Storage Carrier for Hot-Swappable SSDs and HDDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems face inefficiencies in integrating multiple types of storage devices, such as hard disc drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs), within a storage enclosure, particularly in accommodating different form factors without requiring changes to the enclosure's configuration.
Innovation Solution
A carrier assembly within the storage enclosure is designed to house multiple SSDs of the M.2 standard, allowing them to be hot-swappable and accessible from the front without removing the carrier, while also supporting HDDs of standard sizes, using a multi-card connector and expander board for efficient data transfer and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of storage devices (HDDs and SSDs) are integrated within a storage enclosure, then storage capacity and performance are enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to accommodating different form factors
Solution Approach 1:
The storage enclosure is segmented into modular carrier assemblies, where each carrier can independently hold either HDDs or SSDs. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate multiple storage device types without requiring a completely different enclosure configuration, as each carrier acts as an independent module that can be populated with different storage technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier assembly is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate both HDDs and SSDs through standardized mounting mechanisms and connectors. The carrier housing includes adjustable support structures and universal connection interfaces that work with different form factors, eliminating the need for separate specialized carriers for each storage device type.
2Ease of operation
If SSDs are made hot-swappable and accessible from the front, then ease of operation is improved, but the carrier housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The SSD carrier is nested within the larger carrier assembly housing, with the SSD carrier forming a removable sub-component. This nested structure allows the SSD carrier to be easily extracted from the front of the enclosure while remaining supported by the carrier assembly, providing hot-swappability without requiring a completely redesigned housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier assembly incorporates dynamic elements such as movable carriers and retractable SSD slots that enable hot-swapping operations. The front-accessible design includes movable components that allow SSDs to be inserted and removed without powering down the system, with the carrier structure adapting its configuration during the swapping process.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple SSDs are supported within the carrier housing dimensions, then storage capacity is increased, but the space for HDD accommodation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier assembly utilizes three-dimensional space optimization by arranging multiple SSDs in vertical stacks or layered configurations within the carrier housing. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple SSDs to be accommodated without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby preserving space for HDD accommodation in adjacent carrier slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized SSD form factors and carrier interfaces that allow identical SSD units to be replicated and stacked within the carrier assembly. This copying approach enables efficient space utilization by packing multiple identical or similar SSDs into the available volume without requiring custom configurations for each device.
4Productivity
If a multi-card connector and expander board are used for efficient data transfer, then productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-card connector and expander board are merged into an integrated control assembly that manages data transfer for multiple SSDs simultaneously. This combined structure consolidates the connector interfaces and control logic into a single unit, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high data transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The expander board acts as an intermediary device between the storage enclosure controller and multiple SSDs, providing efficient data transfer through standardized interfaces. This intermediary component simplifies the connection architecture by providing a centralized control point that manages communication with multiple storage devices, reducing the complexity of direct point-to-point connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for populating and operating a storage enclosure carrier with multiple hot swappable storage devices. In some embodiments, a carrier housing having length, width and thickness dimensions is adapted to accommodate at least one hard disc drive (HDD) having a selected HDD form factor and configured for engagement in a storage enclosure housing. A plurality of solid state drives (SSDs) each conforming to a selected SSD form factor are supported within the length, width and thickness dimensions of the carrier housing. Each of the SSDs is individually retractable from a front facing portion of the carrier housing without removal of the carrier housing from the storage enclosure housing.