SSD Carrier with Pivotable Gates for PCIe Form Factor Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing server configurations face limitations in flexibility and upgradability due to the different form factors and connection methods of solid state drive (SSD) modules and PCIe cards, making it difficult to swap or add these components without changing the motherboard.

Innovation Solution

A carrier system for SSD modules is designed with pivotable gates and aligning pins, allowing the SSD module to have a form factor similar to a low profile PCIe card, enabling interchangeable installation with PCIe cards at the same location on the motherboard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If SSD modules and PCIe cards use different form factors and connection methods, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the flexibility to swap or add components without changing the motherboard is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to swap componentsVSAvoiddifferent form factors and connection methods

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal carrier design that can accommodate both SSD modules and PCIe cards using the same physical form factor and connection interface. The carrier includes a standardized mounting structure with alignment features and connection points that work for both component types, allowing a single motherboard design to support multiple component configurations without requiring different physical interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the storage and expansion functionality into separate modular components (SSD modules and PCIe cards) that can be independently installed and removed from the same carrier structure. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its specific functional characteristics while sharing a common physical interface, enabling flexible configuration changes without motherboard modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the carrier opening is made small to accommodate the SSD module, then the SSD module fits securely, but the opening cannot accommodate larger PCIe cards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different component sizesVSAvoidcomponent installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates movable gates or flaps in the carrier design that can be opened or closed based on the component being installed. These dynamic elements allow the carrier to adapt its opening size temporarily during installation, then secure the component in place. The gates can be positioned to accommodate different component dimensions while maintaining a secure fit for each specific component type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the carrier structure with nested mounting capabilities where smaller SSD modules can be installed in a standard configuration, while larger PCIe cards can be accommodated by adjusting the carrier's mounting position or expanding the opening mechanism. The nested design allows different component sizes to share the same carrier space through configurable mounting arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If the carrier is designed with fixed opening size, then manufacturing is simplified, but upgradability and reconfiguration options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier manufacturingVSAvoidcomponent placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent includes pre-configured mounting positions and alignment features in the carrier that are prepared in advance for different component types. The carrier comes with pre-positioned mounting holes, guide pins, and adjustment mechanisms that enable easy reconfiguration without requiring complex manufacturing processes. These preliminary preparations allow the same carrier to support multiple component configurations through simple physical adjustments rather than complex manufacturing variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12339711B2Server with solid state drive modules compatible with low profile PCIE form factors

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A carrier for solid state devices includes a plurality of panels, at least one gate, and an addition. The plurality of panels includes a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The at least one gate is attached to the second panel and the third panel. The at least one gate is configured to be in one of a first position or a second position. When the at least one gate is in the first position, an opening for receiving solid state devices is at least partially occluded to a first width that is smaller than a length of one of the solid state devices. When the at least one gate is in the second position, the opening for receiving the solid state devices is increased to a second width that is larger than the length of the one of the solid state devices.