Portable computer hard disk drive mounting apparatus and methods

Abstract

To install a hard disk drive in a portable computer base housing, an upwardly opening well area is formed within the base housing and is sized to closely receive the disk drive. An electrical connector projects horizontally inwardly through one end of the well area and is operatively mateable with a corresponding connector on the front end of the disk drive. A flexible lowering strap is secured to the rear end of the disk drive. To install the disk drive, its front end is lowered into the well area while holding the strap to keep the rear end of the disk drive elevated. The strap is then used to controllably lower the balance of the disk drive into the well area to prevent installation shock to the disk drive that might occur if it were simply dropped into the well area. The lowered disk drive is then slid along the bottom of the well area to mate the well area and disk drive connectors. A clamping bar member is then extended along a rear top end portion of the installed disk drive and used to hold the disk drive firmly against the bottom side of the well area, thereby rigidly coupling the installed disk drive to the balance of the base housing in a manner eliminating the necessity of a separate shock and vibration isolation apparatus for the disk drive.