System and method for automating the assembly of data storage devices

A system for releasably retaining a data cartridge in an assembled configuration comprising:

• at least one first boss tower on a first portion of a data cartridge shell comprising a receiving hole with an inner surface;
• at least one second boss tower on a second portion of a data cartridge shell comprising an outer surface adapted to releasably engage with the receiving hole at a boss tower interface in the assembled configuration;
• and
• a plurality of retention ribs and a plurality of guide ribs located at the boss tower interface when the first and second portions of the data cartridge shell are in the assembled configuration.

A tape cartridge comprising:

• at least one first boss tower on a first portion of a data cartridge shell comprising a receiving hole with an inner surface;
• at least one second boss tower on a second portion of a data cartridge shell comprising an outer surface adapted to releasably engage with the receiving hole at a boss tower interface in the assembled configuration;
• a plurality of retention ribs and a plurality of guide ribs located at the boss tower interface when the first and second portions of the data cartridge shell are in an assembled configuration;
• and
• magnetic tape retained by the first and second portion of the data cartridge shell.

A method for releasably retaining portions of a data cartridge shell in an assembled configuration comprising the steps of:

• providing at least one first boss tower on a first portion of the data cartridge shell comprising a receiving hole with an inner surface;
• providing at least one second boss tower on a second portion of the data cartridge shell comprising an outer surface;
• locating a plurality of retention ribs and a plurality of guide ribs on at least one of the inner surface of the receiving hole or the outer surface of the second boss tower;
• and
• releasably engaging the second boss tower with the receiving hole at a boss tower interface in the assembled configuration.