Modular Mass Storage Docking Connectors for Cableless Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass storage systems rely on cabled connections for power and data, which limits flexibility, increases costs due to single-source solutions, and complicates component replacement and redundancy, especially with integrated RAID cards.
Innovation Solution
A modular mass storage system using a printed circuit board with docking connectors for cableless mounting of industry-standard non-volatile memory devices, allowing for direct electrical and mechanical integration of drives without cabling, enabling customizable configurations and easy component replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cabled connections are used for power and data, then reliable power supply and data transfer are ensured, but flexibility and ease of component replacement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power connection and data connection into a single unified docking connector interface. The docking connector simultaneously provides both power and data pathways, eliminating the need for separate power cables and data cables. This integration directly resolves the technical contradiction by simplifying the connection system while maintaining both power supply reliability and data transfer capability, thereby improving ease of component replacement and reducing cabling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking connector is designed as a universal interface that performs multiple functions: it provides power supply, data transfer, and mechanical retention all through a single connection point. This multi-functionality allows the same connector to handle both power and data tasks, eliminating the need for separate specialized cables and improving the ease of component replacement while maintaining system reliability.
2Speed
If integrated RAID card design is used, then data transfer rates are improved, but component replacement flexibility and redundancy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into modular components: the RAID controller card remains integrated for high-speed data transfer, while the storage devices are separated as removable modules that dock into the controller. This segmentation allows the controller to maintain high data transfer rates through direct PCIe connectivity, while individual storage devices can be independently replaced or reconfigured by simply docking or undocking them, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic configurability where storage devices can be hot-plugged or hot-swapped without shutting down the system. The docking connectors are designed to accept and release storage devices dynamically, allowing users to add, remove, or replace storage components on-the-fly while the system remains operational, thereby providing both high-speed performance and flexible adaptability.
3Reliability
If single-source integrated solutions are used, then system reliability is improved, but cost and vendor lock-in increase
Solution Approach 1:
The docking connector is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate storage devices from multiple different vendors and manufacturers. The standardized connector design allows any compliant storage device to work with the RAID controller, eliminating vendor lock-in while maintaining system reliability through consistent interface specifications and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the controller from the storage devices, the system allows independent selection of components from different vendors. The controller can be purchased from one manufacturer while storage devices can be sourced from multiple different suppliers, as long as they comply with the docking connector specification. This segmentation maintains system reliability through standardized interfaces while providing flexibility in vendor selection and reducing costs through competitive pricing.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular mass storage system and method that enables cableless mounting of ATA and/or similar high speed interface-based mass storage devices in a computer system. The system includes a printed circuit board, a system expansion slot interface on the printed circuit board and comprising power and data pins, a host bus controller on the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the system expansion slot interface, docking connectors connected with the host bus controller to receive power and exchange data therewith and adapted to electrically couple with industry-standard non-volatile memory devices without cabling therebetween, and features on the printed circuit board for securing the memory devices thereto once coupled to the docking connectors.