Server Hot-Swap HDD Tray with Nested Sliding Sub-Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hot-swap hard disk drives (HDDs) occupy significant space in servers, limiting the number of HDDs that can be installed due to the need for additional trays and requiring more time for replacement, as they must be dismantled and reassembled using screws.
Innovation Solution
A server design featuring a main tray and sub-tray configuration that allows for hot-swappable HDDs without additional trays, where the HDD is placed directly on the sub-tray and the main tray can be pulled out for easy access, using a sliding mechanism and engagement mechanism to facilitate quick installation and removal of HDDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional HDD is mounted with an additional tray for placing in the server, then the HDD can be installed in the server, but the modularized hot-swap HDD occupies a relatively large space inside the server and fewer HDDs can be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested tray structure where a sub-tray is disposed within the main tray. The sub-tray can slide relative to the main tray to provide access to the HDD while maintaining a compact overall footprint. This nested configuration allows the HDD storage system to occupy less space in the server while still providing full functionality for hot-swapping operations.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional HDD is mounted with an additional tray using screws, then the HDD can be securely fastened, but it takes a user more time to dismantle the HDD when replacement is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tray assembly into separable components: a main tray that remains in the server and a sub-tray that can be easily removed. The sub-tray is detachably connected to the main tray without requiring screw fastening, allowing users to quickly remove and replace HDDs by simply detaching the sub-tray from the main tray, significantly reducing replacement time while maintaining structural integrity through the engagement mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the sub-tray is always extended for easy HDD access, then HDD replacement is convenient, but the overall space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sub-tray that can slide along the second direction relative to the main tray. The sub-tray can be extended to an expanded position when HDD access is needed, and retracted to a retracted position when not in use. This dynamic configuration allows the system to provide easy HDD access when required while minimizing space occupation during normal operation, effectively resolving the contradiction between accessibility and space efficiency.
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
This configuration reduces assembly and replacement time for HDDs and allows for more HDDs to be installed in the same server size, as no additional trays are needed, enhancing operational efficiency and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
The compression spring is disposed on the fixed member and passes through the fixed member
Implementation Method 2
A helical structure is disposed on each of two end portions of the torsion spring, and an end of each end portion is inserted into the sub-tray. The shaft passes through the helical structure and is connected to the sub-tray. When the second end of the tray door is detached from the sub-tray, a torque force provided by the torsion spring enabled the tray door to rotate about an axis of the shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
A server includes a chassis, a main tray and a hard disk drive (HDD). The main tray is slidably connected to the chassis and is capable of pulling out of the chassis or pushing into the chassis along a first direction. The main tray includes an accommodating slot and a sub-tray. The sub-tray is slidably disposed inside the accommodating groove and when the main tray is pulled out of the chassis, the sub-tray can be slid along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction between an expanded position and a retracted position relative to the chassis. When the sub-tray at the expanded position, the hardware can be taken from the sub-tray or put on the sub-tray.