Ganged removal of component device cover screws

An apparatus for removal of retentive mechanisms retaining a cover of a component device. The apparatus includes a structure. The apparatus also includes a component device positioner coupled to the structure. The apparatus additionally includes a plurality of retentive mechanism removers coupled with the structure. Each of the plurality of retentive mechanism removers are configured for interoperability with each retention mechanism retaining a cover of a component device having a plurality of retention mechanisms disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a drive mechanism that is coupled with the structure. The drive mechanism is for rotation of each of the plurality of retentive mechanism removers, causing removal of each retention mechanism retaining the cover of the component device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the field of device cover removal.

BACKGROUND ART

Many electronic consumer products, e.g., computer systems, various other entertainment devices, electronic communication devices, etc., have numerous electronic devices and components disposed therewithin. Functions performed by the various components can include, but is not limited to, document manipulation, printing and data storage, video and audio playback, communication functions, etc.

For example, a computer system or other electronic system utilizing a hard disk drive that includes, in part, magnetic hard disk(s) or drive(s) within an outer housing or base containing a spindle motor assembly having a central drive hub that rotates the disk. There is a mated cover that is configured to align with and be mounted to the outer housing, via one or more screws or other retentive devices or mechanisms, thereby providing a sealed environment for the internal components in a hard disk drive.

There are varied instances when internal access of a hard disk drive is required, e.g., for repair, for data recovery, for failure analysis or other reason. Accordingly, a cover removal process is performed for accessing those components internal of a hard disk drive. During removal of the cover, screws or other retentive devices and contaminants around the retentive device regions are removed. A commonly implemented method for cover screw removal and contaminant removal is operator performed vacuuming and single screw removal. An electric screwdriver is commonly used by the operator to remove the screws.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and method for ganged removal of a device's cover screws are described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

Although embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with hard disk drive cover removal, it is understood that the embodiments described herein are useful outside of the art of hard disk drives, such as other electronic devices that require repairing, component upgrading, data recovery, and failure analysis, A ganged cover screw removal process, as applied to a hard disk drive, is an example of embodiments of the present invention and is provided herein merely for purposes of brevity and clarity.

FIG. 1is a diagram of a system100for component cover screw removal, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, system100is configured to provide cover screw removal of a cover of a hard disk drive (HDD), e.g., screws706of HDD710ofFIG. 7. System100is further configured to provide synchronous removal of the cover screws, in an embodiment of the present invention. System100is additionally configured to provide for contaminant removal during the cover screw removal process, in an embodiment of the present invention.

System100is shown to include a housing101in which components, devices and mechanisms of embodiments of the present invention are contained. Housing101includes an upper portion102and a lower portion107. In an embodiment of the present invention, upper portion102includes a screw removal initiating mechanism, e.g., start button108, that is activated to initiate a screw removal process in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, upper portion102further includes a lever109. Lever109is utilized to place a hard disk drive in a cover screw removal position and upon which a cover removal process is to be performed thereon, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, upper portion102may optionally include a display screen, e.g., touch screen107, as described herein with reference toFIG. 8.

In an embodiment of the present invention, system100further includes an apparatus200for synchronous cover screw removal, as described herein with reference toFIGS. 2,3,4,5and6.

In an embodiment of the present invention, lower portion107is configured to provide an enclosure for sub-mechanisms, power access, controlling devices and computer systems for operable control of system100during cover screw removal processes. In an embodiment of the present invention, lower portion107of housing101has disposed therein a computer system for controlling removal of cover screws, e.g., computer system800as described herein with reference toFIG. 8. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, computer system800may have coupled thereto a scanner899, as described herein with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9.

Still referring toFIG. 1, lower portion107is also shown to have contained therein a contaminant retriever for removing and containing particulate matter during the cover screw removal process, e.g., vacuum system106, in an embodiment of the present invention. Vacuum system106is coupled with each of a plurality of cover screw removers, e.g., bit drivers406ofFIGS. 3,4,5andFIGS. 6A-6C, via a series of vacuum ports, e.g., vacuum ports426ofFIGS. 3-5, vacuum hoses (not shown) interspersed within system100, and openings466in bit drivers406, as shown inFIGS. 6A-6C. Each of the bit drivers406are configured with an opening466for coupling with vacuum system106, in an embodiment of the present invention. Although computer system800and vacuum106are shown internal of system100, in alternative embodiments, computer system800and/or vacuum106may be disposed external of system100.

FIG. 2is an expanded view of assembly200of system100ofFIG. 1. Assembly200is shown to include a center assembly201for providing mounting with system100, in an embodiment of the present invention. Assembly200also includes an upper side assembly202and an upper side assembly203coupled with center assembly201, in an embodiment of the present invention. An upper top assembly210is shown coupled with upper side assemblies202and203, in an embodiment of the present invention.

Upper top assembly210is shown to include an opening236. Assembly200further includes a mechanism, e.g., shaft226, for retaining and loading an HDD into a cover screw removal position, in an embodiment of the present invention. Shaft226, configured for vertical motion via opening236, as indicated by arrow246, is shown to include a component receiver, e.g., nest206. Nest206includes a retention bracket, e.g., nest bracket216for receiving and retaining a hard disk drive, e.g., hard disk drive710ofFIG. 7, upon which a cover screw removal process is to be performed, in an embodiment of the present invention.

In an embodiment of the present invention, nest bracket216is a fixed bracket singularly configured for retention of a hard disk drive model. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, nest bracket216can be a variable adjust nest bracket (not shown) configured to adapt to a variety of models of hard disk drives while providing analogous retaining and positioning functions.

Assembly200further includes a lower side assembly204and a lower side assembly205coupled with center assembly201, in an embodiment of the present invention. Lower side assemblies204and205are configured so as to provide interposed mounting of a cover screw removal assembly there between, e.g., cover screw removal assembly310, as described herein with reference toFIGS. 3-5, and6A-C, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Assembly200ofFIG. 2further includes a bit driver assembly310. In an embodiment of the present invention, bit driver assembly310is comprised of an upper housing portion321and a lower housing portion322having interposed there between a driver head assembly platform410, as described with reference toFIGS. 3,4and5. In an embodiment, assembly310further includes a driver head assembly cover326that is configured to be lowered onto disposed above as described herein with reference toFIG. 3.

Referring toFIG. 3, shown is hard disk drive710generally oriented relative to bit driver assembly310and in which upper housing portion321and lower housing portion322are not shown. In an embodiment of the present invention, assembly310is shown to include driver head assembly platform410to which is coupled a plurality of bit drivers406.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a bit driver406includes a bit driver sleeve436within which is disposed a bit driver shaft421having at an end a bit driver tip416and around which is disposed a bit load spring423. In an embodiment of the present invention, bit driver406has interposed between bit driver sleeve436and bit driver shaft421an opening466allowing air to flow from bit driver tip416to vacuum system106enabling vacuum system106to retrieve contaminants that may be locally present on a hard disk drive710, e.g., areas proximal to a cover screw location. In an embodiment of the present invention, each bit driver406is configured with a vacuum port426enabling coupling with vacuum system106. In an embodiment of the present invention, tip416is mated for use with an associated cover screw head type, as described herein with reference toFIGS. 6A-6C.

Bit driver assembly platform410also includes one or more drive belt sprockets444and a plurality of fixed drive belt rollers434and adjustable drive belt rollers435. Adjustable drive belt rollers435provide tension adjustment for a drive belt454. Drive belt454is serpentinely routed about rollers434and435and engages sprocket444to rotate each bit driver406, in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4is an illustration of bit driver assembly platform410showing placement and orientation of bit drivers406in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Platform410is shown to include a plurality of bit drivers406coupled thereto.

In the embodiment shown, ten bit drivers406are included. It is noted that in alternative embodiments, a fewer number of bit drivers or a greater number of bit drivers may be present. In an embodiment of the present invention, the number of bit drivers is analogous to the number of cover screws that are to be removed. In an alternative embodiment, there may be a greater number of bit drivers than cover screws present on the hard disk drive upon which a cover screw removed is to be performed. In the alternative embodiment, bit drivers406may be selectively rotated, such that those bit drivers406having an associated cover screw706that it is to remove are rotated while non-associated bit drivers406remain still.

Still referring toFIG. 4, in an embodiment of the present invention, bit driver assembly platform410is shown to include a vacuum port446for coupling vacuum system106to each bit driver406in bit drive assembly310.

FIG. 5is a cross-section view of a bit driver406of bit driver assembly310as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. Bit driver assembly310is shown without upper housing321or lower housing322. Shown are bit driver platform assembly410and bit driver assembly platform cover323. Drive belt roller434and drive belt454are also shown. In an embodiment of the present invention, bit driver406is shown to include a bit driver tip416, a bit drive shaft421, a bit load spring423, an outer sleeve436, and an opening466, as described herein with reference toFIGS. 2-4andFIGS. 6A-6C.

In an embodiment of the present invention, shown is a bit sensor506that is coupled with each bit driver406and for sensing contact and engagement of a bit driver tip416with a cover screw706of a hard disk drive710. In an alternative embodiment, there may be a plurality of sensors506implemented.

Referring toFIGS. 6A-6C, shown is a bit driver406that may be configured with various drive bit tips for utilization in conjunction with processes in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Collectively,FIGS. 6A-6Cis an above view of bit driver406ofFIGS. 2-5. Bit driver406is shown to include bit driver shaft421and an outer casing436in which bit driver shaft421is disposed. Shown interposed between outer casing436and bit driver shaft421is an opening, e.g., opening466, oriented parallel relative to the vertical axis of bit driver shaft421. It is particularly noted that in an embodiment of the present invention, opening466provides a viaduct to vacuum port426and through which particulate matter may be retrieved and retained by vacuum system106ofFIG. 1.

Referring singularly toFIG. 6A, in the present embodiment, bit driver406is shown to be configured with a drive bit tip417. Drive bit tip417enables interoperability with Phillips-head cover screws.

Referring singularly toFIG. 6B, in the present embodiment, bit driver406is shown to be configured with a drive bit tip418. Drive bit tip418enables interoperability with hex-head cover screws.

Referring singularly toFIG. 6C, in the present embodiment, bit driver406is shown to be configured with a drive bit tip419. Drive bit tip419enables interoperability with torx-head cover screws.

Referring collectively toFIGS. 6A-6C, although three examples of driver bit tips are shown, they are exemplary in nature and the examples should not be construed as a limitation. To accommodate the numerous types of cover screw types and configurations, bit driver406may be configured to include driver bit tip interchangeability.

With reference now toFIG. 7, shown is a hard disk drive710upon which a process for cover screw removal is to be performed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Hard disk drive710is shown to include an outer housing711in which the internal workings of a hard disk drive are disposed. Hard disk drive710further includes a cover portion712that is appropriately configured (mated) for disposition upon outer housing711, such that when cover712is in place, a sealed HDD exists.

Hard disk drive710further includes a plurality of cover screws706for securely fastening cover portion712to outer housing711. It is upon cover screws706that embodiments of the present invention are practiced, as described herein with reference toFIGS. 1-5,6A-C, andFIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system800that can be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It is noted that computer system800can be nearly any type of computing system or electronic computing device including, but not limited to, a server computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or other portable electronic device. Within the context of the present invention, certain discussed processes, procedures, and steps are realized as a series of instructions (e.g., a software program) that reside within computer system memory units of computer system800and which are executed by a processor(s) of computer system800, in one embodiment. When executed, the instructions cause computer system800to perform specific actions and exhibit specific behavior which is described in detail herein.

Computer system800ofFIG. 8comprises an address/data bus810for communicating information, one or more central processors801coupled to bus810for processing information and instructions. Central processor(s)801can be a microprocessor or any alternative type of processor. Computer system800also includes a computer usable volatile memory802, e.g., random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), double data rate RAM (DDR RAM), etc., coupled to bus810for storing information and instructions for processor(s)801. Computer system800further includes a computer usable non-volatile memory803, e.g., read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM, electronically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory (a type of EEPROM), etc., coupled to bus810for storing static information and instructions for processor(s)801. In an embodiment, non-volatile memory803can be removable.

System800also includes one or more signal generating and receiving devices, e.g., signal input/output device(s)835coupled to bus810for enabling computer800to interface with other electronic devices via a network, e.g., network899(not shown). Communication interface835can include wired and/or wireless communication functionality. For example, in one embodiment, communication interface835is an Ethernet adapter, but can alternatively be one of a number of well known communication standards and protocols, e.g., a parallel port, a serial communication port, a FireWire (IEEE 1394) interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a small computer system interface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) communication port, a Bluetooth wireless communication adapter, a broadband connection, and the like. In another embodiment, a digital subscriber line (DSL) can be implemented as signal input/output device835. In such an instance, communication interface835may include a DSL modem. Network899may be, but is not limited to, a client/server network, an intranet network, an internet network, or any other network enabling intercommunication between two or more computer systems.

Still referring toFIG. 8, network communication device835, in an embodiment, includes an optional digital signal processor (DSP)820for processing data to be transmitted or data that are received via network communication device835. Alternatively, processor801can perform some or all of the functions performed by DSP820.

Computer800ofFIG. 8can also include one or more computer usable data storage device(s)806coupled to bus110for storing instructions and information, in one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, data storage device806can be a magnetic storage device, e.g., a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a zip drive, or other magnetic storage device. In another embodiment, data storage device806can be an optical storage device, e.g., a CD (compact disc), a DVD (digital versatile disc), or other alternative optical storage device. Alternatively, any combination of magnetic, optical, and alternative storage devices can be implemented, e.g., a RAID (random array of independent disks) configuration. It is noted that data storage device806can be located internal and/or external of system800and communicatively coupled with system800utilizing wired and/or wireless communication technology, thereby providing expanded storage and functionality to system800. It is further noted that nearly any portable electronic device can also be communicatively coupled with system800via utilization of wired and/or wireless technology, thereby expanding the functionality of system800. In an embodiment of the present invention, instructions, specifications, and tolerances related to components used in conjunction with processes for component cover screw removal are stored in storage device806, e.g., instructions866. Although instructions866are shown wholly disposed in storage device806, instructions866may alternatively be stored in volatile memory802, non-volatile memory803, or in a combination of memory802, memory802and storage device806.

System800can also include one or more optional display devices805coupled to bus810for displaying video, graphics, and/or alphanumeric characters. It is noted that display device805can be a CRT (cathode ray tube), a thin CRT (TCRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, a field emission display (FED), a television or any other display device or combinations of display devices suitable for displaying video, graphics, and alphanumeric characters recognizable to a user. In an embodiment of the present invention, display device805may be a touch screen display device, e.g., touch screen105ofFIG. 1.

Computer system800ofFIG. 8further includes an optional alphanumeric input device804coupled to bus810for communicating information and command selections to processor(s)801, in one embodiment. Alphanumeric input device804is coupled to bus810and includes alphanumeric and function keys. Also included in computer100is an optional cursor control device808coupled to bus810for communicating user input information and command selections to processor(s)801. Cursor control device808can be implemented using a number of well known devices such as a mouse, a trackball, a track pad, a joy stick, a optical tracking device, a touch screen, etc. It is noted that a cursor can be directed and/or activated via input from alphanumeric input device804using special keys and key sequence commands. It is further noted that directing and/or activating the cursor can be accomplished by alternative means, e.g., voice activated commands, provided computer system800is configured with such functionality.

In an alternative embodiment of the present embodiment, system800may be configured with a component identification scanner899for identifying each component subjected to a cover screw removal process in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Each component, e.g., a hard disk drive710, may have a unique identifier disposed thereon. Types of unique identifiers can include, but which is not limited to, bar codes, RFID, or other means of uniquely identifying each component. Scanner899may be configured to implement a cover screw removal process appropriate for the unique identifier present on a component.

FIG. 9is a flowchart of a process900for component cover screw removal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 9is a flow chart of a process900in which particular operations are performed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for component to component mounting. Although specific operations are disclosed in process900, such operations are exemplary. That is, the present invention is well suited to performing various other operations or variations of the operations recited inFIG. 9. Within the present embodiment, it should be appreciated that the operations of process900may be performed by software, by hardware, by an assembly mechanism, through human interaction, or by any combination of software, hardware, assembly mechanism, and human interaction.

Process900for component cover screw removal will be described with reference to components and devices shown inFIGS. 1-5and6A-C in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In operation901of process900, a component device, e.g., hard disk drive710ofFIG. 7is received in a component retainer of system100, e.g., nest bracket216of nest206ofFIG. 3, in an embodiment of the present invention. For purposes of the present invention, a component device disposed in nest bracket216is termed in a pre-load position. In an embodiment of the present invention, the received hard disk drive710is oriented such that cover screws, e.g., cover screws706ofFIG. 7, are facing toward a retention mechanism remover assembly, e.g., assembly310ofFIG. 3.

In an embodiment of the present invention, hard disk drive710may be manually placed onto nest bracket216. Alternatively, hard disk drive710may be automatedly placed onto nest bracket216.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an identifier on the hard disk drive710, e.g., a bar code identifier, is scanned, via a scanner (not shown), into system100prior to placing the hard disk drive into nest bracket216of nest206. In an embodiment, the hard disk drive identifier is manually scanned. Alternatively, scanning may be performed automatedly. In yet another embodiment, an alternative hard disk drive identifier, e.g., a model number, a serial number, may be operator inputted into computer system100,

In operation902of process900, a cover screw removal process commences subsequent to activating the cover screw removal system100, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, an operator may press a start button, e.g., start button108ofFIG. 1, to initiate the cover screw removal process. Alternatively, automated activation may be implemented.

In operation903of process900, system100initially lowers hard disk drive710from a pre-load position to a load position, such that nest bracket216is proximal to cover screw removers406of cover screw removal assembly310, in an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a load position refers to hard disk drive710securely retained in a temporary fixed position. In an embodiment, system100then elevates cover screw removal assembly310to contact hard disk drive710. Subsequent to contact, system100rotates, at a slow speed and with minimal force (torque), each cover screw remover406(FIG. 4) so as to engage each drive bit416with each cover screw706, in an embodiment of the present invention. In the context of embodiments of the present invention, to engage means full contact of each drive bit tip, e.g., drive bit tip417ofFIG. 6A, drive bit tip418ofFIG. 6Bor drive bit tip419ofFIGS. 6C, with each associated cover screw706present in hard disk drive710.

In operation904of process900, upon detected engagement of each bit driver406with each cover screw706of hard disk drive710, as detected by bit sensor506ofFIG. 5, system100rotates each bit driver406so as to loosen and remove each cover screw706from hard disk drive710. Rotational speeds and applied force (torque) are controlled by specifications and cover screw removal instructions retrievably stored in computer system800, e.g., instructions866in data storage device806as shown inFIG. 8. In an embodiment of the present invention, each bit driver706is synchronously rotated. In an embodiment of the present invention, the force applied (torque) at each bit driver406is analogous. In an alternative embodiment, force applied (torque) at each bit driver406may be different.

By virtue of hard disk drive710disposed in a load position, during cover screw removal there is an opposing force created by the threads of each cover screw706, such that a downward force is applied to screw removal assembly310is generated by the rotation of cover screws706. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present invention, system100lowers screw removal assembly310proportionally to the force generated by rotation of cover screws706. In an alternative embodiment, system100may be configured with a fixed cover screw removal assembly310and a position adjustable component retainer206, such that retainer206is lowered and elevated via mechanism226(as indicated by arrow246) ofFIG. 2. In the alternative embodiment, as screw removal assembly310is in a fixed position, during rotation of cover screws706, system100elevates component retainer206during cover screw removal.

With reference still to operation904of process900, it is particularly noted that concurrent with rotation of each bit driver406, system100activates a particulate matter evacuation system, e.g., vacuum system106ofFIG. 1, in an embodiment of the present invention. Activation of vacuum system106removes particulate matter that may be present near and/or within each cover screw706of hard disk drive710. Vacuum system106additionally provides force for retaining each cover screw706on each bit driver tip416. It is further noted that by inverting hard disk drive710within receiver bracket216, embodiments of the present invention utilize gravitational forces to aide in the retention of cover screws on the drive bit tips as well as to aide in the removal of particulate matter that may be present.

In operation905of process900, upon cover screw706removal completion, an operator may remove hard disk drive710from nest bracket216, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an alternative embodiment, hard disk drive710may be automatedly removed.

In operation906of process900, cover screws706retained upon drive bit tips416are operator removed from screw removal assembly310. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, cover screws706retained upon drive bit tips416are automatedly removed.

It is noted that subsequent to completion of operations905and906, process900may be terminated or process900may be restarted, e.g., returns to operation901and is repeated.

Embodiments of the present invention, in the various presented embodiments, provide a system and method for ganged cover screw removal.