Modular Storage Tray With Pivotable Cable Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional storage solutions for IT enclosures are not flexible, requiring unique enclosures for different hardware combinations and lacking field upgrade options, leading to high tooling costs and limited product flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage solution with a removable storage tray module that includes pivotable handles for cable management and customizable cooling components, allowing for interchangeable storage solutions with various form factors, such as SSDs, BOSS, and RAID, within a standard IT enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional storage solutions are used with separate compute modules, then different storage solutions can be used, but specialized assembly fixtures are required and field upgrades are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The storage module is segmented into a removable tray that can be independently exchanged from the compute module. The tray contains storage devices and is connected via a cable access assembly, allowing the storage portion to be separated and replaced without affecting the compute module or requiring specialized assembly fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable access assembly serves multiple functions: it provides cable routing, structural support, and locking mechanisms. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate specialized fixtures, enabling universal installation across different storage configurations while maintaining system integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If unique enclosures are used for different hardware combinations, then specific mounting features can be optimized, but tooling costs increase and product flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A single enclosure design accommodates multiple storage configurations through the universal cable access assembly and standardized tray interface. The enclosure includes generic mounting features that work with various storage device types (HDD, SSD, optical drives) without requiring unique tooling for each hardware combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, dedicated enclosures to a dynamic configuration where the cable access assembly and storage tray can be adapted and reconfigured for different storage needs within the same enclosure, allowing manufacturing flexibility without sacrificing mounting precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If storage modules are fixedly attached to enclosures, then structural stability is maintained, but field upgrades and configuration changes are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into a fixed enclosure structure and a removable storage tray. The tray can be extracted and replaced in the field while the enclosure remains stable and fixed. This segmentation allows structural integrity to be maintained while enabling easy upgrades by simply swapping the tray component.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable access assembly acts as an intermediary component that connects the removable tray to the fixed enclosure. It provides a stable interface for cable routing and electrical connections while allowing the tray to be easily inserted and removed, bridging the need for both structural stability and upgradeability.
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
Enables flexible and cost-effective deployment of multiple storage solutions using the same base IT enclosure, reducing tooling costs and allowing for easy configuration and upgrade of storage modules, while maintaining proper thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
The removable storage tray module comprising a handle that is pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
The cooling devices are selected based upon the one or more storage devices on the storage tray module. The cooling devices may be fans.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an information technology (IT) equipment enclosure comprises a first portion of a chassis configured with one or more compute devices fixedly mounted to the chassis and a second portion of the chassis configured to receive a removable storage tray module, the storage tray module configured with one or more storage devices and one or more cooling devices. The removable storage tray module comprising a handle that is pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The handle comprises a recessed portion that is configured to route cables to the storage devices when the handle is in the locked position. The handle may engage a sidewall of the chassis when in the locked position. The cooling devices are selected based upon the one or more storage devices on the storage tray module. The cooling devices may be fans.