Drive Carrier Wrap-Around End Caps for Thermal and EMI Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage systems face increased failure rates due to higher densities and operating temperatures, necessitating improved thermal and electromagnetic interference containment without the need for a separate lid.
Innovation Solution
A carrier design with wrap-around end caps and integrated EMI containment features, along with a dual-latching mechanism, facilitates thermal and EMI containment within a lidless chassis, enhancing retention and reducing failure risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data storage systems operate at higher densities and temperatures, then storage capacity increases, but failure rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is divided into multiple functional segments: a retention portion with latching mechanism for mechanical retention, and separate containment portions (end caps and sides) for thermal and EMI protection. This segmentation allows each component to address specific failure risks independently while working together to improve overall system reliability in high-density configurations.
2Reliability
If a separate lid is added for thermal and EMI containment, then protection improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier integrates multiple protective functions into a single unified structure. The retention portion, end caps, and side portions are merged into one integrated carrier assembly that simultaneously provides mechanical retention, thermal containment, and EMI shielding, eliminating the need for a separate lid and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed as a multi-functional component that performs retention, thermal containment, and EMI shielding simultaneously. This universal design allows a single structure to address multiple protection needs that would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.
3Quantity of substance
If higher density storage configurations are implemented, then storage capacity increases, but operating temperatures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end caps extend in the longitudinal dimension to wrap around the storage device, creating an enclosed thermal environment. This dimensional extension allows the carrier to provide thermal containment in the length direction, effectively isolating heat generation from the surrounding high-temperature environment without compromising the high-density configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Storage media carriers may include a frame and an end cap coupled with the frame. The end cap may include a top surface, a first side surface extending away from the top surface, and a second side surface extending away from the top surface. According to another example, a data storage assembly may include a plurality of storage media devices, and a respective carrier comprising a frame coupled to each of storage media device, where each frame includes an end cap that extends over and covers a longitudinal end surface of a respective storage media device and wraps around a portion of a side surface of the respective storage media device. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.