Parallel Mount Chassis for Hot-Swappable Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rack-mounted storage systems face challenges in being both cost-effective and easily serviced, leading to excessive downtime when digital data storage devices fail and need replacement.
Innovation Solution
A rack-mountable chassis with a storage compartment, a printed circuit board parallel to the compartment floor, and connectors for digital data storage devices, along with a cable management system and hot-swappable components, facilitating easy access and maintenance without powering down the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If digital data storage devices are mounted in rack-mounted storage systems, then data storage capacity is increased, but serviceability and ease of replacement are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into modular components where each digital data storage device can be independently accessed and replaced. The devices are mounted in a configuration that allows individual servicing without affecting other devices in the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital data storage devices are extracted from traditional vertical rack mounting and repositioned to be substantially parallel to the printed circuit board, allowing them to be easily removed and replaced by simply pulling them straight out without disassembling other components.
2Reliability
If digital data storage devices are replaced in rack-mounted storage systems, then system functionality is restored, but downtime is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The storage devices are pre-configured with connectors that align with the printed circuit board, allowing for quick hot-swapping replacement without requiring preliminary disassembly or complex connection steps. Operators can replace failed devices immediately upon identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design allows operators to perform replacement operations themselves without requiring specialized technical expertise or extended service procedures. The parallel mounting configuration enables straightforward plug-and-play replacement that reduces dependency on complex service protocols.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional rack-mounted storage systems are used, then storage capacity is achieved, but cost-effectiveness is reduced due to excessive downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting orientation parameter is changed from traditional vertical rack mounting to a configuration where devices are substantially parallel to the printed circuit board. This parameter change enables faster replacement and improves cost-effectiveness while maintaining storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an apparatus, including a chassis defining a storage compartment; a printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board is substantially parallel to a floor of the storage compartment; and a number of connectors mounted on the printed circuit board, wherein the number of connectors are configured to respectively connect to a number of digital data storage devices oriented substantially parallel to the printed circuit board.