Multi-functional corner features for data storage device case

Abstract

A rack-mountable electronic device transport / carrying case includes a container configured for housing an electronic device such as a solid-state drive and corner bumpers coupled with and spanning a respective corner edge of the container. Each corner bumper includes a replaceable first corner protector coupled with and extending from a first corner area of the container, a replaceable second corner protector coupled with and extending from a second corner area of the container toward the first corner protector, and a handle coupled with the corner protectors. Each corner bumper may further include a stacking interlock mechanism including a recess having a particular shape and perimeter length and an adjacent mirrored protrusion having the same particular shape with a smaller perimeter length than that of the recess, such that the protrusion of one case is configured to fit within the recess of another case in a stacked relationship.

Description

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS

[0001] Embodiments of the invention may relate generally to the shipping and handling of electronics devices and particularly to multi-functional corner mechanisms for a data storage device transport case.BACKGROUND

[0002] As networked computer systems grow in numbers and capability, there is a need for more storage system capacity. Cloud computing and large-scale data processing further increase the need for digital data storage systems that are capable of transferring and holding significant amounts of data. One approach to providing sufficient data storage is the use of arrays of data storage devices (DSDs) in data centers. Many DSDs can be housed in an electronics enclosure (sometimes referred to as a “rack”), which is typically a modular unit that can hold and operate independent DSDs in an array, computer processors, routers, and other electronic equipment. As data centers typically include many rack-mountable storage devices that are used to store the large amounts of data, a non-trivial amount of device handling may be necessary, such as in the course of shipping and transporting of such devices.

[0003] Any approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0005] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a storage device case with multi-function corner features, according to an embodiment;

[0006] FIG. 1B is another perspective view illustrating the storage device case with multi-function corner features of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment;

[0007] FIG. 1C is another perspective view illustrating the storage device case with multi-function corner features of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment;

[0008] FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating a multi-function corner feature for a storage device case, according to an embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 2B is an exploded view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a multi-function corner feature for a storage device case, according to an embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 3B is an exploded view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a multi-function corner feature for a storage device case, according to an embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 5A is a side view illustrating a multi-function corner feature, according to an embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional front view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 5C is a magnified cross-sectional front view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 5B, according to an embodiment; and

[0016] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a corner bumper for an electronic device carrying case, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Generally, approaches to an electronic device shipping and handling case, such as for data storage devices (DSDs), are described. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention described herein. It will be apparent, however, that the embodiments of the invention described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention described herein.IntroductionTerminology

[0018] References herein to “an embodiment”, “one embodiment”, and the like are intended to mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic being described is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. However, instances of such phrases do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0019] The term “substantially” will be understood to describe a feature that is largely or nearly structured, configured, dimensioned, etc., but with which manufacturing tolerances and the like may in practice result in a situation in which the structure, configuration, dimension, etc. is not always or necessarily precisely as stated. For example, describing a structure as “substantially vertical” would assign that term its plain meaning, such that the structure is vertical for all practical purposes but may not be precisely at 90 degrees throughout.

[0020] While terms such as “optimal”, “optimize”, “minimal”, “minimize”, “maximal”, “maximize”, and the like may not have certain values associated therewith, if such terms are used herein, the intent is that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand such terms to include affecting a value, parameter, metric, and the like in a beneficial direction consistent with the totality of this disclosure. For example, describing a value of something as “minimal” does not require that the value actually be equal to some theoretical minimum (e.g., zero), but should be understood in a practical sense in that a corresponding goal would be to move the value in a beneficial direction toward a theoretical minimum.Context

[0021] Recall that data centers typically include many rack-mountable data storage devices that require a non-trivial amount of device handling, such as in the course of shipping and transporting of such devices. In a commercial use environment, wear of and damage to known shipping carriers (may also be referred to as “transport cases”) have been found to be substantial after one shipment and necessitated entire case replacement after multiple shipments. For example, known approaches to transport case designs include one or more of the following: (i) a flat smooth surface on all the faces of the of the case, which wears very rapidly; (ii) metal or plastic wear surfaces riveted or bolted onto the case corners to absorb the wear and impact, which are typically not replaceable if damaged; (iii) molded-in ribs or raised surfaces that will wear and protect the larger surfaces, which may provide a relatively minor improvement over (i) but most cosmetic wear is concentrated on the raised surfaces and this mechanism(s) is not replaceable except by replacing the entire case; and (iv) over-molded elastic or other wear surface over the corners and / or edges of the case, whereby if the over-mold is damaged then the entire case needs to be replaced. In addition to wear and damage, known cases typically have a separate handle (some are retractable) to assist with actual human carrying of such a transport case, increasing the weight and complexity of such a case. Thus, there remains a challenge with providing robust electronic device shipping carrier / transport case wear protection features that are suitable for their intended purpose(s).Device Case With Multi-Function Corner Features

[0022] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a storage device case with multi-function corner features, FIG. 1B is another perspective view illustrating the storage device case with multi-function corner features of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is another perspective view illustrating the storage device case with multi-function corner features of FIG. 1A, all according to embodiments. Rack-mountable data storage device (DSD) case assembly 100 (simply “case assembly 100”, which may also be referred to as an “electronic device transport case” and “electronic device carrying case”), which is configured for installation directly into an electronics equipment rack, comprises a container 102 configured for housing an electronic device (e.g., a DSD such as a solid-state drive (SSD) and / or a hard disk drive (HDD)), and at least one corner bumper 104 (also “corner protector”) coupled with and spanning a corner edge 105 of the container. According to an embodiment, case assembly 100 includes a DSD (not visible) housed within the container 102. For a non-limiting example of use, one or more case assemblies 100 each with a corresponding DSD housed therein may be installed directly into an (e.g., mobile) equipment rack positioned near a datacenter rack, whereby data can be transported and migrated to (and / or from) each DSD and from (and / or to) datacenter equipment in the datacenter rack. As such, it is not necessary to remove the DSDs from their corresponding containers 102 and thus have empty case assemblies 100 cluttering datacenter aisles. According to an embodiment, container 102 comprises a front side having a front access door 102d for loading, unloading, accessing the enclosed DSD and / or a back side having a back access door 102d for loading, unloading, accessing the enclosed DSD.

[0023] Each corner bumper 104 comprises a first corner portion 104a coupled with and extending from a first corner area 102c of the container 102, a second corner portion 104a coupled with and extending from a second corner area 102c of the container 102, where the first and second corner areas 102c of the container 102 are connected by a respective corner edge 105, and a handle portion 106 coupled with the first and the second corner portions 104a. According to embodiments, the (two) corner portions 104a of a respective corner bumper 104 are of the same design and configuration and, therefore, may be produced from a common mold.

[0024] According to embodiments, each of the first and the second corner portions 104a of each corner bumper 104 is removably attached (e.g., by common replaceable fasteners, such as screws) to a corresponding surface of each respective first and second corner areas 102c of the container 102. Thus, if any part of a corner bumper 104 is damaged or experiences excessive wear, the corner bumper 104 assembly can be easily replaced (e.g., with readily available hand tools) by removing the fasteners and reattaching a new corner bumper 104 to the container 102 by using the same fastener points, thereby prolonging the useful life of the more costly container 102. According to an embodiment and as depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, each corner bumper 104 spans one of the short edges (corner edge 105) of the container 102. However, adapting a case assembly 100 such that the corner bumpers 104 span edges other than the short edges (e.g., any of the longer edges) of the container 102 is contemplated. According to an embodiment and as depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, a respective corner bumper 104 is coupled with each and every short edge 105 of the container 102.Multi-Function Corner Bumpers

[0025] FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating a multi-function corner feature for a storage device case, and FIG. 2B is an exploded view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 2A, both according to embodiments. Each corner bumper 204 (also “corner protector”) comprises a first corner portion 204a, a second corner portion 204a, and a handle portion 206 (“handle 206”) coupled with and positioned between the first and the second corner portions 204a. Here also, the (two) corner portions 204a of a respective corner bumper 204 may be of the same design and configuration and, therefore, may be produced from a common mold. According to an embodiment, each of the first and the second corner portions 204a is a molded part (e.g., high-impact plastic) and the handle 206 is a metal extrusion extending therebetween. For a non-limiting example, the first and second corner portion may be constructed from a polycarbonate such as Makrolon® 6555, currently available from Covestro AG. According to a related embodiment, the handle 206 metal extrusion is composed of aluminum. As depicted in FIG. 2B, the (two) corner portions 204a of the corner bumper 204 and the corresponding handle 206 may be removably coupled together with common fasteners, such as screws 207. The strength of corner portions 204a can be improved with mold pull direction to enable ribbing, with an example of ribbing as depicted in FIG. 2B and according to an embodiment. As a use case for corner bumpers such as corner bumpers 204 may encounter rough handling and an abusive environment during shipping, the placement of the corner bumpers 204 to protect all of the corners and the flat surfaces of the container 102 of a case assembly 100 (FIGS. 1A-1C) is provided.

[0026] According to embodiments, each of the first and second corner portions 204a of a corner bumper 204 comprises a stacking interlock mechanism comprising a recess 204a-1 (also “pocket”) having a particular shape and perimeter length and an adjacent mirrored protrusion 204a-2 having substantially the same particular shape with a smaller perimeter length than that of the recess. Hence, the protrusion 204a-2 of one case assembly 100 is configured to fit within the recess 204a-1 of another case assembly 100 in a stacked relationship. Stated otherwise, the first and second corner portions 204a are molded with male and female features to create a stacking interlock mechanism to facilitate use and storage of multiple cases in customer facilities.

[0027] FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a multi-function corner feature for a storage device case, and FIG. 3B is an exploded view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 3A, both according to embodiments. Each corner bumper 304 (also “corner protector”) comprises a first corner portion 304a, a second corner portion 304a, and a handle portion 306 (“handle 306”) coupled with and positioned between the first and the second corner portions 304a. Here also, the (two) corner portions 304a of a respective corner bumper 304 may be of the same design and configuration and, therefore, may be produced from a common mold. According to an embodiment, each of the first and the second corner portions 304a is a molded part (e.g., high-impact plastic). According to an embodiment, the first and second corner portions 304a are interlocked together with a respective half-portion 306a of the handle 306 portion extending into a corresponding receptacle 306b of the mating interlocked corner portion 304a. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the (two) corner portions 304a of the corner bumper 304 and the corresponding handle 306 may be removably coupled together with common fasteners, such as screws 307. The strength of corner portions 304a can also be improved with ribbing, with an example depicted in FIG. 3B and according to an embodiment. Here also, as a use case for corner bumpers such as corner bumpers 304 may encounter rough handling and an abusive environment during shipping, the placement of the corner bumpers 304 to protect all of the corners and the flat surfaces of the container 102 of a case assembly 100 (FIGS. 1A-1C) is provided.

[0028] According to embodiments, each of the first and second corner portions 304a of a corner bumper 304 comprises a stacking interlock mechanism comprising a recess 304a-1 having a particular shape and perimeter length and an adjacent mirrored protrusion 304a-2 having substantially the same particular shape with a smaller perimeter length than that of the recess. Hence, the protrusion 304a-2 of one case assembly 100 is configured to fit within the recess 304a-1 of another case assembly 100 in a stacked relationship. Stated otherwise, the first and second corner portions 304a are molded with male and female features to create a stacking interlock mechanism to facilitate use and storage of multiple cases in customer facilities.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a multi-function corner feature for a storage device case, according to an embodiment. With this embodiment of a corner bumper 404 (also “corner protector”), the first and second corner portions 404a and the handle portion 406 (“handle 406”) are a singular molded part, composed of a high-impact plastic for example. Here also, the placement of the corner bumpers 404 to protect all of the corners and the flat surfaces of the container 102 of a case assembly 100 (FIGS. 1A-1C) is provided.

[0030] FIG. 5A is a side view illustrating a multi-function corner feature, FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional front view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5C is a magnified cross-sectional front view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 5B, all according to embodiments. According to an embodiment, the corner bumpers 104 (FIGS. 1A-1C), 204 (FIGS. 2A-2B), 304 (FIGS. 3A-3B), 404 (FIG. 4) generally, and the corner portions 104a (FIGS. 1A-1C), 204a (FIGS. 2A-2B), 304a (FIGS. 3A-3B), 404a (FIG. 4) specifically, are implemented with an impact-absorbing grommet incorporated therein.

[0031] FIGS. 5A-5C depict such a viscoelastic grommet 508 positioned between each corner portion 504a (see also corner portion 104a, 204a, 304a, 404a) of a corner bumper 504 (also “corner protector”; see also corner bumper 104, 204, 304, 404) and the container 102, at the fastening points, to further reduce the impact energy from large drops to the electronic device housed within the container 102. More specifically, the grommet 508 is positioned between the container 102 / corner portion 504a and a fastener 509a (e.g., a shoulder bolt) with which the respective corner portion 504a is attached to the container 102. Here, the container 102 further comprises a molded insert 509b for receiving and holding the fastener 509a. Method of Manufacturing a Corner Bumper for an Electronic Device Carrying Case

[0032] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a corner bumper for an electronic device carrying case, according to an embodiment. For example, the method of FIG. 6 may be used to produce a corner bumper for a device carrying case for DSDs and other electronic devices, such as corner bumper 104 (FIGS. 1A-1C), 204 (FIGS. 2A-2B), 304 (FIGS. 3A-3B), 404 (FIG. 4).

[0033] At block 602, mold a first corner protector comprising strengthening ribs and interlockable stacking features molding a first corner protector comprising strengthening ribs and interlockable stacking features. For example, a first corner portion 104a (FIGS. 1A-1C), 204a (FIGS. 2A-2B), 304a (FIGS. 3A-3B), 404a (FIG. 4) is molded to comprise strengthening ribs (see, e.g., FIGS. 2B, 3B, 4) and interlockable stacking features 204a-1 / 204a-2 (FIGS. 2A-2B), 304a-1 / 304a-2 (FIGS. 3A-3B).

[0034] At block 604, mold a second corner protector comprising the strengthening ribs and the interlockable stacking features. For example, a second corner portion 104a, 204a, 304a, 404a is molded to comprise strengthening ribs (see, e.g., FIGS. 2B, 3B, 4) and interlockable stacking features 204a-1 / 204a-2, 304a-1 / 304a-2.

[0035] At block 606, interlock the first corner protector with the second corner protector to form a case carrying handle between the first and the second corner protectors. For example, first corner portion 104a, 204a, 304a, 404a is interlocked with the second corner portion 104a, 204a, 304a, 404a to form a case carrying handle 106 (FIGS. 1A-1C), 206 (FIGS. 2A-2B), 306 (FIGS. 3A-3B), 406 (FIG. 4) between the first and the second corner protectors 104a, 204a, 304a, 404a.

[0036] In view of the foregoing, described herein are approaches to a rack-mountable electronic device transport / carrying case having replaceable impact-resistant and wear-resistant corner bumpers with an integral carrying handle, configured to span across an edge of a container configured to house an electronic device such as a data storage device. The corner bumpers may further comprise molded male and female features to create a stacking interlock mechanism to facilitate use and storage of multiple cases in customer facilities. Thus, multiple features (e.g., durability, carry ability, stacking ability, replaceability) are synergistically provided in a common mechanism, thereby minimizing or at least managing component space, part count, and cost.Extensions and Alternatives

[0037] In the foregoing description, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. Therefore, various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments. Thus, the sole and exclusive indicator of what is the invention, and is intended by the applicants to be the invention, is the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction. Any definitions expressly set forth herein for terms contained in such claims shall govern the meaning of such terms as used in the claims. Hence, no limitation, element, property, feature, advantage, or attribute that is not expressly recited in a claim should limit the scope of such claim in any way. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0038] In addition, in this description certain process steps may be set forth in a particular order, and alphabetic and alphanumeric labels may be used to identify certain steps. Unless specifically stated in the description, embodiments are not necessarily limited to any particular order of carrying out such steps. In particular, the labels are used merely for convenient identification of steps and are not intended to specify or require a particular order of carrying out such steps.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0017]Generally, approaches to an electronic device shipping and handling case, such as for data storage devices (DSDs), are described. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention described herein. It will be apparent, however, that the embodiments of the invention described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention described herein.

Introduction

Terminology

[0018]References herein to “an embodiment”, “one embodiment”, and the like are intended to mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic being described is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. However, instances of such phrases do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0019]The term “substanti...

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS

[0001] Embodiments of the invention may relate generally to the shipping and handling of electronics devices and particularly to multi-functional corner mechanisms for a data storage device transport case.BACKGROUND

[0002] As networked computer systems grow in numbers and capability, there is a need for more storage system capacity. Cloud computing and large-scale data processing further increase the need for digital data storage systems that are capable of transferring and holding significant amounts of data. One approach to providing sufficient data storage is the use of arrays of data storage devices (DSDs) in data centers. Many DSDs can be housed in an electronics enclosure (sometimes referred to as a “rack”), which is typically a modular unit that can hold and operate independent DSDs in an array, computer processors, routers, and other electronic equipment. As data centers typically include many rack-mountable storage devices that are used to store the large amounts of data, a non-trivial amount of device handling may be necessary, such as in the course of shipping and transporting of such devices.

[0003] Any approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0005] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a storage device case with multi-function corner features, according to an embodiment;

[0006] FIG. 1B is another perspective view illustrating the storage device case with multi-function corner features of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment;

[0007] FIG. 1C is another perspective view illustrating the storage device case with multi-function corner features of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment;

[0008] FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating a multi-function corner feature for a storage device case, according to an embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 2B is an exploded view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a multi-function corner feature for a storage device case, according to an embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 3B is an exploded view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a multi-function corner feature for a storage device case, according to an embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 5A is a side view illustrating a multi-function corner feature, according to an embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional front view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 5C is a magnified cross-sectional front view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 5B, according to an embodiment; and

[0016] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a corner bumper for an electronic device carrying case, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Generally, approaches to an electronic device shipping and handling case, such as for data storage devices (DSDs), are described. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention described herein. It will be apparent, however, that the embodiments of the invention described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention described herein.IntroductionTerminology

[0018] References herein to “an embodiment”, “one embodiment”, and the like are intended to mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic being described is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. However, instances of such phrases do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0019] The term “substantially” will be understood to describe a feature that is largely or nearly structured, configured, dimensioned, etc., but with which manufacturing tolerances and the like may in practice result in a situation in which the structure, configuration, dimension, etc. is not always or necessarily precisely as stated. For example, describing a structure as “substantially vertical” would assign that term its plain meaning, such that the structure is vertical for all practical purposes but may not be precisely at 90 degrees throughout.

[0020] While terms such as “optimal”, “optimize”, “minimal”, “minimize”, “maximal”, “maximize”, and the like may not have certain values associated therewith, if such terms are used herein, the intent is that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand such terms to include affecting a value, parameter, metric, and the like in a beneficial direction consistent with the totality of this disclosure. For example, describing a value of something as “minimal” does not require that the value actually be equal to some theoretical minimum (e.g., zero), but should be understood in a practical sense in that a corresponding goal would be to move the value in a beneficial direction toward a theoretical minimum.Context

[0021] Recall that data centers typically include many rack-mountable data storage devices that require a non-trivial amount of device handling, such as in the course of shipping and transporting of such devices. In a commercial use environment, wear of and damage to known shipping carriers (may also be referred to as “transport cases”) have been found to be substantial after one shipment and necessitated entire case replacement after multiple shipments. For example, known approaches to transport case designs include one or more of the following: (i) a flat smooth surface on all the faces of the of the case, which wears very rapidly; (ii) metal or plastic wear surfaces riveted or bolted onto the case corners to absorb the wear and impact, which are typically not replaceable if damaged; (iii) molded-in ribs or raised surfaces that will wear and protect the larger surfaces, which may provide a relatively minor improvement over (i) but most cosmetic wear is concentrated on the raised surfaces and this mechanism(s) is not replaceable except by replacing the entire case; and (iv) over-molded elastic or other wear surface over the corners and / or edges of the case, whereby if the over-mold is damaged then the entire case needs to be replaced. In addition to wear and damage, known cases typically have a separate handle (some are retractable) to assist with actual human carrying of such a transport case, increasing the weight and complexity of such a case. Thus, there remains a challenge with providing robust electronic device shipping carrier / transport case wear protection features that are suitable for their intended purpose(s).Device Case With Multi-Function Corner Features

[0022] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a storage device case with multi-function corner features, FIG. 1B is another perspective view illustrating the storage device case with multi-function corner features of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is another perspective view illustrating the storage device case with multi-function corner features of FIG. 1A, all according to embodiments. Rack-mountable data storage device (DSD) case assembly 100 (simply “case assembly 100”, which may also be referred to as an “electronic device transport case” and “electronic device carrying case”), which is configured for installation directly into an electronics equipment rack, comprises a container 102 configured for housing an electronic device (e.g., a DSD such as a solid-state drive (SSD) and / or a hard disk drive (HDD)), and at least one corner bumper 104 (also “corner protector”) coupled with and spanning a corner edge 105 of the container. According to an embodiment, case assembly 100 includes a DSD (not visible) housed within the container 102. For a non-limiting example of use, one or more case assemblies 100 each with a corresponding DSD housed therein may be installed directly into an (e.g., mobile) equipment rack positioned near a datacenter rack, whereby data can be transported and migrated to (and / or from) each DSD and from (and / or to) datacenter equipment in the datacenter rack. As such, it is not necessary to remove the DSDs from their corresponding containers 102 and thus have empty case assemblies 100 cluttering datacenter aisles. According to an embodiment, container 102 comprises a front side having a front access door 102d for loading, unloading, accessing the enclosed DSD and / or a back side having a back access door 102d for loading, unloading, accessing the enclosed DSD.

[0023] Each corner bumper 104 comprises a first corner portion 104a coupled with and extending from a first corner area 102c of the container 102, a second corner portion 104a coupled with and extending from a second corner area 102c of the container 102, where the first and second corner areas 102c of the container 102 are connected by a respective corner edge 105, and a handle portion 106 coupled with the first and the second corner portions 104a. According to embodiments, the (two) corner portions 104a of a respective corner bumper 104 are of the same design and configuration and, therefore, may be produced from a common mold.

[0024] According to embodiments, each of the first and the second corner portions 104a of each corner bumper 104 is removably attached (e.g., by common replaceable fasteners, such as screws) to a corresponding surface of each respective first and second corner areas 102c of the container 102. Thus, if any part of a corner bumper 104 is damaged or experiences excessive wear, the corner bumper 104 assembly can be easily replaced (e.g., with readily available hand tools) by removing the fasteners and reattaching a new corner bumper 104 to the container 102 by using the same fastener points, thereby prolonging the useful life of the more costly container 102. According to an embodiment and as depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, each corner bumper 104 spans one of the short edges (corner edge 105) of the container 102. However, adapting a case assembly 100 such that the corner bumpers 104 span edges other than the short edges (e.g., any of the longer edges) of the container 102 is contemplated. According to an embodiment and as depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, a respective corner bumper 104 is coupled with each and every short edge 105 of the container 102.Multi-Function Corner Bumpers

[0025] FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating a multi-function corner feature for a storage device case, and FIG. 2B is an exploded view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 2A, both according to embodiments. Each corner bumper 204 (also “corner protector”) comprises a first corner portion 204a, a second corner portion 204a, and a handle portion 206 (“handle 206”) coupled with and positioned between the first and the second corner portions 204a. Here also, the (two) corner portions 204a of a respective corner bumper 204 may be of the same design and configuration and, therefore, may be produced from a common mold. According to an embodiment, each of the first and the second corner portions 204a is a molded part (e.g., high-impact plastic) and the handle 206 is a metal extrusion extending therebetween. For a non-limiting example, the first and second corner portion may be constructed from a polycarbonate such as Makrolon® 6555, currently available from Covestro AG. According to a related embodiment, the handle 206 metal extrusion is composed of aluminum. As depicted in FIG. 2B, the (two) corner portions 204a of the corner bumper 204 and the corresponding handle 206 may be removably coupled together with common fasteners, such as screws 207. The strength of corner portions 204a can be improved with mold pull direction to enable ribbing, with an example of ribbing as depicted in FIG. 2B and according to an embodiment. As a use case for corner bumpers such as corner bumpers 204 may encounter rough handling and an abusive environment during shipping, the placement of the corner bumpers 204 to protect all of the corners and the flat surfaces of the container 102 of a case assembly 100 (FIGS. 1A-1C) is provided.

[0026] According to embodiments, each of the first and second corner portions 204a of a corner bumper 204 comprises a stacking interlock mechanism comprising a recess 204a-1 (also “pocket”) having a particular shape and perimeter length and an adjacent mirrored protrusion 204a-2 having substantially the same particular shape with a smaller perimeter length than that of the recess. Hence, the protrusion 204a-2 of one case assembly 100 is configured to fit within the recess 204a-1 of another case assembly 100 in a stacked relationship. Stated otherwise, the first and second corner portions 204a are molded with male and female features to create a stacking interlock mechanism to facilitate use and storage of multiple cases in customer facilities.

[0027] FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a multi-function corner feature for a storage device case, and FIG. 3B is an exploded view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 3A, both according to embodiments. Each corner bumper 304 (also “corner protector”) comprises a first corner portion 304a, a second corner portion 304a, and a handle portion 306 (“handle 306”) coupled with and positioned between the first and the second corner portions 304a. Here also, the (two) corner portions 304a of a respective corner bumper 304 may be of the same design and configuration and, therefore, may be produced from a common mold. According to an embodiment, each of the first and the second corner portions 304a is a molded part (e.g., high-impact plastic). According to an embodiment, the first and second corner portions 304a are interlocked together with a respective half-portion 306a of the handle 306 portion extending into a corresponding receptacle 306b of the mating interlocked corner portion 304a. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the (two) corner portions 304a of the corner bumper 304 and the corresponding handle 306 may be removably coupled together with common fasteners, such as screws 307. The strength of corner portions 304a can also be improved with ribbing, with an example depicted in FIG. 3B and according to an embodiment. Here also, as a use case for corner bumpers such as corner bumpers 304 may encounter rough handling and an abusive environment during shipping, the placement of the corner bumpers 304 to protect all of the corners and the flat surfaces of the container 102 of a case assembly 100 (FIGS. 1A-1C) is provided.

[0028] According to embodiments, each of the first and second corner portions 304a of a corner bumper 304 comprises a stacking interlock mechanism comprising a recess 304a-1 having a particular shape and perimeter length and an adjacent mirrored protrusion 304a-2 having substantially the same particular shape with a smaller perimeter length than that of the recess. Hence, the protrusion 304a-2 of one case assembly 100 is configured to fit within the recess 304a-1 of another case assembly 100 in a stacked relationship. Stated otherwise, the first and second corner portions 304a are molded with male and female features to create a stacking interlock mechanism to facilitate use and storage of multiple cases in customer facilities.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a multi-function corner feature for a storage device case, according to an embodiment. With this embodiment of a corner bumper 404 (also “corner protector”), the first and second corner portions 404a and the handle portion 406 (“handle 406”) are a singular molded part, composed of a high-impact plastic for example. Here also, the placement of the corner bumpers 404 to protect all of the corners and the flat surfaces of the container 102 of a case assembly 100 (FIGS. 1A-1C) is provided.

[0030] FIG. 5A is a side view illustrating a multi-function corner feature, FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional front view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5C is a magnified cross-sectional front view illustrating the multi-function corner feature of FIG. 5B, all according to embodiments. According to an embodiment, the corner bumpers 104 (FIGS. 1A-1C), 204 (FIGS. 2A-2B), 304 (FIGS. 3A-3B), 404 (FIG. 4) generally, and the corner portions 104a (FIGS. 1A-1C), 204a (FIGS. 2A-2B), 304a (FIGS. 3A-3B), 404a (FIG. 4) specifically, are implemented with an impact-absorbing grommet incorporated therein.

[0031] FIGS. 5A-5C depict such a viscoelastic grommet 508 positioned between each corner portion 504a (see also corner portion 104a, 204a, 304a, 404a) of a corner bumper 504 (also “corner protector”; see also corner bumper 104, 204, 304, 404) and the container 102, at the fastening points, to further reduce the impact energy from large drops to the electronic device housed within the container 102. More specifically, the grommet 508 is positioned between the container 102 / corner portion 504a and a fastener 509a (e.g., a shoulder bolt) with which the respective corner portion 504a is attached to the container 102. Here, the container 102 further comprises a molded insert 509b for receiving and holding the fastener 509a. Method of Manufacturing a Corner Bumper for an Electronic Device Carrying Case

[0032] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a corner bumper for an electronic device carrying case, according to an embodiment. For example, the method of FIG. 6 may be used to produce a corner bumper for a device carrying case for DSDs and other electronic devices, such as corner bumper 104 (FIGS. 1A-1C), 204 (FIGS. 2A-2B), 304 (FIGS. 3A-3B), 404 (FIG. 4).

[0033] At block 602, mold a first corner protector comprising strengthening ribs and interlockable stacking features molding a first corner protector comprising strengthening ribs and interlockable stacking features. For example, a first corner portion 104a (FIGS. 1A-1C), 204a (FIGS. 2A-2B), 304a (FIGS. 3A-3B), 404a (FIG. 4) is molded to comprise strengthening ribs (see, e.g., FIGS. 2B, 3B, 4) and interlockable stacking features 204a-1 / 204a-2 (FIGS. 2A-2B), 304a-1 / 304a-2 (FIGS. 3A-3B).

[0034] At block 604, mold a second corner protector comprising the strengthening ribs and the interlockable stacking features. For example, a second corner portion 104a, 204a, 304a, 404a is molded to comprise strengthening ribs (see, e.g., FIGS. 2B, 3B, 4) and interlockable stacking features 204a-1 / 204a-2, 304a-1 / 304a-2.

[0035] At block 606, interlock the first corner protector with the second corner protector to form a case carrying handle between the first and the second corner protectors. For example, first corner portion 104a, 204a, 304a, 404a is interlocked with the second corner portion 104a, 204a, 304a, 404a to form a case carrying handle 106 (FIGS. 1A-1C), 206 (FIGS. 2A-2B), 306 (FIGS. 3A-3B), 406 (FIG. 4) between the first and the second corner protectors 104a, 204a, 304a, 404a.

[0036] In view of the foregoing, described herein are approaches to a rack-mountable electronic device transport / carrying case having replaceable impact-resistant and wear-resistant corner bumpers with an integral carrying handle, configured to span across an edge of a container configured to house an electronic device such as a data storage device. The corner bumpers may further comprise molded male and female features to create a stacking interlock mechanism to facilitate use and storage of multiple cases in customer facilities. Thus, multiple features (e.g., durability, carry ability, stacking ability, replaceability) are synergistically provided in a common mechanism, thereby minimizing or at least managing component space, part count, and cost.Extensions and Alternatives

[0037] In the foregoing description, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. Therefore, various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments. Thus, the sole and exclusive indicator of what is the invention, and is intended by the applicants to be the invention, is the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction. Any definitions expressly set forth herein for terms contained in such claims shall govern the meaning of such terms as used in the claims. Hence, no limitation, element, property, feature, advantage, or attribute that is not expressly recited in a claim should limit the scope of such claim in any way. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0038] In addition, in this description certain process steps may be set forth in a particular order, and alphabetic and alphanumeric labels may be used to identify certain steps. Unless specifically stated in the description, embodiments are not necessarily limited to any particular order of carrying out such steps. In particular, the labels are used merely for convenient identification of steps and are not intended to specify or require a particular order of carrying out such steps.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0017]Generally, approaches to an electronic device shipping and handling case, such as for data storage devices (DSDs), are described. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention described herein. It will be apparent, however, that the embodiments of the invention described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention described herein.

Introduction

Terminology

[0018]References herein to “an embodiment”, “one embodiment”, and the like are intended to mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic being described is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. However, instances of such phrases do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0019]The term “substanti...

Claims

1. An electronic device transport case comprising:a container configured for housing an electronic device; andat least one corner bumper coupled with and spanning a corner edge of the container, each corner bumper comprising:a first corner portion coupled with and extending from a first corner area of the container,a second corner portion coupled with and extending from a second corner area of the container, wherein the first and the second corner areas of the container are connected by a respective corner edge, anda handle portion coupled with the first and the second corner portions.

2. The electronic device transport case of claim 1, wherein each of the first and the second corner portions of each corner bumper is removably attached to a corresponding surface of each respective first and second corner areas of the container.

3. The electronic device transport case of claim 2, wherein each of the first and the second corner portions of each corner bumper is removably attached with a replaceable fastener to the corresponding surface of each respective first and second corner areas of the container.

4. The electronic device transport case of claim 1, wherein each of the first and the second corner portions is a molded part and the handle portion is a metal extrusion extending therebetween.

5. The electronic device transport case of claim 4, wherein the metal extrusion is composed of aluminum.

6. The electronic device transport case of claim 1, wherein each of the first and the second corner portions is a molded part interlocked together with a respective half-portion of the handle portion extending into a corresponding receptacle of the mating interlocked corner portion.

7. The electronic device transport case of claim 1, wherein the first and the second corner portions and the handle portion are a singular molded part.

8. The electronic device transport case of claim 1, wherein each corner bumper spans a short corner edge of the container.

9. The electronic device transport case of claim 1, wherein each short corner edge of the container is coupled with a corresponding corner bumper.

10. The electronic device transport case of claim 1, wherein each of the first and the second corner portions comprises a stacking interlock mechanism comprising:a recess having a particular shape and perimeter length; andan adjacent mirrored protrusion having substantially the same particular shape with a smaller perimeter length than that of the recess, such that the protrusion of one electronic device transport case is configured to fit within the recess of another electronic device transport case in a stacked relationship.

11. The electronic device transport case of claim 1, wherein each of the first and the second corner portions comprises:a viscoelastic grommet positioned between the container and a fastener with which the respective corner portion is attached to the container.

12. A rack-mountable data storage device case assembly configured for installation in an electronics rack, the data storage device case assembly comprising:a data storage device (DSD);a device container in which the DSD is housed, the container comprising a front side including front means for accessing the DSD and a back side including back means for accessing the DSD;corner protectors removably coupled with each corner of the container and extending along a short corner edge of the container toward another corner protector; anda handle configured for human handling of the storage device case, each handle spanning across a respective short corner edge of the container between two corner protectors.

13. The data storage device case assembly of claim 12, wherein each corner protector is a molded part and the handle is a separate metal extrusion coupled with the two corner protectors and extending therebetween.

14. The data storage device case assembly of claim 13, wherein the metal extrusion is composed of aluminum.

15. The data storage device case assembly of claim 12, wherein each corner protector is a molded part comprising a respective half-portion of the handle extending into a corresponding receptacle of a mating corner protector.

16. The data storage device case assembly of claim 12, wherein a pair of corner protectors and interposed handle are a singular molded part.

17. The data storage device case assembly of claim 12, wherein each corner protector comprises a stacking interlock mechanism comprising:a pocket having a particular shape and perimeter length; andan adjacent mirrored protrusion having substantially the same particular shape with a smaller perimeter length than that of the pocket, such that the protrusion of one storage device case assembly is configured to fit within the pocket of another storage device case assembly in a stacked interlocked relationship.

18. The data storage device case assembly of claim 12, wherein each corner protector comprises:a viscoelastic grommet positioned between the container and a removable fastener with which the respective corner protector is attached to the container.

19. A method of manufacturing a corner bumper for an electronic device carrying case, the method comprising:molding a first corner protector comprising strengthening ribs and interlockable stacking features;molding a second corner protector comprising the strengthening ribs and the interlockable stacking features; andinterlocking the first corner protector with the second corner protector to form a case carrying handle between the first and the second corner protectors.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein interlocking the first and the second corner protectors comprises:coupling a separate metal extrusion with and extending between each of the first and the second corner protectors to form the case carrying handle; orcoupling a respective half-portion of the case carrying handle extending from each of the first and the second corner protectors into a corresponding receptacle of the other of the first and the second corner protectors.

Images