Tool-less Drive Enclosure for 1 RU Blade Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 1 RU blade servers, the constrained dimensions limit the ability to increase storage density and maintain hot pluggable features for 2.5 inch drives and other components, making it difficult to configure and install drive enclosures easily.
Innovation Solution
A tool-less drive enclosure system with a tray and handle design that includes drive locking pins and a pair of rails, allowing for rotational movement and secure installation without tools, facilitating easy assembly and removal of drive enclosures within the server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a 2 RU disk array enclosure is used, then storage density and hot pluggable features are maintained, but the enclosure cannot be installed in 1 RU blade servers with constrained dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The drive enclosure is divided into modular components including a tray assembly with drive slots, a handle assembly with locking mechanism, and interface components that can engage with server rails. This segmentation allows the enclosure to be assembled in a compact 1 RU configuration while maintaining the functional capacity for high-density drive installation and hot pluggable operations
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure design transitions from a traditional 2 RU vertical configuration to a compact 1 RU configuration by optimizing the spatial arrangement of components in multiple dimensions. The tray assembly utilizes horizontal space efficiently, while the handle assembly engages with server rails through vertical interface features, effectively redistributing components across different spatial dimensions to achieve high density within constrained height
2Ease of operation
If the enclosure is designed for easy assembly and removal, then hot pluggable features are maintained, but traditional tool-based assembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly incorporates a self-locking mechanism that automatically engages with the tray assembly when the handle is inserted into the server rail. The spring-loaded locking arms automatically snap into position on the tray, eliminating the need for tools or manual fastening operations. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while reducing assembly complexity through automated engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, bolts, clips requiring tools) with a cam-based locking mechanism activated by the handle insertion motion. The cam action converts linear insertion force into rotational locking motion, substituting complex multi-step mechanical assembly with a single-motion system that is both easy to operate and mechanically simple
3Reliability
If drive locking pins are positioned to engage drive device openings, then secure drive mounting is achieved, but the tray structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drive locking pins are integrated directly into the tray base structure as fixed features rather than separate removable components. The pins are formed as part of the tray manufacturing process, merging the mounting function into the tray itself. This consolidation secures drive devices reliably through precise pin-to-opening engagement while reducing overall structural complexity by eliminating separate mounting mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A disk array includes a drive enclosure and a pair of rails. The drive enclosure includes a tray with a first base leg and a second base leg spaced from the first base leg, where the tray facilitates receipt of a memory drive device at a space between the first and second base legs such that the drive locking pins engage with openings along surfaces of the memory drive device. A handle pivotally connects with the tray to facilitate rotational movement of the handle in relation to the tray. A pair of rails secure to a printed circuit board (PCB) of an electronic device, and the rails receive and retain portions of the tray and the handle when the tray is inserted between the rails of the pair.