Driver carrier with internally molded threaded plate, driver carrier assembly, and computing system

Abstract

A drive carrier includes a front portion, a first lateral rail extending from the front portion, and a second lateral rail extending from the front portion. The front portion, and the first and second lateral rails form a frame configured to receive a media drive between the first and second lateral rails. The first lateral rail is formed of plastic and includes a threaded hole. When the media drive is received in the frame, the media drive is coupled to the first lateral rail by a threaded fastener inserted through the threaded hole. The drive carrier also has a metal threaded plate molded into the plastic of the first lateral rail around the threaded hole. The threaded plate strengthens the first lateral rail around the rim of the threaded hole to prevent the head of the threaded fastener from cracking and / or tearing the plastic.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to drive carriers with internally molded threaded plates, drive carrier assemblies, and computing systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] Some computing devices are configured to receive pluggable media drives, which are removably inserted into a socket or "bay" in the computing device. The media drives can include, for example, solid state drives ("SSDs"), hard disk drives ("HDDs"), or other media drives. In some systems, a drive carrier can be coupled to the media drive to facilitate installation and uninstallation of the media drive. The drive carrier includes structure that partially surrounds the media drive and is coupled to the media drive to support and partially house the media drive. The drive carrier can include various features that aid in installation, uninstallation, and general use of the drive, such as latches for securing the drive in the bay, actuation mechanisms (e.g., handles) for unlocking the drive from the bay, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding features, indicator elements (e.g., light pipes), and the like. SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a drive carrier, the drive carrier comprising: a front portion; a first lateral rail extending from the front portion, wherein the first lateral rail is formed of plastic and includes a threaded hole; a second lateral rail extending from the front portion, wherein the front portion, the first lateral rail, and the second lateral rail form a frame configured to receive a media drive between the first lateral rail and the second lateral rail, the media drive being coupled to the first lateral rail by a threaded fastener inserted through the threaded hole; and a metal threaded plate molded into the first lateral rail around the threaded hole.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a drive carrier assembly, the drive carrier assembly comprising: a drive carrier according to the first aspect of the present disclosure; a media drive received within the drive carrier between the first lateral rail and the second lateral rail; and a retention threaded fastener inserted through the threaded hole and through the threaded plate into the media drive and coupling the media drive to the first lateral rail.

[0005] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computing system, the computing system comprising: a system chassis comprising one or more bays respectively configured to removably receive a drive carrier assembly; a drive carrier assembly received within, or configured to be received within, one of the bays, wherein the drive carrier assembly comprises: a drive carrier according to the first aspect of the present disclosure; a media drive received within the drive carrier between the first lateral rail and the second lateral rail; and a retention screw inserted through the threaded hole and through the threaded plate into the media drive and coupling the media drive to the first lateral rail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and are included to further Figure One The present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and are included to further

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example drive carrier.

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another example drive carrier.

[0009] Figure 3A is a perspective cross-sectional view of an example drive carrier having a drive mounted thereon, wherein the cross-section is taken along Figure 2 3-3 in

[0010] Figure 3B is an enlarged detail view of region 2B in Figure 3A

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the drive carrier of Figure 2 showing an outer face of the first lateral rail.

[0012] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the drive carrier of Figure 4 showing an inner face of the first lateral rail.

[0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the threaded plate of the drive carrier of Figure 2 showing a first side of the threaded plate.

[0014] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the threaded plate of the drive carrier of Figure 6 ​another perspective view of the threaded plate of the drive carrier showing a second side of the threaded plate.

[0015] Figure 8 is Figure 2 a cross-section of the first lateral rail of the drive carrier, where the cross-section is taken along Figure 4 8-8 in

[0016] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the molded piece showing the alignment pin.

[0017] Figure 10 is Figure 9 another exploded perspective view of a portion of the molded piece showing the threaded plate mounted on the alignment pin.

[0018] Figure 11 is Figure 9 another exploded perspective view of a portion of the molded piece showing the anti-floating pin.

[0019] Figure 12 is Figure 11 another exploded perspective view of a portion of the molded piece showing the anti-floating pin engaging the threaded plate.

[0020] Figure 13 is Figure 9 a top view of the molded piece showing the threaded plate mounted on the alignment pin and the anti-floating pin engaging the threaded plate.

[0021] Figure 14 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example method.

[0022] Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The size and shape of drive carriers are largely defined by the physical form factor of the media drives they are configured to carry. These form factors are often standardized by industry standards / specifications. For example, a series of standards entitled Enterprise & Data Center Standard Form Factors (EDSFF) define a number of form factors for SSDs used in data centers or other enterprise-level servers. The EDSFF standards define specifications for, among other things, the physical dimensions and electrical interfaces of the storage devices. Examples of EDSFF series standards include, but are not limited to, SFF-TA-1006, SFF-TA-1007, or SFF-TA-1008.

[0024] Generally, media drives are becoming smaller and smaller in form factor. For example, the emerging EDSFF standard specifies form factors such as the El.S form factor with drives as small as 31.5 mm wide and 5.0 mm tall, and the E3.S form factor including drives as small as 76.0 mm wide and 7.5 mm tall. Drive carriers designed to carry such small drives must also have relatively small dimensions. Moreover, the desire to include more of these drives in a given space in a computing system requires that the drive carriers be as small as possible. In particular, one dimension that has become very small in some drive carriers is the thickness dimension of the lateral rails of the carrier that extend along the lateral sides of the drives. For example, in some drive carriers designed to support EDSFF drives (referred to herein as EDSFF drive carriers), the lateral rails of the drive carrier can be very thin, such as 1.45 mm. Moreover, the lateral rails are typically coupled to the drives via retention screws, and to avoid interference with the insertion of the drives into the carrier, the heads of these screws can be recessed within the thickness of the lateral rails (e.g., the screw holes can be counter-sunk to allow the heads of the screws to be flush with, or below, the face of the lateral rails). Given the already very small thickness of the lateral rails, the remaining material below the counter-sunk heads of the screws can be very thin, such as between 1.19 mm near the periphery of the heads to as low as 0.55 mm closer to the center of the heads.

[0025] In some EDSFF drive carriers, at least one of these lateral rails is formed from a relatively light and low cost material, such as plastic, to reduce the weight and overall cost of the drive. But because the plastic material in the lateral rail is thin (especially in the area around the screw holes mentioned above), the retention screws that extend through the lateral rail to attach the lateral rail to the drive can cause the plastic around the holes to crack, and the screws can tear the screw holes. More specifically, because the thickness of the rail is thin, it can be necessary to use flat head screws, and such screws tend to create hoop stress on the surrounding material. But because the plastic material in this area is too thin, the hoop stress can cause the plastic to fail.

[0026] To address these and other issues, examples disclosed herein provide a drive carrier for carrying a media drive (e.g., an EDSFF drive carrier) that includes a plastic side rail having an internally molded threaded plate positioned at a through hole in the plastic side rail through which a retention screw is to be inserted. The internally molded threaded plate includes a relatively strong material, such as metal (e.g., steel, zinc, aluminum, etc.). The threaded plate has a hole therein that is configured to align with a hole in the plastic and receive a threaded segment of the screw while preventing the screw head from passing through. The internally molded threaded plate provides structural support to the thin plastic in the rim around the hole, thus reducing the risk of cracking. Moreover, in the event that cracking does occur, the threaded plate still prevents the screw head from tearing the hole completely. Moreover, in examples that use the threaded plate, the majority of the side rail is still made of a relatively cost effective and lightweight plastic material, thus the advantages of such plastic materials are largely preserved in examples disclosed herein while mitigating the above-mentioned drawbacks at least through the threaded plate.

[0027] In some examples, the internally molded threaded plate includes various features that facilitate the internally molding of the internally molded threaded plate into the drive carrier or otherwise improve the performance of the threaded plate. For example, the internally molded threaded plate can include wings or curved portions at its opposite ends that extend at an angle from a central portion of the threaded plate. These wings can provide a structural feature that causes the plastic to flow around, thus allowing the plastic to hold on both sides of the plate and thus better secure the threaded plate to the plastic. In particular, the very thin dimensions of the side rail, combined with the thickness of the screw head countersunk there, can result in very little space for disposing the threaded plate under the screw head. Thus, the back of the threaded plate can be very close to, or in some cases substantially coplanar with, the back of the side rail. Thus, if the plate were completely flat, there can be a risk that the back side of the plate would not be covered by plastic (or if covered, covered very thinly). In other words, the positioning of the plate would result in the plate being disposed very shallowly in the plastic and not surrounded by plastic. This can allow the plate to be relatively easily removed from the side rail. However, with the plate having wings that curve inward toward the center of the side rail, some space is opened up on the back side of the plate (near the wings) and plastic can flow around the wings into this space and into contact with both the front and back of the plate (at least in the area around the wings), making it easier for the plastic to hold onto it. In other words, the wings at least allow a portion of the plate to be embedded in and surrounded by plastic.

[0028] Another feature that can be included in some examples is plastic flow holes in the wings mentioned above. These plastic flow holes can allow plastic to more easily flow through and around the wings during the molding process. Additionally, the plastic flow holes can allow for a stronger hold of the plastic on the thread plate. These and other features are described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0029] Figure 1 A block diagram including an illustrative example drive carrier 1 is shown. The drive carrier 1 can be, for example, an EDSFF drive carrier configured to carry an EDSFF drive, such as an E3.S drive. The drive carrier 1 includes a front portion 30, a first lateral rail 10, and a second lateral rail 20. The front portion 30 is coupled to the first lateral rail 10 and the second lateral rail 20 to form a frame having a rectangular shape with three sides, where the frame is sized to receive a media drive between the first lateral rail 10 and the second lateral rail 20.

[0030] The first lateral rail 10 is made of plastic and has a threaded hole 50 formed therein to allow a retention screw to be inserted through the threaded hole in order to secure the drive carrier 1 to a drive mounted therein. The first lateral rail 10 also includes an inner molded thread plate 60. The thread plate 60 is positioned within the plastic of the first lateral rail 10 around the threaded hole 50. The thread plate 60 includes a metal (e.g., steel, zinc, aluminum, etc.) and has a threaded passage therein that is aligned with the threaded hole 50. The thread plate 60 can provide structural support to the thin plastic around the rim of the threaded hole 50, thereby helping to prevent the screw from cracking the plastic or tearing the first lateral rail 10.

[0031] In various examples, the thread plate 60 can have additional features, such as wings, alignment holes, plastic flow holes, and reinforcements for the wings. These features are described below with respect to one example of a thread plate that has all of these features together, but it should be understood that these features can be included individually or in any desired combination in various examples of the thread plate 60.

[0032] Turning now to Figures 2 to 13 Another example of a drive carrier 100 will be described in more detail. The drive carrier 100 is an example of the drive carrier 1 illustrated in Figure 1 FIG. 1 illustrates one example configuration of the drive carrier 1.

[0033] Figures 2 to 5 An example drive carrier 100 is illustrated. The drive carrier 100 is, for example, an EDSFF drive carrier configured to carry an EDSFF drive, such as an E3.S drive. As Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1, the drive carrier 100 includes a front portion 130, a first lateral rail 110, and a second lateral rail 120. The front portion 130 extends along a first direction 135. The first lateral rail 110 extends from a first side 131 of the front portion 130 along a second direction 136 that is perpendicular to the first direction 135. The second lateral rail 120 extends from a second side 132 of the front portion 130 that is parallel to the second direction 136. Thus, the front portion 130, and the lateral rails 110 and 120 together form a frame having a shape corresponding to that of a rectangle with three sides, the frame being sized to receive an EDSFF drive 50 between the lateral rails 110 and 120, as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1. Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 1. Figure 3B As shown in FIG. 1, the threaded hole 150 is configured to receive a retention screw 75 that engages a threaded hole in a drive 70 positioned within the drive carrier 100, thereby securing the drive 70 to the drive carrier 100. As shown in FIG. 1. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1, the threaded hole 150 is positioned near a distal end 115 of the first lateral rail 110, opposite a proximal end 116 of the first lateral rail 110 that is coupled to the frame. The media drive 70 can include, for example, an SSD. In some examples, the media drive 70 includes an EDSFF SSD. In some examples, the media drive includes an EDSFF SSD in one of the E.3 form factors. In some cases, the drive carrier 100 is provided separately (e.g., manufactured, sold, etc.) from the drive 70, and some examples of the present disclosure include such a drive carrier 100 in the absence of the drive 70. In other cases, the drive carrier 100 and the media drive 70 can be provided together as an assembly, such as in FIG. 1, referred to herein as a drive carrier assembly, and some examples of the present disclosure include such an assembly. In an assembled state of the drive carrier assembly, the media drive 70 is carried by (mounted to) the drive carrier 100 and secured to the drive carrier by the screw 75 through the threaded hole 150 and / or 125. Figure 3A

[0035] The first lateral rail 110 can be formed of a relatively light and inexpensive material, such as plastic. Thus, as described above, to support the material around the threaded hole 150 and to prevent cracking and tearing of the screw 75, the first lateral rail 110 can have an inner molded thread plate 200 formed therein that surrounds the threaded hole 150, as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 3B Figure 4 Figure 5 ​​​and Figure 8 The threaded plate 200 is described in more detail below.

[0036] In some examples, the second lateral rail 120 can be formed of a more robust material, such as metal (e.g., die cast zinc). Thus, in such examples, the threaded holes 125 in the second lateral rail 120 do not require an internally molded threaded plate. In other examples, the second lateral rail 120 can also be formed of plastic, and in such examples (not illustrated), the second lateral rail 120 can also include an internally molded threaded plate similar to the threaded plate 200.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first lateral rail 110 includes an internally molded threaded plate 200. The threaded plate 200 is molded into the first lateral rail 110 during the manufacturing process. The threaded plate 200 is molded into the first lateral rail 110 such that the threaded plate 200 is positioned within the first lateral rail 110 and is flush with the inner face 112 of the first lateral rail 110. The threaded plate 200 includes a plurality of threaded holes 125 that are aligned with the threaded holes 125 of the second lateral rail 120. The threaded holes 125 of the threaded plate 200 are configured to receive the threaded fasteners 130 of the second lateral rail 120. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first lateral rail 110 includes an internally molded threaded plate 200. The threaded plate 200 is molded into the first lateral rail 110 during the manufacturing process. The threaded plate 200 is molded into the first lateral rail 110 such that the threaded plate 200 is positioned within the first lateral rail 110 and is flush with the inner face 112 of the first lateral rail 110. The threaded plate 200 includes a plurality of threaded holes 125 that are aligned with the threaded holes 125 of the second lateral rail 120. The threaded holes 125 of the threaded plate 200 are configured to receive the threaded fasteners 130 of the second lateral rail 120.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first lateral rail 110 includes an internally molded threaded plate 200. The threaded plate 200 is molded into the first lateral rail 110 during the manufacturing process. The threaded plate 200 is molded into the first lateral rail 110 such that the threaded plate 200 is positioned within the first lateral rail 110 and is flush with the inner face 112 of the first lateral rail 110. The threaded plate 200 includes a plurality of threaded holes 125 that are aligned with the threaded holes 125 of the second lateral rail 120. The threaded holes 125 of the threaded plate 200 are configured to receive the threaded fasteners 130 of the second lateral rail 120. Figure 8 As shown in cross-section in FIG. 3, when the plate 200 is molded into the first lateral rail 110, the central portion 210 is positioned near (e.g., flush with) the inner face 112 of the first lateral rail 110 (the inner face 112 is the face that is adjacent to the media drive 70 when assembled), and the wing portions 230 are angled away from the inner face 112 toward the outer face 111. As a result, the plastic of the first lateral rail 110 is positioned on both sides of the wings 130, including a first portion 110A of the plastic positioned on one side of the wings 230 and a second portion 110B of the plastic positioned on the opposite side of the wings 130. Thus, the wings 230 are embedded within and completely surrounded by the plastic, allowing the first lateral rail 110 to grab and hold the threaded plate 200. This helps to secure the threaded plate 200 in the first lateral rail 110. In the illustrated example, two wings 230 are provided, one on each opposite end of the plate 200, but in other examples, a single wing 230 can be provided. Furthermore, in some examples, in addition to or instead of the wings 230 positioned at the short edges of the plate 200, similar wings (not illustrated) can also be provided at other edges (e.g., longitudinal edges) of the plate 200.

[0039] In contrast, if the threaded plate 200 were completely flat (without the wings 230), in some cases only the back and side edges of the threaded plate 200 could be in contact with the plastic, but the plastic can not be positioned on both sides of the threaded plate 200 (or in some cases there can only be a very thin layer on one side). In this case, the threaded plate 200 can not be held securely by the plastic and can come loose. One reason it can not be feasible to position the threaded plate 200 closer to the center of the first side rail 110 to ensure that there is enough plastic positioned on both sides of it is that in some cases the head of the threaded fastener 75 can occupy most of the thickness of the first side rail 110 because the first side rail 110 is so thin, and thus to avoid interference with the head of the threaded fastener 75 the threaded plate 200 can need to be positioned closer to the inner face 112. The head of the threaded fastener 75 is positioned within the thickness of the first side rail 110 such that the threaded fastener 75 is flush with or below the outer face 111 to allow clearance for inserting / removing the drive carrier from the computing system. Thus, as shown in Figure 8 the threaded holes 150 can include a slanted countersunk portion 151 to accommodate the head of the threaded fastener 75, which leaves very little (in some cases no) remaining thickness within which the threaded plate 200 can be seated. However, the wings 230 allow the threaded plate 200 to be seated close to the inner face 112 (e.g., flush with the inner face) while still being securely embedded within the first side rail 110.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 the wings 230 include plastic flow-through holes 234. These holes 234 allow plastic to flow through the wings 230 during the molding process. This can help to ensure that plastic can completely surround the wings 230. In particular, without the holes 234, some of the portion 110A of plastic on the back side of the wings 230 can not be filled with plastic due to the small size and relatively sharp angles of the wings 230. However, due to the holes 234, plastic can more easily flow around the wings 230. Furthermore, the holes 234 allow the portion 110A of plastic on one side of the wings 230 to at least partially connect with the portion 110B of plastic on the other side of the wings 230 through the holes 234, and this connection through the holes 234 to the portion 110B can act like a similar zip tie or strap to help hold the portion 110A in place, thereby reducing the risk that the plate 200 can be pulled out of the first side rail 110 by deforming / displacing the portion 110A of plastic. In some examples, the plastic flow-through holes 234 span or cross the bend that joins the wing portions 230 to the center portion 210, with a portion of each hole 234 being in the center portion 210 and another portion of each hole 234 being in one of the wings 230.

[0041] AsFigure 6 and Figure 7 The threaded plate 200 also includes a threaded member passage 220, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 8 The threaded member passage 220 of the threaded plate 200 is aligned with the threaded hole 150 of the first lateral rail 110, as shown in Figure 8 The threaded hole 150 includes an angled counterbore portion 151 configured to receive the head of the threaded member 75 when installed, allowing the head of the threaded member 75 to not protrude beyond the outer surface 111. In the assembled state, the flat head threaded member 75 will be at a nadir on the threaded plate 200. That is, as can be seen in Figure 3B A portion of the head of the threaded member 75 can contact the threaded plate 200 around the rim of the threaded member passage 220, as can be seen in

[0042] The threaded plate 200 can also include alignment holes 240, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 These alignment holes 240 can cooperate with corresponding alignment pins 340 positioned in a first wall 320 of a mold 310 used to mold the first lateral rail 110, as shown in Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 13 The engagement of the pins 340 with the alignment holes 240 fixes the position of the threaded plate 200 in the x and y directions illustrated in Figure 9 , and the engagement between the plate 220, the first wall 320, and an anti- float pin 350 (described below) fixes the position of the threaded plate 200 in the z direction illustrated in Figure 9 In this way, the threaded plate 200 can be precisely positioned in the relatively thin first lateral rail 110. Furthermore, the pins 340 hold the plate 200 in place throughout the molding process. (Note that the anti-float pin 350 is not shown in Figures 9 to 12In particular, the walls 320 and 330 of the molded piece 310 are shown in exploded form, but during molding, the walls 320 and 330 will be closer together, as shown in Figure 13

[0043] As shown in Figures 11 to 13 As shown in Figure 13 This prevents the threaded plate 200 from falling off the alignment pin 340 prior to or during molding, for example, due to jostling by the molten plastic. As shown in Figure 4 As shown in

[0044] As shown in Figure 13 As shown in Figure 13 The wings 230 protrude into the cavity 360 and thus can be surrounded by and embedded in the plastic (again, the plastic flow-through openings 234 help ensure that the plastic flows easily around the wings 230).

[0045] By having the threaded plate 200 be molded into the first lateral rail 110, the threaded member 75 is now less likely to crack the thin plastic around the edge of the threaded hole 150. In particular, while the flat head threaded member still creates a significant amount of hoop stress on this area, the stronger threaded plate 200 can provide structural support to the plastic and help it resist cracking. Moreover, even if the plastic does crack, the threaded plate 200 can still prevent the threaded member 75 from being pulled through the threaded hole 150 due to interference between the head of the threaded member 75 and the edge of the hole 220 in the plate 200.

[0046] Turning now to Figure 14 ​An example method 300 will be described. The method 300 begins at block 302. Block 302 includes providing a molding for a side rail of a drive carrier. Providing an article, as used herein, can include forming (e.g., manufacturing, assembling, etc.) the article, or controlling / possessing the article (e.g., purchasing an article made by another). For example, the molding can include a wall defining a cavity, where the cavity has the dimensions of the side rail. In some examples, the side rail can be for an EDSFF drive carrier. The molding can include an alignment pin coupled to a first wall thereof and an anti float pin on a second wall thereof opposite the first wall.

[0047] Block 304 includes providing a threaded plate including a thread passage and an alignment hole. The threaded plate can be made of a metallic material. The threaded plate can include a flat central portion, and in some examples also wings at opposite ends of the central portion, the wings being curved at an angle relative to the central portion.

[0048] Block 306 includes mounting the threaded plate to the first wall of the molding by inserting the alignment pin coupled to the first wall into the alignment hole of the threaded plate. In some examples, block 306 also includes engaging a first side of the threaded plate with the first wall, and engaging a second side of the threaded plate with the anti float pin coupled to the second wall of the molding.

[0049] Block 308 includes forming the side rail by injecting molten plastic into the molding, the threaded plate being molded into the side rail while the threaded plate is held by the alignment pin. In some examples, block 308 can also include holding the threaded plate on the alignment pin by engaging the anti float pin on the second wall of the molding with the threaded plate. In some examples, forming the side rail can include using the molding to form a threaded hole (e.g., threaded hole 150) in the side rail, where the threaded hole is aligned with the thread passage of the threaded plate. In such examples, the threaded hole can be formed by a protrusion (not shown) existing from one of the walls of the molding, the protrusion corresponding in size and shape to the threaded hole, where the protrusion prevents the plastic from filling the space that will become the threaded hole. In some examples, block 308 can also include separating the walls of the molding to release the side rail therefrom. In some examples, rather than forming the threaded hole in the molding, block 308 can also include, after releasing the side rail from the molding, machining (e.g., drilling) a threaded hole into the side rail at a location aligned with the thread passage of the threaded plate.

[0050] Turning now to Figure 15The document describes an example computing system 1000. The computing system 1000 includes a system chassis 1080, which can form a housing containing other components of the computing system 1000. The computing system 1000 also includes one or more computing nodes 1085. The computing nodes 1085 can be, for example, servers (server nodes, server trays, blade servers, etc.), storage controllers, modular computing and / or storage devices (e.g., hyperconverged systems), networking elements including processing power, or any other electronic device with processing power.

[0051] The computing system 1000 also includes one or more brackets 1090. Only one bracket 1090 is shown, but other brackets 1090 (if present) may be similar. In some examples, multiple brackets 1090 are present. Each bracket 1090 is configured to removably receive a corresponding driver carrier assembly 1095. Figure 15 In the illustration, a single drive carrier assembly 1095 is shown in an installed state in a bracket 1090, but in some examples, there are multiple drive carrier assemblies 1095 (e.g., up to one drive carrier assembly per bracket 1090), and in some examples, the drive carrier assembly 1095 is not necessarily in an installed state at any given time (because the drive carrier assembly 1095 is removable).

[0052] The driver carrier assembly 1095 includes a driver carrier 1100 and a media driver 1070 carried (mounted to) by the driver carrier 1100. The driver carrier 1100 includes at least a first side rail 1110 formed of plastic. The first side rail 1110 includes a threaded hole 1150 and a threaded metal plate 1160 molded into the plastic of the first side rail 1110 around the threaded hole 1150. A threaded element 1175 extends through the threaded hole 1150 and through the threaded plate 1160 to engage with the media driver 1070 and secure the media driver 1070 to the first side rail 1110.

[0053] The drive carrier 1100 may also include other components, such as the front portion and the second side guide rail, as described above. Figures 1 to 5 The description is provided, and therefore repeated descriptions of these parts are omitted. Specifically, in some examples, the driver carrier 1100 includes the driver carrier 1 described above, while in other examples, the driver carrier 1100 includes the driver carrier 100 described above. In some examples, the threaded plate 1160 may include any of the features described above with respect to the threaded plate 200 (alone or in any combination), but repeated descriptions of these features are omitted. In some examples, the threaded plate 1160 includes the threaded plate 200.

[0054] In Figure 15 In some cases, the drive carrier assembly 1095 is provided (manufactured, sold, etc.) as part of the computing system 1000. However, in some cases, the drive carrier assembly 1095 is provided (manufactured, sold, etc.) separately from the computing system with which it is to be used, and some examples herein include such a drive carrier assembly 1095 separately from the computing system 1000. Other examples disclosed herein include the computing system 1000 with one or more of the drive carrier assemblies 1095, as shown in Figure 15 In some cases, the drive carrier assembly 1095 is provided (manufactured, sold, etc.) as part of the computing system 1000. However, in some cases, the drive carrier assembly 1095 is provided (manufactured, sold, etc.) separately from the computing system with which it is to be used, and some examples herein include such a drive carrier assembly 1095 separately from the computing system 1000. Other examples disclosed herein include the computing system 1000 with one or more of the drive carrier assemblies 1095, as shown in

[0055] Each of the sleds 1090 includes electrical connectors (not shown) that electrically connect with respective connectors of the media drives 1050. The electrical connectors of each of the sleds 1090 are coupled to other components of the computing system 1000 (including the compute nodes 1080), thus allowing communication of electrical signals between the media drives 1050 and the compute nodes 1080 or other components. The sleds 1090 can be configured to establish a blind mate connection with the media drives 1050. In particular, the sleds 1090 can include alignment and / or guide features, such as rails, slots, or other features (not shown) that engage with drive carriers 1100 of the drive carrier assembly 1095 to guide the drive carrier assembly 1095 into an installed position in which the connectors of the media drives 1050 are aligned with and connected to the connectors of the sleds 1090. The drive carriers 1100 can include latches (not shown) to secure the drive carrier assembly 1095 in the sleds 1090 after installation.

[0056] It is to be understood that the general description and detailed description are exemplary in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electronic, and operational changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present description and claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown or described in detail in order not to obscure the illustration of the examples. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the several views.

[0057] Also, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including" and the like are inclusive of the stated features, steps, operations, elements and / or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components described as being coupled are directly or indirectly coupled, for example, electrically or mechanically, or they can be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, mathematical and geometric terms and phrases are not necessarily used according to their strictly defined meanings, as persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, for example, substantially similar elements that function in substantially similar ways can readily fall within the scope of a descriptive term even if that term has a strict definition.

[0058] and / or: Occasionally, the phrase "and / or" is used herein in connection with a list of items, such as, for example, in the phrases "at least one of A and / or B" or "at least one of A and B." It is to be understood that such phrases are intended to mean any of the following: (i) at least one of A or B, (ii) at least one of A and B, (iii) at least one of A, B, or both A and B, and (iv) at least one of A, B, or the equivalent of A and B.

[0059] Elements described with reference to one example and aspects related thereto can be included in other examples that are not specifically shown or described, as is feasible. For example, if an element is described with reference to one example and is not described with reference to a second example, the element can still be claimed to be included in the second example.

[0060] Unless otherwise indicated herein, or in the context of a measurement, an approximation term such as "substantially", "approximately", "about", "around", "roughly", and the like, is understood to mean that no mathematical exactness is required, but that a range of variation is contemplated that includes, but is not strictly limited to, the stated value, property, or relationship. In particular, in addition to any range recited herein, if any, a range of variation implied by the use of such approximation terms includes at least any insignificant variation as well as those variations typical in the relevant art for the type of item in question due to manufacturing or other tolerances. In any event, unless otherwise indicated, the range of variation can include values that are within at least ± 1% of the stated value, property, or relationship.

[0061] Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the foregoing disclosure. For example, while a device and process are being described, additional components or steps can be included for clarity of operation from the figures and description. Accordingly, it should be understood that the description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching the general manner of carrying out the present teachings. It is to be understood that the various examples shown and described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limiting the scope of the present teachings. Changes can be made in the elements and arrangements described herein without departing from the spirit of the present teachings and the scope of the appended claims. Changes can be made in the elements and arrangements described herein without departing from the scope of the present teachings and the scope of the appended claims.

[0062] It is to be understood that the particular example set forth herein are not providing limiting, and that modifications can be made in the structures, sizes, materials, and methods without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0063] Other examples in accordance with the disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing description and practice of the application disclosed herein. It is intended that the description and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims, including equivalents.

Claims

1. A drive carrier comprising: a front portion; a first lateral rail extending from the front portion, wherein the first lateral rail is formed of plastic and includes a threaded hole; a second lateral rail extending from the front portion, wherein the front portion, the first lateral rail, and the second lateral rail form a frame configured to receive a media drive between the first lateral rail and the second lateral rail, the media drive coupled to the first lateral rail by a threaded member inserted through the threaded hole; and a metal threaded plate molded into the first lateral rail around the threaded hole.

2. The drive carrier of claim 1, wherein the threaded plate includes a central portion and one or more wings at ends of the central portion, the wings curved at an angle relative to the central portion.

3. The drive carrier of claim 2, wherein the first lateral rail includes an inner face facing the second lateral rail and an outer face opposite the inner face; and wherein the central portion of the threaded plate is positioned adjacent the inner face and the wings extend toward the outer face.

4. The drive carrier of claim 2, wherein the wings are embedded in plastic forming the first lateral rail, plastic completely surrounding the wings.

5. The drive carrier of claim 2, wherein the threaded plate includes plastic flow-through holes at the wings.

6. The drive carrier of claim 5, wherein plastic forming the first lateral rail extends through the plastic flow-through holes such that a first portion of plastic on a first side of the threaded plate is joined to a second portion of plastic on a second side of the threaded plate via the plastic flow-through holes.

7. The drive carrier of claim 5, wherein each of the plastic flow-through holes spans a bend joining one of the wings to the central portion such that a portion of each plastic flow-through hole is in the central portion and another portion of each plastic flow-through hole is in one of the wings.

8. The drive carrier of claim 5, wherein the threaded plate includes two of the wings and each of the wings includes at least two of the plastic flow-through holes.

9. The drive carrier of claim 5, wherein for each of the wings, the threaded plate includes one or more reinforcements at the bend joining the corresponding wing to the central portion.

10. The drive carrier of claim 1, wherein the threaded plate includes two alignment holes configured to engage with complementary alignment pins of a mold piece with which the first lateral rail is formed to align the threaded plate relative to the mold piece during molding.

11. The drive carrier of claim 10, ​ wherein the first side rail includes one or more holes in an outer face of the first side rail, the one or more holes formed by an anti-float pin of the molding that engages the threaded plate while the threaded plate engages the alignment pin during the molding process.

12. The drive carrier of claim 1, wherein the threaded plate includes a threaded passage that aligns with a threaded hole of the first side rail.

13. The drive carrier of claim 12, wherein, the threaded passage has a smaller area than the threaded hole.

14. A driver carrier assembly, the driver carrier assembly comprises: the drive carrier of claim 1; a media drive received within the drive carrier between the first side rail and the second side rail; and a retention screw inserted through the threaded hole and through the threaded plate into the media drive and coupling the media drive to the first side rail.

15. A computing system comprising: a system chassis including one or more bays respectively configured to removably receive a drive carrier assembly; a drive carrier assembly received within, or configured to be received within, one of the bays, wherein the drive carrier assembly comprises: the drive carrier of claim 1; a media drive received within the drive carrier between the first side rail and the second side rail; and a retention screw inserted through the threaded hole and through the threaded plate into the media drive and coupling the media drive to the first side rail.

16. A computing system comprising: a system chassis including a plurality of bays respectively configured to removably receive a drive carrier assembly; a computing node housed in the system chassis; a plurality of drive carrier assemblies respectively received within the bays, wherein each of the plurality of drive carrier assemblies comprises: a drive carrier including at least a first side rail formed of plastic and including a threaded hole and a metal threaded plate molded into the first side rail around the threaded hole; and a media drive secured to the drive carrier by a screw inserted through the threaded hole; wherein each of the media drives is communicatively connected to the computing node.

17. The computing system of claim 16, wherein the threaded plate includes a central portion and one or more wings at ends of the central portion, the wings being angularly bent relative to the central portion.

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