Carrierless Mass Storage Retainer for Vertical Server Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server designs using standard hard disk drives result in substantial wasted space within server chassis, leading to inadequate computing or storage capacity, especially when using carrierless hard disk drives that are closely spaced without carriers.
Innovation Solution
A data storage module with vertically-oriented carrierless mass storage devices, such as hard disk drives, is supported by a retainer assembly that includes spring-biased retaining elements and vibration damping features, allowing for efficient installation and removal of the devices, optimizing space utilization and reducing vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard hard disk drives are used in server designs, then cost effectiveness is improved, but space utilization deteriorates due to substantial wasted space in server chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal mounting of hard disk drives to vertical mounting, utilizing the vertical dimension of the server chassis. This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization by stacking drives vertically rather than arranging them horizontally, thereby reducing wasted space while maintaining compatibility with standard drives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a retainer assembly that segments the server chassis into distinct mounting locations. Each retainer assembly independently holds individual hard disk drives, allowing for modular installation and optimization of space. The retainer assembly includes separate components such as retaining clips and mounting structures that work together to secure drives in vertical positions
2Reliability
If carrierless hard disk drives are used to reduce cost, then cost effectiveness is improved, but space spacing deteriorates due to inadequate retention mechanisms for closely spaced drives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retainer assembly as an intermediary component between the carrierless hard disk drives and the server chassis. This retainer assembly includes retaining clips and mounting structures that provide the necessary retention mechanism for closely spaced carrierless drives, enabling them to be securely mounted without carriers while maintaining ease of installation and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly incorporates movable retaining clips that can be dynamically adjusted to engage or disengage from the hard disk drives. This dynamic mechanism allows for easy installation by simply sliding the drive into place and secure retention during operation, while also enabling simple removal by releasing the clips
3Area of stationary object
If mass storage devices are spaced closely together to maximize capacity, then space utilization is improved, but vibration control deteriorates due to increased vibration from closely spaced devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates vibration damping features in the retainer assembly before the hard disk drives are installed. These features include damping materials or structures integrated into the retainer that preemptively reduce vibration transmission between closely spaced drives, preventing vibration problems before they occur rather than addressing them after installation
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
The solution enables significant space savings by allowing for closer spacing of carrierless mass storage devices, enhancing computing capacity while minimizing vibrations and improving installation/removal efficiency, thus addressing the issue of wasted space in server designs.
Implementation Method 1
A retainer assembly for a carrierless mass storage device includes a supporting surface, a retaining surface, and spring-biased retaining elements
Implementation Method 2
A retainer assembly for a carrierless mass storage device includes a supporting surface, a retaining surface, and spring-biased retaining elements
Data Source
AI summary
A carrierless mass storage device retainer assembly for retaining a carrierless mass storage device in a vertical orientation comprises a generally horizontal supporting surface, a generally vertical backplane and a retainer. The supporting surface is configured to receive a first side surface of a carrierless mass storage device and to support it from below with its second side surface facing upwards in a generally vertical direction. The backplane is positioned adjacent an end of the horizontal supporting surface and has a connector configured to establish an electrical connection between the carrierless mass storage device and the backplane. The retainer comprises a bail coupled to the supporting surface and shaped to extend around the carrierless mass storage device and to contact at least its second side surface when it is installed.