Removable SSD Module With Guided Insertion for Fast Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing replaceable hardware components, such as SSDs, are difficult to replace quickly and easily, often requiring the disassembly of the data processing unit and cannot be replaced while it is running, especially in complex setups like control units.

Innovation Solution

A replaceable hardware component with a component housing featuring sliding elements and a connector accessible from outside, allowing form-fitting insertion into a data processing device, combined with guide surfaces and a handle for easy installation and removal, and a heat sink for thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the hardware component is directly connected to the motherboard using a socket and screw, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hardware component is segmented into a removable module with its own circuit board and connector, separated from the main system board. This allows the module to be independently removed and replaced without affecting the main system, resolving the contradiction by enabling quick replacement while maintaining stable connection through the dedicated connector interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a static screwed-fixed state to a dynamic removable state. The sliding element mechanism allows the hardware module to be easily inserted and removed along guide surfaces, providing both stable connection during operation and quick replacement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the hardware component requires disassembly of the data processing unit for replacement, then the connection is secure, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidreplacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a removable hardware module and a fixed data processing unit. The module contains all necessary components (circuit board, connector, housing) and can be replaced as a complete unit without disassembling the main system, making replacement easy while maintaining secure connection through the connector interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connector serves as an intermediary between the removable hardware module and the data processing unit. This connector provides secure electrical and data connection while allowing the module to be easily attached and detached, resolving the contradiction between connection security and replacement ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the connector is accessible from outside through an opening, then the replacement can be performed without disassembly, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement accessibilityVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing opening serves multiple functions: it provides access for connector insertion, allows the sliding element to engage with guide surfaces, and enables the handle to be used for removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms, achieving easy replacement without excessive device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 quick and easy replacement of hardware components without disassembling the data processing unit, allowing operation during replacement, and improves thermal management through a heat sink design.

Implementation Method 1

heat sink design

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat sink design

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4675395A1Removable hardware component and data processing device
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4675395A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4675395A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4675395A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a replaceable hardware component (100), in particular an SSD mass storage device, comprising a component housing (110) having a base body (111) and a housing cover (117) connectable to the base body (111), and an electronic circuit (120) arranged on a printed circuit board (121) in the component housing (110), wherein the printed circuit board (121) has a connector (123) which is accessible from the outside through an opening in the component housing (110) in order to insert the connector (123) in an insertion direction (214) into a socket (213) of a data processing device (200), wherein the component housing (110) has at least two opposing sliding elements (112) which are configured to insert the hardware component (100) into the data processing device (200) in a form-fitting manner along guide surfaces (215) of the data processing device (200).until the connector (123) is inserted into the socket (213). The invention further relates to a data processing device (200), in particular a control unit, comprising a device housing (210) and an electronic circuit (212) arranged on a mainboard (211) in the device housing (210), wherein the mainboard (211) has at least one socket (213) for a replaceable hardware component (100), which is configured to insert a connector (123) of the replaceable hardware component (100) into the socket (213) in an insertion direction (214), wherein at least two opposing guide surfaces (215) extending parallel to the insertion direction (214) are provided, which are configured to insert sliding elements (112) of the replaceable hardware component (100) into the data processing device (200) in a form-fitting manner along the guide surfaces (215).until the connector (123) is inserted into the socket (213).