Storage Device Transporter Cooling via Common Air Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage device testing systems are inefficient due to the need for multiple thermal control components and closed loop air flow systems, which increase space requirements and energy consumption, and often result in condensation formation that reduces cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A storage device testing system that uses a common reservoir of cooled air with fewer heat exchangers, where condensation is concentrated and easily removed, and air is directed over each test slot using separate controllable air movers, eliminating the need for separate closed loop air flow paths and reducing the number of thermal control components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate closed loop air flow systems are used for each test slot, then separate thermal control of each storage device is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate closed loop air flow systems are merged into a single common air flow system. The patent combines thermal control functions by using one shared cooling system that serves multiple test slots, eliminating the need for duplicate heat exchangers, ducts, and control components at each slot while maintaining independent thermal control capability through individual air movers.
Solution Approach 2:
A single common air flow system is designed to perform multiple thermal control functions simultaneously. The shared cooling system can independently regulate temperature for each test slot by using controllable air movers to direct cooled air to specific slots as needed, making the system universal rather than dedicated to each slot.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate closed loop air flow systems are used for each test slot, then separate thermal control is achieved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate air flow loops are merged into a single common air flow path. The patent eliminates the need for dedicated return ducts at each test slot by using one shared air flow system where air is cooled centrally and then distributed to multiple slots through controllable air movers, significantly reducing the space required for air return paths.
3Temperature
If coolers operate below dew point, then cooling performance is enhanced, but condensation forms that reduces cooling performance
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful condensation that forms on heat exchanger surfaces is extracted and removed from the system. The patent incorporates drainage mechanisms that actively remove condensation from the heat exchangers, allowing the system to operate below dew point temperatures for optimal cooling performance without the negative effects of condensation accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control to manage condensation. Temperature and humidity sensors monitor conditions in the test slots and in the common air flow system, providing feedback to the control system that adjusts air mover operation and cooling to prevent excessive condensation while maintaining cooling performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for separate thermal control of each test slot with fewer components, increasing test slot density and reducing costs, while preventing condensation and enhancing cooling efficiency without managing moisture content.
Implementation Method 1
Air from the common reservoir is drawn through each test slot using a separate controllable air mover for each test slot
Implementation Method 2
The storage device testing system uses a common reservoir of cooled air, which is cooled by relatively few heat exchangers
Implementation Method 3
a common reservoir of cooled air, which is cooled by relatively few heat exchangers
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device transporter includes a transporter body having first and second body portions. The first body portion is configured to be engaged by automated machinery for manipulation of the storage device transporter. The second body portion is configured to receive and support a storage device. The first body portion is configured to receive and direct an air flow over one or more surfaces of a storage device supported in the second body portion.