Portable RAID Storage Single PCB Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional RAID storage systems for video editing are bulky and require multiple PCBs and cabling due to their hardware structure, limiting their portability and usability in field-based applications.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained Portable RAID Online Storage system with a single PCB hosting a RAID controller, memory, and NVMe m.2 Flash Drive connectors, eliminating the need for internal power units and extra cabling, and powered via USB-C, allowing for up to eight NVMe SSDs and supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6 configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional RAID storage systems use separate PCBs and power units for each drive, then reliability and data protection are improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (RAID controller, memory, PCIe chips, and NVMe m.2 Flash Drive connectors) onto a single PCB board, eliminating the need for multiple separate PCBs and internal power units. This integration maintains data protection capabilities through RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6 configurations while significantly reducing system complexity and improving portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single PCB board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the RAID controller, provides memory storage, interfaces with NVMe SSDs, and manages power distribution. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional RAID systems use 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch hard drives with proprietary connectors, then storage capacity is improved, but portability and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch hard drive form factors to NVMe m.2 Flash Drive connectors, changing the physical and electrical interface parameters. This allows the system to maintain high storage capacity (up to 14 TBs) while achieving compact, portable dimensions that can fit in a briefcase or backpack.
3Reliability
If traditional RAID systems require multiple cabling connections and internal power units, then power distribution reliability is improved, but device complexity and setup time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates power distribution functionality directly into the single PCB board, eliminating the need for separate internal power units and multiple cabling connections. The NVMe connector provides both data and power connections, reducing setup time while maintaining reliable power distribution to all drives through the unified PCB architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
The Portable Raid Online Storage (PROS) Unit is a new design in mobile storage. It is the first completely portable and completely self-contained Raid Storage system using a chipset with a Raid Controller, Memory and IOP chips. IO uses a PCIe path using a USB-C (usb 3.1) connector. It is made to go into the field with, and sit under the host computer thus taking very little space. It provides up to 14 TBs of Raid 0, 1, or Raid 5 parity storage. Raid 5 will work with Parity to protect the data in case of a Drive Failure. The PROS unit will use NVMe SSD Drives for faster read/write. The size of the device is 14 inches by 9 inches by ˜0.5 inches. Or 35.56 cm×22.86 cm×13 mm. The PROS Unit will be powered via the USB-C port to a 120v AC power source.