Fire Protection Material in Data Storage Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data storage devices in digital video recorders lack fire protection and flame resistance, causing data loss during fires due to high temperatures damaging the controller and flash memory elements.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device design featuring a shell with vents and internal fire protection material covering the main circuit board, along with a flexible circuit connection line, to isolate and dissipate heat, preventing burning and ensuring data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the data storage device uses a metal shell without fire protection design, then the manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the flash memory elements and controller will be burned when exposed to high temperature fire sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where an inner shell containing the circuit board is placed inside the outer metal shell. The fire protection material is then disposed within the shell to cover the inner shell and circuit board, creating multiple protective layers that nest within each other to achieve fire resistance without excessive external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fire protection material serves as an intermediary substance between the external fire source and the sensitive electronic components. This material layer acts as a thermal barrier that mediates the heat transfer process, protecting the flash memory elements and controller from direct thermal damage while allowing the device to maintain its functional structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the data storage device lacks fire protection material, then the device structure remains simple, but the heat from fire sources will conduct through the metal shell and metal pins to burn the controller and flash memory elements
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection material is selectively applied only to critical areas where thermal protection is most needed - specifically covering the inner shell and circuit board containing the flash memory elements and controller. This localized application provides targeted thermal protection without requiring fire-resistant materials throughout the entire device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different materials with complementary properties: the outer metal shell provides structural strength and electromagnetic shielding, while the fire protection material (such as ceramic fiber or intumescent material) provides thermal insulation. This composite material approach achieves both mechanical integrity and fire resistance without excessive material consumption
3Reliability
If transmission interface pins are made of metal for electrical connection, then electrical conductivity is good, but the metal pins conduct heat from fire sources to burn the controller and flash memory elements on the main circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection material acts as an intermediary thermal barrier between the external environment and the circuit board. This material layer interrupts the heat conduction path that would otherwise travel through the metal pins and circuit board to reach the sensitive electronic components, while allowing electrical connections to function normally
4Strength
If the shell is made of metal for durability and heat dissipation, then the structural strength is good, but the metal shell absorbs and transmits fire heat to the internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested shell structure where an inner shell is placed within the outer metal shell. The fire protection material is disposed in the space between these shells and covers the inner shell, creating a thermal buffer zone that prevents the outer metal shell from directly transmitting fire heat to the internal components while maintaining the structural benefits of the metal construction
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 effectively prevents data loss by isolating the main circuit board from high temperatures and facilitating heat dissipation, maintaining data storage integrity even in fire scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an air convection is formed between the exposed vents and the fire protection material. When a heat source generated by the fire conducts to the fire protection material, the fire protection material can dissipate heat by the air convection between the exposed vents and the fire protection material
Implementation Method 2
the main circuit board is covered by the fire protection material capable of isolating an external high temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a data storage device comprising a shell, a main circuit board, and an external connector. The shell comprises a plurality of vents. The main circuit board is placed in the shell, and covered by a fire protection material. The main circuit board is provided with a controller and a plurality of flash memory elements. The external connector is disposed outside the shell. When the data storage device is in a fire scene, the flash memory elements on the main circuit board can be avoided to be burned since the fire protection material covers the main circuit board. Further, the data storage device has a better heat dissipation and convection effect via the vents of the shell, such that the data storage device can cool down quickly, and thereby the integrity of data storage can ensured.