Symmetrical Data Storage Unit with Electromagnetic Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data storage devices face issues with data loss and damage due to incorrect orientation during connection, premature disconnection during data transfer, and heat-related damage, which can result in data corruption or loss.

Innovation Solution

The data storage device features a symmetrical connector and housing design allowing multiple connection orientations to prevent damage from incorrect orientation, an electromagnetic locking mechanism to prevent premature disconnection, and a finned housing with thermal management for heat dissipation, including actively cooled components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a data storage device uses a non-symmetrical connector design, then connection orientation can be clearly identified, but the risk of connector damage from incorrect insertion increases and user attention is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector damage preventionVSAvoidconnection orientation identification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry in reverse by using a symmetrical connector design where identical connectors are positioned at opposite ends of the housing. This allows the device to be inserted in either orientation without risk of damage, eliminating the need for users to identify correct connection orientation while preventing connector damage from incorrect insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The data storage device is segmented into two identical halves with symmetrical connectors at opposite ends. This segmentation creates functional equivalence between opposite orientations, allowing the device to operate reliably regardless of insertion direction while simplifying the user connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a data storage device allows quick connection and disconnection, then data transfer speed is improved, but the risk of premature disconnection during data transfer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoiddata integrity during transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic locking mechanism performs preliminary action by automatically engaging the lock when the device is inserted into the housing. This preliminary locking action occurs before data transfer begins, ensuring the connection is secured and preventing premature disconnection during the data transfer process while maintaining quick connection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic locking mechanism provides feedback by detecting when the device is properly inserted and automatically activating the lock. This feedback-based automatic locking ensures the connection is secured based on insertion detection, preventing premature disconnection while maintaining ease of connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If a data storage device enables high-speed data transfer, then productivity is improved, but heat generation increases causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidheat generation during transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The thermally conductive material acts as an intermediary between the memory arrays and the housing. This intermediary substance facilitates heat transfer from the high-speed data transfer components (memory arrays) to the housing structure, which then dissipates the heat to the environment, enabling sustained high-speed data transfer without excessive temperature buildup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves itself as a heat sink by incorporating thermally conductive material that automatically conducts heat away from the memory arrays during high-speed data transfer. This self-service thermal management system passively handles heat dissipation without requiring external cooling components, maintaining productivity while controlling temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution ensures reliable data storage and transfer by preventing connector damage, ensuring continuous data access, and maintaining data integrity through secure connection and effective heat management, thereby reducing the risk of data loss and corruption.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic locking mechanism to prevent premature disconnection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic locking: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a finned housing with thermal management for heat dissipation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

including actively cooled components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Heat Sink

Data Source

PatentUS20240212722A1Modular and symmetrical data storage unit

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP LLC

AI summary

A data storage device can be symmetrically designed for multiple-orientation connection to a storage appliance. An electromagnetic locking mechanism can secure the data storage device in a connected state while data is being transferred to/from the data storage device. The electromagnetic locking mechanism can respond to changes in the state of data transfer to/from the data storage device. To facilitate increased bandwidth and capacity, the data storage device is optimally designed for increased thermal transfer from the device's memory to a finned housing comprising a material of substantial thermal mass.