Multi-Drive Carrier With Single Midplane Connector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage device carriers and chassis assemblies are limited in storage density and maintenance efficiency due to the inability to support multiple hot-swappable drives without increasing the size of the chassis, and they often require tools for drive insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A multi-drive carrier design that accommodates multiple data storage devices with a tool-less mechanism, utilizing a single electrical communication connector for hot-swappable capabilities and maintaining compact dimensions, allowing for higher storage density and improved maintenance without the need for additional space or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple drives are accommodated in a single carrier, then storage density is improved, but the carrier size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive carriers into a single integrated carrier assembly that holds multiple hard disk drives. The carrier includes a support structure with multiple drive insertion positions, allowing several drives to be mounted in one carrier unit. This merging approach increases storage density while the support structure is designed to accommodate multiple drives without requiring separate carrier assemblies for each drive.
2Ease of repair
If multiple drives are supported with hot-swapping capability, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but the connector size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single midplane connector that serves multiple drives within the carrier assembly. This universal connector design allows the same connector interface to support hot-swapping operations for multiple different drives, eliminating the need for separate connectors for each drive. The midplane connector provides both electrical connections and mechanical alignment features that enable hot-swapping capability across all supported drives.
3Ease of operation
If tool-less insertion and removal mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but the retention mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates tool-less insertion and removal mechanisms where the drive carriers are designed with self-aligning features and manual release structures. The support structure includes features that automatically guide drive insertion and provide manual latches or clips that can be released by hand without requiring external tools. This self-service approach simplifies operation while the integrated retention features are designed to be manually actuated rather than requiring complex powered mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Carrier for the rack mounting of two or more data storage devices into a chassis. The carrier includes support members along the length of the carrier, to receive and retain the two or more data storage devices. The carrier further includes a single electrical communication connector to provide an electrical communication interface for all of the data storage devices in the carrier, to and from a mating connector on a board of the chassis. The carrier further includes an interposer to adapt electrical signals from the single electrical communication connector into a form that is usable by the data storage devices.