Mobile Form Factor Hard Drive Storage Enclosure

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a demand for portable, high-capacity storage solutions that are compatible with handheld devices, particularly mobile phones, which require a form factor that matches current mobile device designs to ensure compatibility with accessories and efficient data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A portable data storage apparatus featuring a disk-based storage device, such as a 2.5-inch or 1.8-inch hard drive or a solid state hybrid drive, housed in an enclosure with a rectangular mobile phone form factor, equipped with a wireless interface and a power port for external power supply, allowing for both wireless and wired data transfer and power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a hard disk drive is used for high-capacity storage, then storage capacity is improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is segmented into modular components: a 2.5-inch or 1.8-inch hard disk drive for high-capacity storage, a separate enclosure with mobile phone form factor, and optional wireless interface modules. This segmentation allows the heavy storage component to be isolated while the external housing remains lightweight and portable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional desktop hard drive dimensions to a compact mobile form factor by reducing the housing dimensions to match mobile phone proportions (approximately 3.5 inches in length). This dimensional transformation enables high-capacity storage to be integrated into a lightweight, portable package.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If a hard disk drive is used for high-capacity storage, then storage capacity is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoiddevice length
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is segmented into modular components: a 2.5-inch or 1.8-inch hard disk drive for high-capacity storage, a separate enclosure with mobile phone form factor, and optional wireless interface modules. This segmentation allows the heavy storage component to be isolated while the external housing remains lightweight and portable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional desktop hard drive dimensions to a compact mobile form factor by reducing the housing dimensions to match mobile phone proportions (approximately 3.5 inches in length). This dimensional transformation enables high-capacity storage to be integrated into a lightweight, portable package.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless interface is added for data transfer, then data transfer flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is designed with universal compatibility features, including a standardized mobile phone form factor that can interface with various mobile devices, multiple connection options (USB port for wired transfer, optional wireless interface for wireless transfer), and support for different power sources. This multi-functionality approach enables a single device to provide versatile data transfer capabilities without requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Use of energy by moving object

If external power supply is required, then power management efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management efficiencyVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is designed with universal compatibility features, including a standardized mobile phone form factor that can interface with various mobile devices, multiple connection options (USB port for wired transfer, optional wireless interface for wireless transfer), and support for different power sources. This multi-functionality approach enables a single device to provide versatile data transfer capabilities without requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service power management by allowing the storage device to draw power from connected mobile devices through the USB interface. The device automatically manages power intake and consumption without requiring external power adapters or manual intervention, making operation as convenient as connecting a standard USB device to a smartphone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10068619B1Hand held storage device
Publication Date: 2018.09.04 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US10068619B1 patent drawing
  • US10068619B1 patent drawing
  • US10068619B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A hand held data storage apparatus includes a disk-based storage device, an interface configured for data transfer with the storage device, and an enclosure that encapsulates the storage device and the interface, wherein the enclosure is configured with a rectangular mobile phone form factor.