Rack-Mountable Shippable Computing Device for Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for transferring large quantities of data between storage facilities are either costly, time-consuming, or prone to errors due to human mistakes in packaging and labeling, and may not be feasible when data is stored on legacy hardware or in facilities that restrict floor-mounted computing devices.
Innovation Solution
A rack-mountable shippable computing device with an electronic shipping display that can be coupled with other devices to span a rack width, equipped with a stowable mounting bracket for easy transportation and secure, efficient data transfer, utilizing existing infrastructure at destination facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple storage devices are placed in multiple containers for shipping, then data transfer between storage facilities is enabled, but human mistakes in packaging and labeling increase, causing devices to be sent to wrong destinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple storage devices into a single integrated rack-mountable unit with unified packaging. Instead of placing individual storage devices in separate containers that require manual labeling, the invention integrates multiple storage media within one self-contained rack unit that ships as a single package, eliminating the packaging and labeling errors associated with multiple separate containers
Solution Approach 2:
The rack-mountable device includes self-identifying features such as displayed destination information and unique identifiers that enable automated routing and tracking. The device essentially labels itself with destination information, reducing reliance on manual human labeling and minimizing shipping errors
2Productivity
If storage devices are packaged in containers for shipping, then data transfer between facilities is enabled, but packaging costs and transport damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates multiple storage devices into a single rack-mountable unit that functions as its own protective enclosure. The rack unit itself serves as the shipping container, eliminating the need for additional external packaging boxes and reducing the layers that could fail or cause damage during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The rack-mountable device is designed with built-in protective features and secure mounting mechanisms that protect the storage media before shipping begins. The integrated design includes pre-configured protection against transport shocks and vibrations, reducing the need for excessive external packaging materials
3Productivity
If storage devices are shipped individually with packaging and labels, then data transfer is enabled, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple storage devices into a single rack-mountable unit that requires only one packaging and labeling operation instead of multiple separate operations. This integration dramatically reduces the time spent on packaging and labeling processes while maintaining the capability to transfer large quantities of data
Solution Approach 2:
The rack unit incorporates self-identifying information and automated tracking capabilities that reduce manual intervention time. The device can display its own destination information and routing data, eliminating the need for staff to manually label and track each individual package
4Adaptability or versatility
If rack-mountable devices are used, then facilities with floor placement restrictions can receive storage devices, but the devices must be configured to mount in racks
Solution Approach 1:
The rack-mountable device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be installed in standard rack configurations across different facilities. The device incorporates standardized mounting interfaces and bracket systems that work with common rack structures, making it adaptable to various facility types without requiring custom installation procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A network-attachable rack-mountable computing device is housed within a shippable enclosure and is configured to mount in a rack. The device may be initialized (e.g., prepared to receive data, and an updateable electronic shipping display set to a shipping destination) by a service provider and shipped, in accordance with a displayed destination address, as a self-contained shipping unit. The device may be coupled with other devices via coupling mechanisms included in an enclosure of the device and may be mounted in a rack at a destination via mounting brackets included in the enclosure of the device. The device may be installed onto a network at the destination and loaded with data. When the device is received back at the service provider, the data is transferred from the device to a service provider storage facility, wiped of data, and prepared to be sent out again.