Carrier-less Data Storage Retainer with Integrated Latch Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage systems require separate carriers for each data storage device due to varying chassis designs from different manufacturers, leading to increased costs, complexity, and time for installation, removal, and servicing, especially in data centers with multiple types of systems.
Innovation Solution
A carrier-less data storage system design where data storage devices are directly secured within an enclosure using wall assemblies with integrated shafts and springs, allowing for vibration reduction and easy installation/removal without carriers, using latch assemblies and spacing features to accommodate standardized form factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate carriers are used for each data storage device to accommodate varying chassis designs, then adaptability to different manufacturers' systems is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wall assembly with standardized shaft-holding portions, shafts, and latch assemblies creates a universal mounting system that can accommodate different data storage device form factors (2.5-inch, 3.5-inch, etc.) directly without requiring separate carriers for each device type. The standardized interface provides multi-functionality across different chassis designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the carrier component from the data storage system. Instead of using separate carriers to interface with each data storage device, the system directly mounts devices to the chassis wall assembly, removing the intermediate carrier layer and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If separate carriers are used for each data storage device, then secure mounting is improved, but installation and servicing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wall assembly is pre-configured with shaft-holding portions and shafts in fixed positions before data storage devices are installed. This preliminary preparation of mounting structures eliminates the need for complex carrier assembly during installation, allowing direct and quick mounting of devices while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into independent wall assemblies, each with its own shaft-holding portion and latch mechanism. This segmentation allows individual data storage devices to be mounted and serviced independently without affecting other devices, reducing overall installation and servicing time while maintaining secure mounting for each device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple carriers are used to accommodate different data storage device types, then versatility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized wall assembly design with universal shaft-holding portions and latch assemblies serves multiple data storage device types (different form factors, manufacturers). This universal interface eliminates the need to maintain inventories of multiple specialized carriers, reducing the quantity of components required while maintaining versatility.
4Ease of operation
If standardized wall assemblies with shafts and latches are used, then ease of installation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall assembly mechanism is segmented into modular, standardized components (shaft-holding portion, shaft, latch assembly, spring) that can be manufactured independently and assembled systematically. This segmentation makes the complexity manageable and the installation process straightforward, as each component has a specific, simple function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective and efficient installation, removal, and servicing of data storage devices without the need for multiple carriers, reducing complexity and operational time, while maintaining secure and vibration-reduced operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of springs extending towards the second wall assembly, and a first shaft that extends within the first shaft-holding portion and that is coupled to and that extends through portions of the first set of springs
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an enclosure with a first side wall, a second side wall, and a first wall assembly. The first wall assembly extends between the first side wall and the second side wall and includes a first shaft-holding portion, a first plurality of latch assemblies having a first latch end and a first pivot end, and a first shaft that extends within the first shaft-holding portion and that is coupled to the first plurality of latch assemblies at respective first pivot ends of the first plurality of latch assemblies.