Disk Drive Support Carrier with Pin Fin Heat Sink
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to effectively manage heat removal in data storage systems with a mix of larger and smaller disk drives, as the smaller drives generate higher heat flux per unit area, leading to potential temperature issues and reduced reliability due to non-uniform airflow and mechanical crowding.
Innovation Solution
A support carrier with an integrated heat-sink surface and pin fins is designed to attach smaller format disk drives into chassis bays meant for larger drives, enhancing heat dissipation through increased surface area and airflow, using thermal interface materials and a removable retention device for secure attachment without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If smaller format disk drives are used to increase storage capacity, then storage density is improved, but heat generation per unit area increases and temperature control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation surface is segmented into multiple pin fins that protrude from the planar surface. This segmentation increases the effective surface area for heat transfer by creating multiple extended surfaces that can dissipate heat more efficiently, directly addressing the increased heat generation from smaller drives while maintaining compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sink transitions from a two-dimensional planar surface to a three-dimensional structure with pin fins protruding vertically. This dimensional change adds vertical heat dissipation pathways, increasing the effective heat transfer surface area without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby managing thermal density effectively
2Adaptability or versatility
If smaller disk drives are installed in chassis bays designed for larger drives, then system adaptability is improved, but airflow impedance becomes non-uniform and temperature control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support carrier is designed with universal compatibility, allowing it to be installed in chassis bays intended for larger drives while accommodating smaller format drives. The carrier includes a frame that fits within the larger bay dimensions and a planar surface that properly positions and supports smaller drives, enabling mixed configurations without compromising thermal performance
Solution Approach 2:
The support carrier acts as an intermediary component between the chassis bay and the smaller disk drive. It provides a standardized interface that adapts the smaller drive to the larger bay dimensions while maintaining proper airflow pathways and thermal management, resolving the incompatibility between different drive sizes
3Loss of energy
If pin fins are added to increase heat dissipation surface area, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin fins are integrated directly into the heat sink planar surface, merging the heat dissipation function with the structural support function. This integration eliminates the need for separate heat dissipation components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective heat removal through the extended fin surfaces
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
This solution effectively maintains drive temperatures within specifications, reducing thermal resistance and ensuring reliable operation by efficiently transferring heat away from smaller drives, even when integrated with larger drives, as demonstrated by empirical temperature measurements showing significant cooling effects.
Implementation Method 1
A heat-sink surface is disposed adjacently opposite of and attached to the planer surface for conducting heat from the smaller format disk drive
Implementation Method 2
Pin fins protrude from the planar surface to increase the surface area available for heat removal
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is a support carrier for attaching a smaller format disk drive into a chassis bay sized for receiving a larger disk drive, the support carrier includes a heat-sink surface with pin fins for conducting and removing heat from the smaller disk drive.