Removable Storage Dock for Server Bay
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a compact and space-efficient solution to incorporate removable data storage in computing systems, particularly in server bays with limited height, to accommodate increasing computing density and data security requirements.
Innovation Solution
A dock system designed to match the dimensions of low-profile large form factor disk drives, featuring a rotatable door, electrical interface, and ejection mechanism, which allows for the secure insertion and removal of RDX data cartridges within a computing device bay, providing a compact and efficient removable data storage solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the height of the storage device is reduced to fit low-profile bays, then space efficiency is improved, but the ability to accommodate removable cartridges is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The removable cartridge is nested within the dock assembly, which itself fits within the low-profile bay. The cartridge (height ≤0.90 inches) is inserted into the dock (height ≤1.028 inches), and the entire dock-cartridge assembly fits within the low-profile bay dimensions, creating a nested configuration that solves the space constraint while maintaining cartridge removability
Solution Approach 2:
The door is designed to be rotatable about an axis, transitioning between a closed position (covering the opening) and an open position (admitting cartridge insertion/removal). This dynamic mechanism enables cartridge accessibility while maintaining a compact closed form factor that fits low-profile bays
2Reliability
If a rotatable door is added to cover the opening, then data security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spring provides automatic biasing force to the door, causing it to naturally return to the closed position after being opened and to remain securely closed without requiring additional actuators or control systems. This passive mechanical self-service reduces complexity while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is integrated directly into the door assembly, combining the closing function and latching function into a single unified component rather than requiring separate mechanisms, thereby minimizing added complexity
3Ease of operation
If an ejection mechanism is added to automatically eject cartridges, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The manual ejection process (physically pushing the cartridge) is replaced with an automated motor-driven cam mechanism. The motor rotates the cam, which converts rotational motion into linear ejection force, automatically propelling the cartridge out of the dock without user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism operates through periodic rotation of the cam shaft, creating cyclic motion that sequentially actuates the latching mechanism release and then ejects the cartridge. This periodic mechanical action automates the ejection process in a controlled manner
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
The dock system enables efficient use of limited space in server bays by allowing for the integration of removable data storage cartridges, enhancing data security and accessibility while maintaining power efficiency and reducing the overall height requirement.
Implementation Method 1
The dock may include a spring that resists opening of the door and holds the door in position to substantially cover the opening when no removable cartridge is inserted into the dock, wherein the spring further, during insertion of the removable data cartridge, biases the removable data cartridge against a guiding feature by pressing the door against the removable data cartridge.
Implementation Method 2
The dock may include grommets that suspend the chassis from the mounting features when the dock is coupled to the computing device, the grommets providing at least partial isolation of the removable data cartridge from vibration of the computing device.
Data Source
AI summary
A dock couples a removable data storage cartridge, for example an RDX cartridge, to a computing device. The dock includes a chassis having frontal dimensions configured to substantially match the nominal frontal dimensions of a low profile large format disk drive, such that the dock may reside in a bay in the computing device sized to receive a low profile large format disk drive. The dock may include a door that swings about an axis aligned with the height of the door.