Retractable guide features for data storage device carriers

A data storage assembly for holding an array of data storage devices, comprising:

• a plurality of carriers configured to couple to associated data storage devices, each of the plurality of carriers comprising:
• retractable alignment projections that extend during insertion of the associated data storage devices into the data storage assembly;
• and
• retractable hanging pins that retract during insertion of the associated data storage devices into the data storage assembly;
• wherein the retractable alignment projections are configured to prevent insertion of the associated data storage devices into the data storage assembly beyond a predetermined depth and align electrical connectors of the associated data storage devices with electrical connectors of the data storage assembly;
• a plurality of drive dividers comprising alignment guides configured to:
• assist alignment of the plurality of carriers upon insertion into the data storage assembly by at least interfacing with the retractable alignment projections to position the carrier with respect to the electrical connectors;
• and
• interface with the retractable hanging pins to hang the data storage devices from an associated one or the plurality of carriers;
• and
• an enclosure configured to provide structural support to the array of data storage devices.