Integrated EMI Cage Latch for Ruler Storage Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
High power consumption and heat production of spinning disk hard drives in large data storage systems, which become significant when hundreds or thousands of drives are combined, necessitate more efficient and compact storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A dense All Flash Array (AFA) design with front serviceable storage modules and integrated EMI cages, utilizing a thin and long SSD form factor, known as the 'Ruler Storage Module' (RSM), that allows for independent removal and service of each module without opening the chassis, along with a latch mechanism that provides both a connector and a handle for easy access and airflow guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If spinning disk hard drives are used in large data storage systems, then storage capacity is improved, but power consumption and heat production increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spinning disk hard drives to solid state drives, fundamentally changing the operational parameters from mechanical rotation to electronic storage. This parameter change eliminates moving parts, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining high storage capacity through dense flash memory arrays organized in hierarchical storage pools.
2Quantity of substance
If spinning disk hard drives are used in large data storage systems, then storage capacity is improved, but heat production increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transition to solid state drives changes the thermal parameters from active cooling requirements to passive heat dissipation. The SSD modules generate minimal heat compared to spinning disks, allowing for compact rack-mounted configurations with improved airflow and reduced cooling infrastructure requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If 2.5 inch SSDs are vertically mounted in rack chassis, then storage density is improved, but minimum rack-mount chassis size increases to 2U or 3U
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new horizontal form factor (approximately 3.5 inches by 10 inches) that expands the mounting dimension from vertical to horizontal orientation. This dimensional change allows SSD modules to be arranged in dense grid patterns within rack units, achieving high storage density in compact 1U or half-rack configurations without the vertical space constraints of traditional 2.5 inch drives.
4Adaptability or versatility
If M.2 SSDs are used to achieve lower capacity requirements, then storage flexibility is improved, but the number of devices and connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple small M.2-style connectors into a single integrated edge connector on each SSD module. This merging approach maintains the flexibility and hot-swappable nature of M.2 interfaces while reducing the total number of connectors and simplifying the backplane design, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated electronic card front EMI cage and latch is described that is suitable for use in a data storage system. In an example a latch module for an electronic component housing has a latch housing having an arm with an attachment point to fasten the latch housing to an end of the housing and an EMI cage having a front body and a plurality of fingers extending from the front body, the front body being held to the end of the housing by the latch housing and the fingers being configured to be outside an exterior of the housing on at least two sides of the housing to block electromagnetic interference from passing along the at least two sides of the housing.