Multi-SSD Carrier Board with Inverted Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid state drives (SSDs) have limited capacity compared to hard disk drives (HDDs) and face issues with data transfer rates saturating host bus adapters, requiring a solution to achieve large-capacity SSDs compatible with existing system infrastructures.
Innovation Solution
A mass storage device combining multiple SSDs into a single volume using a carrier board with inverted female connectors, allowing for parallel orientation and direct connections, enabling an ultra-compact design compatible with standard HDD form factors and minimizing redesign of existing SSDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple SSDs are combined into a single volume to achieve large capacity, then storage capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple SSDs are merged into a single volume by connecting them to a carrier board with inverted female connectors, allowing parallel orientation and direct connections. This combining approach achieves large storage capacity while managing complexity through standardized integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier board with inverted female connectors serves as a universal interface that can connect multiple SSDs in parallel orientation. This multi-functional component simplifies the integration of multiple drives into a single volume, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SSDs are mounted in standard HDD form factors, then compatibility with existing systems improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inverted female connectors instead of conventional male connectors. This inversion allows the SSDs to be mounted in parallel orientation within standard HDD form factors, achieving compatibility with existing systems while the inverted design inherently accommodates manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple SSDs are nested within a single volume enclosure that conforms to standard HDD form factors. The carrier board with inverted connectors enables this nested arrangement, allowing the assembly to fit existing drive bays while managing the precision requirements through the inverted connection geometry.
3Ease of operation
If SSDs are connected through cabling to motherboard, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple SSDs are merged into a single volume with direct connections to the carrier board, eliminating the need for separate cabling to the motherboard. This reduces cabling complexity while maintaining ease of operation through unified access to multiple drives.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabling complexity is extracted from the individual SSD connections and consolidated into a single carrier board interface. The inverted female connectors enable direct attachment, removing the intermediate cabling step and simplifying the overall connection architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and mass storage device that combine multiple solid state drives (SSDs) to a single volume. The device includes a carrier board and at least two solid state drives having power and data connections to the carrier board. The carrier board includes a circuit board functionally connected to a control logic and at least two secondary connectors that are disposed at different edges of the circuit board and functionally connected to the control logic. The solid state drives are connected to the carrier board through the secondary connectors, and each solid state drive has a power and data connector directly connected to one of the secondary connectors of the carrier board. The solid state drives are oriented substantially parallel to the carrier board and to each other.