Mobile Reader Writer Storage Warehouse System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tape libraries face limitations due to tape cartridge latency and wear, leading to inefficiencies in data retrieval and high setup and operation costs, making them unsuitable for long-term storage.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage warehouse system utilizing mobile reader/writer devices with autonomous robots and solid-state flash memory, where data storage devices remain stationary and are accessed by movable reader/writer devices with extendable arms, enabling efficient data management through wireless or direct connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional tape libraries use robots to move tape cartridges, then data retrieval is possible, but latency and wear limitations reduce efficiency and value for long term storage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the storage cartridge to the reader/writer, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the storage cartridge stationary on shelves and moving the reader/writer device to the cartridge. This eliminates wear on the storage medium and reduces latency by allowing direct access without mechanical handling of the cartridges themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical tape library robot system with a mobile robotic platform that uses sensors, processors, and automated navigation to locate and access storage cartridges. This substitution reduces mechanical wear and improves retrieval efficiency through intelligent path planning and automated operation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional tape libraries use robots and precise mechanical engineering, then data storage and retrieval is enabled, but setup and operation costs become expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile reader/writer device is equipped with onboard sensors, processors, and navigation systems that enable it to autonomously locate storage cartridges, plan paths, and execute retrieval operations without requiring complex external mechanical positioning systems or precise mechanical engineering infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile reader/writer device serves multiple functions: it can access any storage cartridge on any shelf, perform read/write operations, navigate autonomously, and adapt to different storage configurations. This multi-functionality replaces the need for dedicated mechanical robots and complex positioning systems for each storage location.
3Speed
If storage cartridges are relocated to tape drives, then data access is enabled, but the process creates latency and mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the storage cartridge to the drive, the reader/writer moves to the cartridge. This inversion eliminates the time-consuming process of cartridge relocation and allows immediate data access, significantly reducing retrieval latency while maintaining fast data transfer speeds through direct connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes data storage devices, bus conductors, and mobile reader/writer devices. Each of the storage devices is positioned between insulators, is at one of a plurality of locations on one of one or more shelf assemblies, and comprises a processor coupled to a memory and an interface device. One of the bus conductors is adjacent each of the insulators. Each of the reader/writer devices includes a transport apparatus, a processor and a memory. The transport apparatus is configured to move one of the reader/writer devices to one or more of the locations when engaged. The processor is coupled to the transport apparatus and the memory and is configured to execute machine executable code to: engage the transport apparatus to position one of the reader/writer devices to one of the locations in response to a received operation; couple power to one of the storage devices; and execute the operation.