Vibration Isolator Aperture for Data Storage Enclosure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vibrations in data storage systems degrade the performance of physically interconnected data storage devices, as existing fastening methods fail to effectively mitigate ambient and resonant frequencies between enclosure components.

Innovation Solution

A data storage system employs an isolator with a tunable aperture that contacts the enclosure and fastener, featuring protrusions and recesses to engage and secure the fastener while reducing vibrations by deforming and dampening frequencies, optimizing performance across diverse vibration ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing fastening methods are used to secure enclosure components, then the components are firmly connected, but vibrations and resonant frequencies between components cannot be effectively mitigated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidvibration transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an isolator as an intermediary component between the enclosure component and frame. This isolator includes a body with a shaped aperture that deforms under vibration to dampen frequencies. The isolator mediates the connection between fastener and enclosure, allowing firm connection while reducing vibration transmission through its deformable aperture structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator's aperture is designed with specific geometric parameters (protrusions and recesses) that can be tuned to target specific vibration frequencies. By changing the shape, size, and configuration of the aperture, the isolator can be optimized to dampen particular resonant frequencies while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If a rigid fastening system is used to secure the enclosure, then structural strength is maintained, but vibration frequencies are amplified and transmitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidvibration amplification

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The isolator incorporates a flexible aperture structure with protrusions and recesses that can deform in response to vibration. This flexible design allows the fastening system to maintain structural strength through the isolator body while the aperture's deformation absorbs and dampens vibration energy, preventing amplification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator combines a rigid body structure (for maintaining strength) with a deformable aperture feature (for vibration damping). This composite approach integrates both strength maintenance and vibration reduction functions within a single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional aperture designs are used in isolators, then manufacturing is simple, but vibration damping effectiveness across diverse frequencies is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture fabricationVSAvoidvibration frequency range coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture is segmented into multiple protrusions and recesses rather than being a simple circular hole. This segmentation allows different portions of the aperture to respond to different vibration frequencies, expanding the range of dampenable frequencies while still being manufacturable as a single integrated feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The aperture design transitions from a static rigid hole to a dynamic deformable structure. The protrusions and recesses are configured to deform in response to vibration, allowing the aperture to adapt its shape to different frequency inputs, thereby increasing versatility across frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively reduces and eliminates vibrations between the data storage enclosure and components, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of data storage systems by tuning the isolator aperture to mitigate specific and general vibration frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

The second aperture can be shaped to dampen vibration frequencies between the enclosure frame and the enclosure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

reducing vibrations by deforming and dampening frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS10699752B2Vibration isolator

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 SEAGATE TECH LLC

AI summary

An enclosure may be secured to an enclosure frame by a fastener that continuously extends through a first aperture of the enclosure and a second aperture of an isolator. The isolator may contact the first aperture, enclosure frame, and fastener. The second aperture can be shaped to dampen vibration frequencies between the enclosure frame and the enclosure.