Multi-Drive Mounting Frame for 3.5-Inch Bay Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 3.5-inch form-factor drive bays in cloud data storage systems are limited by their size, preventing the accommodation of higher density 2.5-inch form-factor drives, which are smaller and offer greater capacity, resulting in suboptimal data storage density and complex drive replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system with a support frame conforming to the 3.5-inch form-factor specification that accommodates multiple 2.5-inch form-factor drives, each with a removal tab and flexible electrical connectors that allow for easy removal and replacement without powering down the system, enabling increased storage capacity within the same form-factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 3.5-inch form-factor drive bays are used in cloud data storage systems, then compatibility with standardized rack frames is achieved, but data storage density is limited because only single drives can be accommodated per bay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single 3.5-inch form-factor drive bay into multiple independent drive slots, allowing multiple 2.5-inch drives to be mounted simultaneously. The support frame segments the bay space to accommodate multiple drives while maintaining compatibility with standardized rack frames through the external mounting holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places multiple 2.5-inch drives inside the volume of a single 3.5-inch drive bay by mounting them on a support frame that fits within the bay. The smaller drives are nested within the larger form-factor envelope, maximizing space utilization.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple 2.5-inch drives are mounted in a single 3.5-inch drive bay, then data storage density is increased, but drive replacement complexity increases due to multiple drives per bay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive mounting functions into a single support frame assembly that fits within one drive bay. The frame integrates multiple mounting holes, electrical connections, and removal mechanisms, allowing all drives to be accessed and replaced through a unified interface rather than individual complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tab mechanism allows drives to be easily removed and replaced without requiring specialized tools or complex disassembly procedures. The design enables operators to perform drive replacements independently and quickly, reducing the complexity of maintenance operations.
3Strength
If traditional mechanical mounting methods are used for multiple drives per bay, then secure mounting is achieved, but drive replacement requires mechanical disassembly and power-downs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs removable mounting mechanisms with removal tabs that allow drives to be easily detached and reattached. The mounting system transitions from a static, permanently fixed state to a dynamic, easily changeable state, enabling quick drive replacements without permanent mechanical fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tab extracts the drive from the mounting frame by providing a dedicated interface for removal forces. This separates the drive removal function from complex mechanical disassembly, allowing drives to be easily extracted through the tab without affecting other components or requiring system power-downs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a support frame residing within a region conforming to a 3.5-inch form-factor disk drive specification, and a plurality of data storage drives, wherein each data storage drive resides entirely within the region. Each data storage drive conforms to a 2.5-inch form-factor disk drive specification, is mounted on the support frame via at least one external mounting hole that is positioned on a surface of the data storage drive in conformance with the 2.5-inch form-factor disk drive specification, is communicatively coupled to a backplane via an electrical connection device, and the electrical connection device includes a flexible electrical connector that, when coupled to a first end of the data storage drive, does not extend beyond the region, and has a removal tab through which a removal force is exerted to urge the data storage drive away from the support frame.