Sideways Storage Drive Carrier for High-Density Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage solutions face limitations in maximizing storage density due to the fixed connector location on storage drives, which restricts the orientation and installation of small form factor storage drives, leading to suboptimal use of space and airflow in storage blades.
Innovation Solution
A storage drive carrier that positions storage drives in a sideways orientation, utilizing a lock assembly and interposer printed circuit board to connect the drive's connector to the motherboard, allowing for easy installation and removal while improving airflow and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage drives are installed in traditional orientations with connectors at the back or bottom edge, then compatibility with standard connectors is maintained, but storage density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sideways orientation for mounting storage drives, transitioning from traditional horizontal or vertical installations to a lateral configuration. This dimensional change allows drives to be positioned with connectors facing the side of the housing, enabling higher density arrangements that utilize previously unused spatial configurations
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter or carrier mechanism serves as an intermediary between the storage drive and the housing structure. This intermediary component enables the sideways mounting configuration by providing the necessary mechanical support and electrical connection interface, allowing drives to be installed in non-traditional orientations while maintaining compatibility with standard drive form factors
2Quantity of substance
If storage drives are packed at high density, then storage capacity is maximized, but airflow and cooling effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sideways mounting configuration creates localized airflow channels between adjacent drives that are not present in traditional orientations. This local structural quality improvement allows cooling air to circulate effectively through the dense drive array, maintaining thermal management performance even as storage capacity increases
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the mounting orientation to sideways, the patent creates new airflow pathways in the vertical and depth dimensions that were not accessible in traditional horizontal mounting. This dimensional reconfiguration enables effective cooling airflow to reach all drives in high-density configurations
3Quantity of substance
If storage drives are mounted in sideways orientation, then storage density is enhanced, but connector compatibility with standard motherboards is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter or carrier mechanism serves as an intermediary between the storage drive and the housing structure. This intermediary component enables the sideways mounting configuration by providing the necessary mechanical support and electrical connection interface, allowing drives to be installed in non-traditional orientations while maintaining compatibility with standard drive form factors
Data Source
AI summary
A high density storage housing includes a housing and a plurality of drive carriers. The housing includes a storage area and a motherboard. The storage area extends across at least a portion of a width and at least a portion of a depth of the housing. The motherboard extends across the storage area and includes a plurality of first connectors. The plurality of drive carriers each include a second connector configured to mate directly with one of the plurality of first connectors. Moreover, the second connector of each drive carrier of the plurality of drive carriers is disposed on a long side of its drive carrier so that the plurality of drive carriers mount storage drives to the housing in a sideways orientation.