Data Storage Retention Assembly with Segmented Ribs for Cooling and Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data storage systems face challenges in maintaining a desired temperature range due to heat generation and vibration, which can be exacerbated by the thermal insulation and limited airflow of traditional carriers used for data storage devices, leading to performance issues and the need for more powerful cooling systems.

Innovation Solution

A retention assembly with a first set of ribs forming slots for data storage devices and a second set of ribs extending into these slots to create air channels, enhancing airflow and reducing vibration through the use of dampening materials and a backplane circuit board with elastomer dampers, allowing for improved cooling and vibration dampening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional carriers are used for data storage devices, then the devices are protected and organized, but airflow is limited and thermal insulation prevents effective cooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidthermal insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retention member is segmented into multiple ribs that form slots, creating a structured framework. This segmentation allows air to flow through multiple pathways around each data storage device, breaking up thermal zones and improving cooling efficiency while maintaining device protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ribs are designed with varying lengths (first length and second length) to create different local structures within the slots. The shorter second ribs extend partially into slots to form air channels, while the longer first ribs provide structural support and separation. This local differentiation optimizes both cooling airflow and device protection in specific areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If data storage devices are placed in close proximity for high density, then space is optimized, but vibration between adjacent devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage densityVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retention member divides the storage space into discrete slots using multiple ribs, creating individual compartments for each data storage device. This segmentation physically separates adjacent devices, reducing vibration transmission while maintaining high storage density through efficient space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ribs act as intermediary structures between adjacent data storage devices. These ribs provide mechanical separation and vibration dampening, serving as a buffer that prevents direct contact and vibration transfer between devices while maintaining close proximity for high density storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If airflow channels are added to improve cooling, then cooling efficiency increases, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidretention assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention member combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: device support, vibration isolation, and airflow channel formation. The ribs simultaneously provide structural support and create cooling pathways, eliminating the need for separate cooling components and reducing overall assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention member is designed as a multi-functional component that provides mechanical support, vibration dampening, and thermal management all in one structure. The ribs serve multiple purposes: structural reinforcement, device separation, and airflow channel creation, making the design universally applicable without adding complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 retention assembly effectively increases airflow around data storage devices, improving cooling efficiency and reducing vibration, enabling the use of higher-powered devices or more efficient cooling systems while minimizing performance degradation.

Implementation Method 1

The second set of ribs extend into respective slots to form air channels between the data storage devices and the first retention member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

backplane circuit board with elastomer dampers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration dampening: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11495267B2Data storage retainer systems, methods, and devices

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 SEAGATE TECH LLC

AI summary

A retention assembly includes a first retention member with a first set of ribs and a second set of ribs. The first set of ribs are positioned to form slots, which are shaped to receive data storage devices. The first set of ribs are arranged to separate adjacent data storage devices and have a first length. The second set of ribs extend into respective slots to form air channels within the slots, and the second set of ribs have a second length that is shorter than the first length.