PCI Form Factor Adapter for Dual 2.5-Inch SSD Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional server configurations are limited to specific memory drive types and sizes, making it difficult to upgrade or replace memory drives within the existing form factor, such as swapping a PCI card with 2.5-inch SSDs without compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A memory drive adapter that combines two 2.5-inch SSDs into a PCI form factor, featuring an adapter frame with perforated cover panels for cooling, mounting panels for secure attachment, and light pipes for status indication, allowing for secure and visible monitoring of the drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a PCI card is replaced with 2.5-inch SSDs, then storage capacity and speed are improved, but compatibility with existing PCI form factor is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places two 2.5-inch SSDs inside a single PCI-form-factor adapter housing, creating a nested configuration where smaller storage devices are contained within a larger standardized form factor envelope, enabling physical and electrical compatibility with existing PCI slots while providing enhanced storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary device that bridges the interface between 2.5-inch SSDs and PCI slots, providing the necessary mechanical mounting, electrical connections, and form factor adaptation to enable compatibility between incompatible components
2Adaptability or versatility
If memory drive type is changed within existing form factor, then upgrade flexibility is improved, but secure mounting and status monitoring become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into functional segments including mounting structures for securing SSDs, electrical connection interfaces, and status indication components, allowing each segment to independently address specific operational requirements while working together as an integrated unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates light pipes that transmit LED status indicators through the adapter housing, using optical signal transmission to provide visible status monitoring of the enclosed SSDs, enabling easy operational monitoring without opening the adapter
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 seamless integration and monitoring of 2.5-inch SSDs within a PCI form factor, enhancing flexibility and maintenance efficiency by providing secure mounting and clear status indication, thus facilitating server upgrades and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second cover panels are both at least partially perforated to facilitate cooling memory devices housed in the adapter frame
Implementation Method 2
one or more light pipes extend between one of the pair of drive bays and the mounting panel, wherein when the memory drive unit is connected to the PCB, the pair of light pipes is positioned relative to a pair of indicator LEDs positioned on the PCB for transmitting light from the LEDs to the mounting panel
Data Source
AI summary
Technology is provided for a memory drive adapter. The memory drive adapter is used for combining memory drives within an alternative form factor. For example the memory drive adapter can include an adapter frame configured for compatibility with a peripheral component interface. The adapter frame can include first and second spaced apart cover panels. A mounting panel extends between the first and second cover panels. An end panel is positioned opposite the mounting panel and extends between the first and second cover panels. One or more divider tabs extend between the first and second cover panels substantially midway between the mounting panel and the end panel to define a pair of drive bays, each configured to receive a 2.5-inch solid state drive.