Universal Data Storage Carrier with Interposer Board

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data storage device carrier systems require different backplanes for various sizes of data storage devices, leading to increased development and inventory costs for manufacturers, as they need to create multiple configurations to accommodate different sizes and combinations of devices.

Innovation Solution

A data storage device carrier system that includes a carrier for multiple data storage devices, an interposer board to couple these devices with a common backplane, and coupling connector devices to transfer electrical power and communication signals, allowing multiple devices to be supported by a single backplane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different backplanes are used for different sizes of data storage devices, then compatibility with various device sizes is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various device sizesVSAvoidnumber of backplane configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backplane is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple data storage device sizes (2.5-inch and 3.5-inch HDDs/SSDs) through a single standardized connector configuration, eliminating the need for separate backplane designs for different device types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Carrier adapters are introduced as intermediary components that interface between the universal backplane and different sized data storage devices, allowing the backplane to maintain a single standardized design while supporting multiple device formats through the carrier adaptation layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple carrier configurations are developed for different data storage device sizes, then support for various device combinations is improved, but manufacturing costs and development time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for various device combinationsVSAvoidmanufacturing and development costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into two independent functional layers: a standardized backplane layer that remains unchanged, and interchangeable carrier adapter layers that accommodate different device sizes. This segmentation allows the backplane to be manufactured once in high volume while carriers are produced in smaller variants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backplane employs a universal connector design that can interface with multiple carrier types through a single standardized interface, reducing the number of unique backplane variants needed and simplifying the manufacturing supply chain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate backplanes are used for 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch data storage devices, then proper electrical coupling is improved, but system integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical coupling reliabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Carrier adapters serve as intermediary electrical interface components that provide proper electrical coupling between the universal backplane and different sized data storage devices, isolating the backplane from device-specific electrical variations while ensuring reliable signal transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Device-specific electrical adaptation functionality is extracted from the backplane and relocated to the carrier adapter layer, allowing the backplane to maintain a simple, standardized electrical interface while the carriers handle the variability of different device electrical requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10482051B2Data storage device carrier system

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A data storage device carrier system includes a carrier configured to support one or more data storage devices, a backplane, including one or more coupling connector devices configured to electrically couple with a motherboard, and an interposer board operable to couple a plurality of the data storage devices supported by the carrier with the backplane. In an embodiment, the one or more coupling connector devices are operable to transfer communication signals and electrical power. The interposer board is operable to provide the electrical power from a single port on the backplane to each of the plurality of the data storage devices. The interposer board is also operable to pass communication signals between a primary port on the backplane to a first one of the plurality of the data storage devices, and to pass communication signals between a secondary port on the backplane to a second one of the plurality of the data storage devices.