Shape memory alloy locking mechanism

A hardware retention mechanism, comprising:

• a frame comprising a first guide shoulder, a second guide shoulder, and a pivot point;
• an actuator arm comprising a first guide post, a second guide post and a locking pin, the actuator arm rotatable around the pivot point between a locked position and an unlocked position;
• a first shape memory alloy wire strung between the first guide shoulder and the first guide post that rotates the actuator arm between a locked position and an unlocked position;
• and
• a second shape memory alloy wire strung between the second guide shoulder and the second guide post that rotates the actuator arm between an unlocked position and a locked position.

A disk drive frame locking mechanism, comprising:

• a frame comprising a plurality of guide shoulders and a pivot point;
• a carrier adapted to receive the frame, the carrier including a main latch adapted for selectable engagement with a receiver;
• an actuator arm comprising a plurality of integrated wire guide posts located between an integrated locking pin and an integrated over-center mechanism;
• a first set of redundant shape memory alloy wires, each strung between one of the plurality of guide shoulders and one of the plurality of integrated guide posts, that rotate the actuator arm around the pivot point when electrically heated such that the locking pin engages with the main latch, thereby preventing the main latch from being disengaged from the receiver;
• and
• a second set of redundant shape memory alloy wires, each strung between one of the plurality of guide shoulders and one of the plurality of integrated guide posts, that rotate the locking pin around the pivot point when electrically heated such that the locking pin disengages from the main latch, thereby allowing the main latch to be disengaged from the receiver;
• wherein the over-center mechanism maintains a position of the actuator arm without external power.