Data Storage Sled With Adjustable Mounting For SSD Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bulk storage systems face limitations in density and space requirements, particularly in networked and cloud environments, due to the physical constraints of rotating magnetic media and separate packaging of storage drives, which hinders capacity, redundancy, and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A data storage sled with adjustable mounting features and a circuit card assembly that accommodates varying lengths of solid state drive (SSD) modules, allowing for tool-less insertion and removal, and a modular design that enables higher density and flexibility in storage configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional separate physical packaging of individual storage drives is used, then each drive can be independently managed, but storage density is reduced and physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple storage drives are combined into a single carrier assembly that interfaces with the host as one unit. The carrier holds multiple drive modules in a compact arrangement, merging their physical presence while maintaining individual accessibility through the unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage drives are nested within the carrier assembly structure, with multiple drive modules arranged in a compact configuration inside the carrier. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization by placing drives within the available volume of the carrier rather than requiring separate external packaging for each drive.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed mounting structures are used for storage drives, then structural stability is achieved, but adaptability to varying drive lengths is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates movable mounting features that can adjust their position along the carrier to accommodate different drive lengths. These features are designed to be reconfigurable, allowing the same structure to adapt to various drive module dimensions without requiring multiple fixed mounting configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed as a universal solution that can hold multiple types of storage drives with varying lengths. The same carrier assembly and mounting features can accommodate different drive module sizes, making the structure multi-functional rather than requiring specialized mounting for each drive type.
3Ease of operation
If tool-less insertion and removal is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but secure mounting of drives may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting features are designed to automatically secure the drive module when inserted, without requiring external tools. The movable mounting features engage with the drive module in a self-securing manner, providing reliable mounting through the natural mechanical interaction between the carrier and drive rather than requiring additional fastening operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage sled is provided. The data storage sled includes a circuit card assembly comprising connectors for coupling to drive modules and a host connector for coupling the data storage sled to an external connector, an enclosure comprising apertures in the enclosure thorough which individual ones of the drive modules can be inserted into an associated connector on the circuit card assembly. The data storage sled also includes drive module mounting assembles configured to hold the individual ones of the drive modules into the associated connector by at least including movable mounting features to accommodate varying lengths among the individual ones of the drive modules.