Spring based continuity alignment apparatus and method

An alignment system for use in a data storage system comprising:

• a mobile storage device comprising a first surface having at least two contact zones;
• a mobile storage device docking station comprising a second surface having at least two contact zones;
• each of said contact zones comprising either a conductive spring or a conductive pad;
• each of said conductive springs is adapted to engage a corresponding conductive pad, wherein said engaging location on said pad is substantially flat, to form at least one closed circuit when said first and second surfaces are aligned and are in contact.

An alignment system for use in a data storage system comprising:

• a mobile storage device comprising a first surface having at least two contact zones;
• a mobile storage device docking station comprising a second surface having at least two contact zones;
• each of said contact zones comprising either a conductive pad or a conductive spring loaded pin capable of conforming flexibly in an axial direction;
• each of said conductive spring loaded pins is adapted to engage a corresponding conductive pad on a free end of said pin, wherein said engaging location on said pad is substantially flat, to form at least one closed circuit when said first and second surfaces are aligned and are in contact;
• a power source is adapted to power said closed circuit;
• and
• a continuity confirmation device is adapted to confirm said closed circuit.

A system for aligning a first data storage system component with a second data storage system component, comprising:

• a first contact zone and a second contact zone disposed on a first surface of said first data storage system component;
• a third contact zone and a fourth contact zone disposed on a second surface of said second data storage system component,
• wherein each of said first, second, third, and fourth contact zones comprises a contact zone selected from the group consisting of:
• conductive springs and conductive pads, and
• wherein said first contact zone is complementary to said third contact zone, and said second contact zone is complementary to said fourth contact zone such that the first, second, third, and fourth contact zones cooperate to form a closed circuit when said first surface and said second surface are aligned and in contact with each other.