Apparatus for positioning a data storage device

An apparatus for positioning a data storage cartridge, the apparatus comprising:

• a drive module configured to engage the data storage cartridge;
• a frame disposed proximate the drive module, the frame including first and second side panels and first and second stops disposed on the first and second side panels, respectively;
• a shuttle adapted to receive the data storage cartridge and movably disposed between the first and second side panels;
• and
• a lift mechanism configured to move the shuttle between an unloaded position and a loaded position;
• wherein the shuttle further has a cam pin and a guide pin and the frame further has a cam pin slot and a guide pin slot, the cam pin and guide pin extending through and slidable along the cam pin and guide pin slots, respectively, when the shuttle is moved between the unloaded and loaded positions;
• wherein the first and second stops inhibit the data storage cartridge from tilting when the shuttle is in the unloaded position.

An elevator assembly for positioning a data storage cartridge, the elevator assembly comprising:

• a shuttle including:
• an opening adapted to receive the data storage cartridge;
• a backstop positioned opposite the opening adapted to inhibit movement of the data storage cartridge in a first direction;
• and
• first and second side members configured to inhibit movement of the data storage cartridge in a second direction, the first and second side members having first and second cam pins, respectively;
• a frame including:
• first and second side panels having first and second cam slots, respectively;
• and
• first and second stops disposed on the first and second side panels, respectively, the first and second stops being configured to inhibit movement of the data storage cartridge in a third direction;
• and
• a lift mechanism including:
• a motor having an output shaft and an output gear disposed on the output shaft;
• a first set of gears rotatably coupled to the first panel and engagable with the output gear;
• a second set of gears rotatably coupled to the second panel and connected to the first set of gears by a shaft;
• and
• first and second cam features configured to be engaged by the first and second sets of gears, respectively;
• wherein the first and second cam features are adapted to engage the first and second cam pins, respectively, to move the shuttle between an unloaded position and a loaded position.