Storage Tray Slot Mechanism for Power-Loss Data Flush

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Solution Overview

Problem

As data processing capacity and performance increase in server devices, the power consumption also rises, leading to potential power loss issues that can compromise data integrity, necessitating effective data protection measures during power outages.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with a tray that moves along a slot during power loss, combined with a host device's power supply unit and a baseboard management controller module, ensures stable operation by providing auxiliary power and data flush commands to secure data integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data processing capacity and performance are increased in server devices, then data processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases leading to potential power loss issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capacityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tray is designed to move along the slot in advance when power loss is detected, creating a time buffer before complete power failure. This preliminary mechanical action extends the operational window for data flushing from volatile memory to non-volatile storage, allowing the system to complete critical data protection tasks even as power deteriorates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If power loss protection measures are implemented, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tray acts as a mechanical intermediary between the host device and the storage device. When power loss occurs, the tray moves along the slot to physically separate or reposition the storage device, creating a mechanical buffer that extends the time available for data protection. This intermediary mechanism provides a simple yet effective way to buy time for data flushing without requiring complex electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If the tray moves along the slot during power loss, then data flush time is extended, but mechanical reliability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata flush timeVSAvoidmechanical reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one during power loss events. The tray is designed to move along the slot only when needed, transforming the storage device from a fixed position to a movable position. This dynamic adjustment extends the data flush time by creating additional time buffer, while the mechanical design ensures the movement is simple and reliable without requiring complex actuators or control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4650911A1Storage device, electronic device including the same, and operating method of the electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4650911A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4650911A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4650911A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A storage device includes: a substrate including a first surface which extends in first and second directions intersecting each other; an electronic element disposed on the first surface of the substrate; a connector connected to a host device; a tray on which the substrate is mounted; and a guide frame disposed in the tray to support the substrate and having a slot formed to extend along the first direction to a first length, in which, when a loss of power provided from the host device occurs, the tray moves along the slot by the first length.