Cable Interface Mounting Assembly for Small SSD Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for smaller and thinner data storage media, such as solid-state drives with EDSFF E3 form factors, poses challenges in mechanical integrity and ease of installation/removal due to reduced connection features.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves cable interface devices and mounting assemblies that include locating features like mounting studs and protrusions, which assist in alignment, securement, and mechanical rigidity within a cable interface housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If data storage media are made smaller and thinner to meet increasing demand, then storage density and space utilization are improved, but mechanical integrity and ease of installation/removal deteriorate due to reduced connection features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional planar connector designs to a three-dimensional protruding connector structure that extends from the media body. This vertical dimension provides additional mechanical engagement points and structural reinforcement, allowing smaller media to maintain adequate mechanical strength and connection reliability despite reduced overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable interface device serves as an intermediary component between the data storage media and the cable assembly. It provides a robust mounting structure with locating features that compensate for the reduced size of the media, ensuring proper alignment, securement, and mechanical integrity without requiring the media itself to be larger or thicker.
2Volume of moving object
If data storage media are made smaller and thinner, then space utilization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced connection features
Solution Approach 1:
The locating features on both the cable interface housing and cable interface device automatically guide and align components during installation. The protruding connector design enables self-alignment and self-securing mechanisms that facilitate easy plug-and-play installation and removal without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating features are pre-positioned on the cable interface housing and device to establish correct alignment before the actual connection is made. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the protruding connector aligns properly with the opening, making the installation process straightforward and reducing the skill level required for proper assembly.
3Device complexity
If traditional cable interface designs are used without locating features, then device complexity is reduced, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locating features utilize asymmetric geometry where the shape and position of features on the cable interface housing do not mirror those on the cable interface device. This asymmetric design provides unique alignment paths and securement points that enhance connection reliability while maintaining relatively simple overall device structures. The complementary asymmetric shapes ensure proper orientation and prevent misconnection.
Data Source
AI summary
Cable interface devices and mounting assemblies are provided for data storage assemblies. A data storage assembly can include media, such as a solid-state drive, a cable interface housing, and a cable interface housing locating feature. A cable interface device is mounted within the cable interface housing. The cable interface device includes a body extending in a first direction that defines an opening at the front side with a protruding connector of a solid-state drive extended through the opening. The cable interface device further includes electrically conductive contacts at least partially disposed inside the body and exposed to the opening. The cable interface device also includes a cable interface device locating feature positioned on, or defined by, the body and complementary in shape to the cable interface housing locating feature, to collectively locate the cable interface device within the cable interface housing.