards the finish position from the second position, the tray drives the sliding plate to move, such that the buffer structure leans between the sliding plate and the base and generates deformation, making the tray move at a second speed slower than the first speed.