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WO2023039364A1 - Système, appareil et procédé d'alignement et de montage de module de cartouche - Google Patents

Système, appareil et procédé d'alignement et de montage de module de cartouche Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023039364A1
WO2023039364A1 PCT/US2022/075959 US2022075959W WO2023039364A1 WO 2023039364 A1 WO2023039364 A1 WO 2023039364A1 US 2022075959 W US2022075959 W US 2022075959W WO 2023039364 A1 WO2023039364 A1 WO 2023039364A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pin
section
carrier
alignment
electronic devices
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2022/075959
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Doug FORTUNE
Bhupinder BHULLAR
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Swiss Vault
Original Assignee
Swiss Vault
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US17/658,492 external-priority patent/US12250785B2/en
Application filed by Swiss Vault filed Critical Swiss Vault
Publication of WO2023039364A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023039364A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
    • H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
    • H05K7/1461—Slidable card holders; Card stiffeners; Control or display means therefor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/12—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules
    • G11B33/121—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules the apparatus comprising a single recording/reproducing device
    • G11B33/123—Mounting arrangements of constructional parts onto a chassis
    • G11B33/124—Mounting arrangements of constructional parts onto a chassis of the single recording/reproducing device, e.g. disk drive, onto a chassis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/12—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules
    • G11B33/125—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules the apparatus comprising a plurality of recording/reproducing devices, e.g. modular arrangements, arrays of disc drives
    • G11B33/127—Mounting arrangements of constructional parts onto a chassis
    • G11B33/128—Mounting arrangements of constructional parts onto a chassis of the plurality of recording/reproducing devices, e.g. disk drives, onto a chassis
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
    • H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
    • H05K7/1485—Servers; Data center rooms, e.g. 19-inch computer racks
    • H05K7/1488—Cabinets therefor, e.g. chassis or racks or mechanical interfaces between blades and support structures
    • H05K7/1489—Cabinets therefor, e.g. chassis or racks or mechanical interfaces between blades and support structures characterized by the mounting of blades therein, e.g. brackets, rails, trays

Definitions

  • the present technology relates to a cartridge module alignment and mounting system, apparatus and method for use in connection with mounting of a plurality of removable modules where the modules can be densely packed within the apparatus and where physical alignment of the module is maintained during insertion and removal so that the modules are easily inserted or removed.
  • the apparatus may further incorporate connectors for fluids, heat transfer, optical signals, or electrical signals.
  • the apparatus may also incorporate means for facilitating control of the ambient temperature within the modules.
  • U.S Patent 8,511,627 to Litze (2013) discloses an apparatus for fastening electrical units in a switchgear cabinet where each module can be slid into its shaped-rail supporting system.
  • This apparatus has several advantages for switchgear cabinets including: good support during partial insertion of the modules so that wiring can be completed prior to complete insertion and it has grooves for screws or slide nuts to facilitate the immovable securing of the module in its final position.
  • this apparatus provides for a convenient means for wiring and mounting electrical modules, dense packing of the modules is not an objective of this apparatus since the strip-shaped section 28, the mounting brackets 146, the groove for slide nuts 26, and groove for mounting screws 40 increase the overall size.
  • U.S. Patent 9,232,683 to Davis and Worrall (2016) discloses an apparatus that provides vertical airflow for cooling to a plurality of drawers containing multiple DSD’s.
  • the warmed air can be exhausted horizontally or the warmed air can be cooled by air/liquid heat exchangers that can comprise part of the apparatus.
  • U.S. Patent 10,856,436 to Van Pelt and Stevens discloses an apparatus for mounting a plurality of storage modules that incorporates two levels of air movers that provide airflow for cooling multiple levels of electronic devices or drawers that house electronic devices.
  • the orientation of the fans provides for a horizontal airflow at each level.
  • Various embodiments reduce vibration from acoustic energy in the airflow by providing a means for shared airflow using larger fans (and having them farther away from the storage modules) rather than providing a separate means of airflow at each level.
  • the main objective of this present technology is improved cooling with reduced vibration, largely because vibration can adversely affect the operation of conventional spinning DSD’s.
  • U.S. Patent 10,888,029 to Jochim et al. (2021) discloses a modular apparatus where each of the modular bays can accommodate computing devices, storage devices, or cooling devices (including air-to-liquid heat exchangers) thereby providing for flexibility in the allocation of modules for each purpose over the service lifetime of the apparatus. Dense packing of the individual modules, such as DSD’s, is not addressed.
  • the removable modules often comprise the device providing the desired function (e.g., a DSD) plus a portion of the mounting system that is affixed to the device (e.g., with screws, clips, or adhesive).
  • the portion of the mounting system is hereinafter referred to as the carrier.
  • the function of the carrier can also be incorporated into the device, rather than being affixed to the device. Because the carrier is affixed to the device (or is incorporated into the device), the carrier is inserted into or removed from the apparatus along with that device.
  • there are numerous disclosures of such carriers, especially for DSD’s including U.S. Patent 10,082,844 to Yang et al.
  • the objective of the present technology is the ease of replacement of the module (e.g., alignment during module insertion and a means of securing the module in its proper position), rather than the dense packing of the devices. Ease of replacement is beneficial for DSD’s because they need to be replaced more often than other components of a large data storage system.
  • These existing carriers can increase the size of module in all three dimensions compared to the device thereby resulting in a significantly increased volume.
  • the rectangular volume of a disk drive mounted in its carrier in a Synology DS415+ data storage system is more than 30 percent larger than that of the device (a DSD) and there is additional volume occupied by the carrier’s handle.
  • a DSD device
  • such existing carrier structures typically add undesirable weight and may also impede airflow, thereby reducing the heat transfer capabilities of the apparatus.
  • the present technology provides a novel cartridge module alignment and mounting system, apparatus and method, and overcomes one or more of the mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art.
  • the general purpose of the present technology which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and novel cartridge module alignment and mounting system, apparatus and method and method which has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in cartridge module alignment and mounting system, apparatus and method which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.
  • the present technology can include an electronic device mounting system including a carrier attachable to one or more electronic devices.
  • the carrier can include a pin bore configured to receive an alignment pin affixed to a printed circuit board.
  • the present technology can include an electronic device mounting system including one or more alignment pins affixable to a printed circuit board, and one or more carriers attachable to one or more electronic devices.
  • the carriers can each include a pin bore configured to receive at least one of the alignment pins thereby removably connecting the electronic devices to the printed circuit board so that a space is defined between adjacent electronic devices.
  • the present technology can include an electronic device mounting system including one or more alignment pins affixable to a printed circuit board, and one or more carriers attachable to one or more electronic devices.
  • the carriers can each include one or more drive bores configured to receive a device fastener that is configured to secure the carriers to the electronic devices, respectively.
  • the carriers can each include a pin bore configured to receive at least one of the alignment pins thereby removably connecting the electronic devices to the printed circuit board so that a space is defined between adjacent electronic devices.
  • the pin bore of the carriers can each include a first bore section that can have a first diameter or width, and a second bore section can have a second diameter or width greater than the first diameter or width.
  • the second bore section can be adjacent the first bore section and an open end of the carriers.
  • the alignment pins can each include a first pin section, a central pin section, a second pin section and a fastener bore.
  • the first pin section can have a first pin diameter or width receivable in the first bore section.
  • the central pin section can have a central pin diameter or width receivable in the second bore section.
  • the central pin diameter or width of the central pin section can be greater than the first pin diameter or width of the first pin section.
  • the second pin section can be adjacent to the central pin section so that the central pin section is between the first pin section and the second pin section.
  • the second pin section can have second pin diameter or width greater than the central pin section.
  • the fastener bore can be configured to operable receive a pin fastener configured to affix the alignment pins to the printed circuit board.
  • the present technology can include an electronic device mounting system including one or more alignment pins, one or more carriers, one or more printed circuit boards, and a housing configured to support and/or enclose the alignment pins, the carriers and the printed circuit board.
  • the alignment pins can each be affixable to the printed circuit board.
  • the carriers can be attachable to one or more electronic devices, and can each include a pin bore configured to receive at least one of the alignment pins thereby removably connecting the electronic devices to the printed circuit board so that a space is defined between adjacent electronic devices.
  • the present technology can include a method of mounting an electronic device to a printed circuit board using an electronic device mounting system.
  • the method can include the steps of attaching a carrier to one or more electronic devices. Then, mounting the electronic devices to the printed circuit board by sliding the carrier onto an alignment pin affixed to the printed circuit board so that the alignment pin is received in a pin bore defined in the carrier.
  • the carrier can further include one or more drive bores configured to receive a fastener configured to secure the carrier to the electronic devices.
  • the pin bore of the carrier can include a first bore section having a first diameter or width, and a second bore section having a second diameter or width greater than the first diameter or width.
  • the second bore section can be adjacent the first bore section and an open end of the carrier.
  • the alignment pin can include a first pin section that can have a first pin diameter or width receivable in the first bore section, and a central pin section that can have a central pin diameter or width receivable in the second bore section.
  • the central pin diameter or width of the central pin section can be greater than the first pin diameter or width of the first pin section.
  • the alignment pin can include a second pin section adjacent to the central pin section so that the central pin section is between the first pin section and the second pin section.
  • the second pin section can have second pin diameter or width greater than the central pin section.
  • the alignment pin can define a fastener bore configured to operable receive a pin fastener configured to affix the alignment pin to the printed circuit board.
  • the electronic devices can be a data storage device.
  • Some or all embodiments of the present technology can include a means of restricting movement of the electronic devices along the alignment pin, the means of restricting movement is selected from the group consisting of magnets, mechanical fasteners, a translational detent, by inclining the alignment pin above a horizontal plane, and a door on an enclosure containing the printed circuit board and the electronic devices.
  • the printed circuit board can include one or more connectors for a transfer of one or combination of power, electrical signals, heat, optical signals or fluids between the printed circuit board and the electronic devices.
  • Some or all embodiments of the present technology can include an enclosure configured to enclose the printed circuit board, the alignment pin and the electronic devices.
  • the alignment pin can be a plurality of alignment pins arranged on the printed circuit board.
  • the carrier and the electronic devices attached to the carrier form a cartridge module.
  • Each of the alignment pins can be configured to support the cartridge module so that multiple cartridge modules are arranged in a back-to-back and/or side-to-side configuration defining a space provided between backsides of the cartridge modules.
  • the space can be a plenum space for airflow or fluid flow.
  • the space for the airflow or fluid flow can be provided between one or more horizontal rows of the cartridge modules or between one or more vertical columns of the cartridge modules.
  • Some or all embodiments of the present technology can include one or more fans to provide airflow or fluid flow through the space.
  • the carrier can include multiple carrier sections each including the pin bore and each being attachable to at least one of the electronic devices.
  • Some or all embodiments of the present technology can include a tool configured to support the electronic devices with the carrier attached to the electronic devices.
  • the tool can include a handle section configured to be grasped by a hand of a user or configured to be attachable to a hand grip.
  • the tool can include a pair of side sections in a spaced apart relationship configured to receive an edge of the electronic devices therebetween, and each of the side sections can include one or more recesses configured to receive a part of the electronic devices or a fastener associated with the electronic devices.
  • the improved alignment and mounting apparatus disclosed herein allows for ease of module insertion or removal while requiring a comparatively small amount of spatial volume for the carrier, typically only five to ten percent of the volume of the functional device thereby reducing cost, weight, complexity and airflow impediments.
  • An even further object of the present technology is to provide a new and novel cartridge module alignment and mounting system, apparatus and method that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such cartridge module alignment and mounting system, apparatus and method economically available to the buying public.
  • Still another object of the present technology is to provide a new cartridge module alignment and mounting system, apparatus and method that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
  • FIG. l is a perspective view of a DSD mounting system known in the prior art.
  • FIG. 2A is an oblique pictorial view showing the module separated from the alignment pin and supporting structure.
  • FIG. 2B is an oblique pictorial view showing the module placement after sliding the module onto the alignment pin.
  • FIG. 2C is a top view showing a pin having a tapered end and a carrier having a chamfered hole.
  • FIG. 2D is an oblique pictorial view showing the incorporation of the function of the carrier into the device and further showing the use of a plurality of alignment pins with a single module.
  • FIG. 3 A is a top view showing the use of magnets to restrict the movement of the carrier and showing an alignment pin having an enlarged diameter at the base to accommodate a retaining screw.
  • FIG. 3B is a top view showing the use of a screw to restrict the movement of the carrier.
  • FIG. 3C is a side view showing the use of magnets to restrict the movement of the carrier.
  • FIG. 4 is an isometric view of three modules mounted on a supporting structure that is further mounted inside of an enclosure having a hinged door.
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of modules having a wraparound carrier that may also provide a means of heat transfer using a fluid.
  • FIG. 6A shows a top view a removable tray that supports multiple devices.
  • FIG. 6B shows a side orthographic view of the removable tray that supports multiple devices.
  • FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a tray that is affixed to the supporting structure and supports a removable device.
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of a plurality of densely -packed modules inside of an optional enclosure.
  • FIG. 9 is a front view of rows of modules where there are air channels between the rows.
  • FIG. 10 is a front view of columns of modules where there are air channels between those columns and further showing optional turbulence-inducing structures and optional double-packing of modules.
  • FIG. 11 is a front view of a modular assembly.
  • FIG. 12 is a front view of a plurality of modular assemblies inside of an enclosure where there are vertical air channels between modules and a plurality of fans.
  • FIG. 13 is a side view of a plurality of modular assemblies stacked back-to-back inside of an enclosure.
  • FIG. 14 is a side view of a plurality of modular assemblies stacked back-to-back where airflow enters from the top of the enclosure.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the alignment pin of the present technology.
  • FIG. 16 is a side view of the alignment pin of the present technology.
  • FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the alignment pin of the present technology with the mounting fastener and the supporting structure or printed circuit board exploded taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 16.
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier of the present technology.
  • FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier of the present technology taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 18.
  • FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier of the present technology receiving the alignment pin taken along line 20-20 in FIG. 18.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier configured to accommodate two spaced apart drive devices.
  • FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier taken along line 22-22 in FIG. 21.
  • FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multiple carrier of the present technology.
  • FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a rack or enclosure system of the present technology including a printed circuit board and multiple alignment pins.
  • FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a module tool of the present technology capable of carrying, inserting and/or removing the module.
  • FIGS. 26-28 are side views of the module tool of the present technology in use and including a hand grip.
  • the present technology substantially fulfills this need.
  • the cartridge module alignment and mounting system, apparatus and method according to the present technology substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of mounting of a plurality of removable modules where the modules can be densely packed within the apparatus and where physical alignment of the module is maintained during insertion and removal so that the modules are easily inserted or removed.
  • Electronic drive mounting devices are known in the art, as shown in FIG. 1, with these known devices typically including a plastic housing that completely encases the electronic drive 2.
  • the housing do include openings or slots allow for some heat dissipation, however, the encasing nature of the housing limits or prevents sufficient air flow around the electronic drive for cooling. This is in part due to the enclosing configuration of these known devices, which limits the amount of surface contact with a cooling medium such as air.
  • the arrow in the direction from the front of the known mounting device toward the back indicates the normal horizontal front-to- back airflow known with these mounting devices.
  • FIGS. 2A-26 embodiments of the cartridge module alignment and mounting system, apparatus and method of the present technology are shown.
  • each removable module 3 consists of one or more devices 4 and one or more carriers 5.
  • FIG. 2A shows a single carrier 5 mounted to the top of a device 4, but embodiments of this present technology can have a plurality of carriers 5 mounted on the device 4 or a plurality of devices 4 mounted on a single carrier 5.
  • the supporting structure 2 can be a mechanical support or any combination of a mechanical support and devices or structures that transfer electrical signals, heat, or fluids.
  • Exemplary supporting structures 2 include sheet metal, printed circuit boards (PCB’s), manifolds for the transfer of fluids, or any combination thereof.
  • Each alignment pin 1 is affixed to the supporting structure 2 using means known in the art including, but not limited to, where the alignment pin 1 has an external thread and there is a matching threaded nut on the opposite side of a hole in the supporting structure 2; where the alignment pin 1 has an internal thread and there is a screw 7 on the opposite side of a hole in the supporting structure 2; where the alignment pin 1 is affixed to the supporting structure 2 using metallurgical means such as soldering, brazing, or welding; where the alignment pin 1 is affixed to the supporting structure 2 using adhesive; and where there is an interference fit between the alignment pin 1 and its corresponding hole in the supporting structure 2 and the alignment pin 1 is pressed into the corresponding hole.
  • Each device 4 is attached to its respective carrier 5 or carriers 5 wherein each carrier 5 has one or more holes 6 that are the counterparts of respective alignment pins 1 on the supporting structure 2.
  • Suitable means of the attachment are known in the art and may be, for example, mechanical (e.g., screws 7, clips, or brackets), adhesive (including adhesive tapes), or magnetic attraction.
  • FIG. 2A shows a single alignment pin 1 and a single module 3 and does not show the hole 6.
  • the module 3 may further be connected to the supporting structure 2 by one or more connectors 8 for any purpose or combination of purposes including, but not limited to physical support, transfer of power, transfer of electrical signals, transfer of heat, transfer of optical signals, transfer of fluids, or any combination thereof between the supporting structure 2 and one or more of the modules 3.
  • the connector 8 is a pictorial representation of any type of connector or group of connectors.
  • any alignment pin 1 may additionally provide physical support for a module 3, essentially acting as a cantilever beam. This is particularly beneficial when the module 3 is oriented in the vertical position and when the alignment pin 1 is horizontal (or nearly horizontal), as shown in FIG. 2A and for its exemplary assembled embodiment in FIG. 2B. Because the center of mass of the device 4 in this exemplary embodiment is well below the alignment pin 1, gravity tends to naturally orient the device 4 in the vertical position thereby facilitating module alignment during insertion.
  • FIG. 2A shows a single alignment pin 1 for each module 3.
  • a plurality of alignment pins 1 would also be of benefit when the alignment pins 1 are vertical (or nearly vertical) because gravity would not assist in the alignment of the module 3.
  • a chamfer, counterbore or taper can be provided in the hole 6, on the pin 1, or both to facilitate alignment when inserting the modules 3 onto the alignment pin 1 and into the apparatus.
  • FIG. 2C shows an exemplary taper at the end of the alignment pin 1 and an exemplary chamfer in the hole 6.
  • the device 4 constitutes the entire module 3 and it therefore has one or more holes 6 that are the counterparts of the corresponding alignment pins 1.
  • a potential benefit of this embodiment is a reduction in the total spatial volume of the module 3 when compared to having a separate device 4 and carrier 5.
  • a DSD could be manufactured having a hole that accommodates the alignment pin 1, thereby reducing the space requirement for the module 3 because there is no longer a requirement for a separate carrier 5.
  • FIG. 2D also discloses an illustrative embodiment of the use of a plurality of alignment pins 1 per module 3.
  • FIGS. 2A through 2D each show a single module 3, in one or all embodiments there is provided a plurality of alignment pins 1 that are affixed to a supporting structure 2 to accommodate a corresponding plurality of modules 3.
  • FIG. 3 A shows a first such means of the restriction by affixing a magnet Ila inside of the hole 6 in the carrier 5 or affixing a magnet 11b to the end of the alignment pin 1, or, as illustrated, using both of these magnets in the positions.
  • the matching counterpart is preferably ferromagnetic, e.g., magnet Ila with a steel alignment pin 1.
  • Exemplary means of affixment of the magnet Ila or 1 lb to the carrier 5 or the alignment pin 1, respectively, include adhesives, clips, screws, or magnetic attraction.
  • the end of the alignment pin 1 could be counterbored to accommodate the magnet 11b and magnet 11b would, accordingly, need to be of a size small enough to fit within the counterbore.
  • FIG. 3A also illustrates an embodiment wherein the alignment pin 1 is affixed to the supporting structure 2 using aforementioned internal threads in the alignment pin 1 and a screw 7 along with the aforementioned use of chamfers to facilitate alignment.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates another exemplary means of the restriction by using a mechanical fastener such as a screw 7 through a hole in the carrier 5 and into a threaded hole in the alignment pin 1.
  • a mechanical fastener such as a screw 7
  • FIG. 3C illustrates further magnetic means of restricting the module 3 from moving away from the supporting structure 2.
  • the placement of one or more magnets depends on the magnetic properties of the supporting structure 2 and the module 3 as well as the required force of the magnetic attraction for a particular embodiment. For example, if the supporting structure 2 is a ferromagnetic material such as mild steel, then only the magnet 11c may be required. If more magnetic force is required, then an additional magnet 11b or 11c can be used. Whereas, if neither the supporting structure 2 nor the module have good magnetic properties, then a magnet 11c plus a magnet Ila or 1 lb would be required.
  • the cross section of the alignment pin 1 may be circular.
  • An advantage of a circular cross section is that the corresponding circular hole 6 in the carrier 5 is simple to fabricate.
  • a circular cross section does not restrict the rotation of the module 3 around the alignment pin 1.
  • a non-circular cross section such as a rectangular cross section may be used, which may be beneficial in certain embodiments of this present technology.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a further exemplary means of restricting the movement of the modules 3 by having a close-fitting door 21 with a hinge 22 on an enclosure 20 that contains the supporting structure 2 and a plurality of modules 3 where the geometry of the enclosure 20 and the door 21 are such that, when the door 21 is closed, it prevents the modules 3 from sliding along their corresponding alignment pins 1.
  • FIG. 4 only three walls of the enclosure 20 are shown, even though the enclosure 20 typically has five walls plus the door 21, thereby completely enclosing the supporting structure 2 and the modules 3.
  • the door 21 is shown in a partially opened position.
  • An elastomeric strip 23 such as EDPM rubber may be attached to the inside of the door 20 to provide a force that helps to restrict the movement of the modules 3 when the door 20 is closed.
  • the supporting structure 2 could serve as a wall of the enclosure 20. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to provide a removable access panel in place of the door 21.
  • additional system components can be mounted on the back side of the supporting structure 2, i.e., mounted on the side of the supporting structure 2 that is opposite to where the modules 3 are mounted.
  • the additional system components include, but are not limited to, CPUs, single-board computers, data storage devices, cabling, communications interfaces, power supplies, or any combination thereof.
  • These components may be spatially arranged in a configuration that is unrelated to the configuration of the modules 3 and a separate means of heat transfer may be used in the space between the back side of the supporting structure 2 and the walls of the enclosure 20 to meet the heat transfer requirements of the additional components.
  • a CPU and power supply may require a different airflow or equivalent flow rate than a plurality of modules 3 containing DSD’s that are mounted on the front side of the supporting structure 2.
  • the material used for the carrier 5 can be selected to have properties that are beneficial for a particular embodiment.
  • the material could be selected for its mechanical strength (e.g., steel), corrosion resistance (e.g., plastic or stainless steel), heat transfer characteristics (e.g., thermally-conductive materials such as copper, aluminum, other metals, or alloys thereof) or its optical properties (e.g., transparent PMMA or polycarbonate plastic).
  • Means of manufacture of the carrier 5 are well known in the art and include machining, casting, injection molding, and 3- D printing.
  • an aluminum carrier 5 could conduct heat from the device 4, thereby increasing the total heat radiating surface area of the module 3.
  • a carrier 5 could be thermally connected to the supporting structure 2 thereby conducting heat from the device 4 to a heat-exchange mechanism that is incorporated into the supporting structure 2.
  • the heat-exchange mechanism could incorporate a circulating coolant (e.g., a fluid coolant), Peltier cooling, or any combination thereof, thereby increasing the rate of heat transfer.
  • the coolant could circulate within the supporting structure 2, within the carrier 5, or any combination thereof.
  • a transparent carrier 5 allows for the transmission of light from proximity of the supporting structure 2 (e.g., a PCB) through the carrier 5 so that a plurality of system status indicators such as LED’s 9 can be easily viewed by the system operator.
  • the LED’s 9 are illustrated only in FIG. 2A, they could be used in other embodiments disclosed herein.
  • the carrier 5 could further extend around the periphery of the device 4, as shown in FIG. 5A.
  • This embodiment would be particularly beneficial when a high rate of heat transfer is required, whether by thermal conduction alone or by using a fluid coolant circulating inside of channels 24 within the carrier 5 as is indicated by the arrows.
  • the extended carrier 5 could be fabricated as a single piece or it could comprise multiple sections that are fastened together. It could also consist of heterogeneous sections as exemplified in FIG. 5B where the upper and lower sections of the carrier 5 are connected by a section consisting of a tube 25 for coolant circulation.
  • the shape of the internal channel 24 for the circulating coolant is not shown in FIGS. 5A or 5B and the channel shape and its dimensions are not facets of this present technology.
  • the function of the carrier 5 that extends around the periphery of the device 4 could be incorporated into the device 4
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates top and side views of an embodiment where a tray 28 acts as a carrier 5 that supports a plurality of devices 4 wherein each device 4 is attached to the tray 28 using aforementioned means.
  • the devices 4 are spaced in the horizontal direction and, to facilitate cooling of the devices 4, there are slots 29 in the tray 28 to allow vertical airflow or equivalent between the devices 4.
  • the slots may not be required in some embodiments, especially if there is no need for cooling airflow or equivalent.
  • the tray 28 and alignment pins 1 are shown to be underneath of the devices 4 but this embodiment is also well-suited for use when the tray 28 and alignment pins 1 are above the devices 4.
  • 6A and 6B are the holes in the tray 28 that accommodate the alignment pins 1. Advantages of this embodiment are that it is suitable for applications where the simultaneous insertion and removal of a plurality of devices 4 is required and also that fewer alignment pins 1 may be required.
  • the tray 28 can be prevented from moving away from the supporting structure 28 using means such as those illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C or otherwise disclosed herein.
  • the device 4 could be supported by a tray 26 that is mounted to the supporting structure 2.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates such a tray 26 wherein the tray incorporates a mounting bracket that can be attached to the supporting structure 2 using aforementioned means.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of such a tray 26 wherein the tray has raised edges around its periphery to prevent lateral movement of the device 4 after it is placed in position inside of the tray 26.
  • the tray 26 in FIG. 7 is further shown to have a split configuration wherein there is no material between the fingers 27 that protrude away from the supporting structure 2. Compared to a continuous tray, an advantage of the split configuration is that more of the surface of the device 4 is exposed to any cooling airflow.
  • tray 26 shown in FIG. 7 is illustrated as supporting a single device 4, those skilled in the art will realize that a tray 26 having a mounting bracket could be fabricated to support a plurality of devices 4.
  • the tray 26 can be fabricated using means known in the art such as casting or stamping.
  • FIG. 8 is an illustrative embodiment showing a dense packing of a plurality of modules 3 where each module 3 has been inserted along its corresponding alignment pin such that it is in proximity to the supporting structure 2.
  • the modules are shown within an optional enclosure 20. This embodiment is suitable when the modules 3 do not require significant cooling.
  • FIG. 9 there are air spaces between the rows of modules 3 and a means of cooling such as forced convection of air may be provided by intake fans 60 and/or exhaust fans 61 to move air through the spaces if natural convection does not provide sufficient cooling. This embodiment may be beneficial when a moderate level of cooling is required such as in the aforementioned data archive.
  • a means of cooling such as forced convection of air
  • the modules 3 are shown as having no horizontal spacing between the modules 3. In other embodiments, horizontal spacing between the modules 3 can be provided to allow airflow or equivalent between adjacent modules 3.
  • the spacing between modules 3, the placement of any fans 60, 61 and any required airflow partitions 62 are not facets of this present technology.
  • Various configurations of fans 60, 61 and airflow partitions 62 that are known in the art may be used.
  • the modules 3 are arranged in vertical columns and there are vertical air channels between the columns to facilitate cooling.
  • the modules 3 can be arranged singly in each column, as shown for the leftmost four columns, which is a chosen embodiment when the modules 3 require heat transfer from both vertical sides.
  • the modules 3 can be arranged in columns consisting of a plurality of side-by-side modules 3, as shown for the rightmost two columns.
  • columns consisting of two side-by-side modules 3 would be a chosen embodiment when the modules 3 require heat transfer from only one vertical side.
  • the side-by-side arrangement requires less total spatial volume since there are fewer vertical air channels.
  • FIG. 10 shows zero vertical spacing between the modules 3, but vertical spacing can be provided to provide space to facilitate the insertion of modules 3 into the apparatus or to provide additional channels for airflow or equivalent fluid flow.
  • FIG. 10 shows intake fans 60 but the present technology can use natural convective cooling, forced convective cooling using intake fans 60, exhaust fans 61, a circulating fluid coolant, or any combination thereof. It is well known in the art that turbulent airflow provides for more effective heat transfer from the modules 3 than laminar airflow.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a further embodiment wherein fins 63, pins 64, or other turbulence-inducing structures known in the art or any combination thereof are used to impart turbulence into the airflow.
  • the structure, orientation, and configuration of the means of imparting turbulence are known in the art and are not a facet of this present technology.
  • the fins 63 or pins 64 can be used in any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
  • the modules 3 are stacked in columns as the side- by-side pairs, it may be advantageous to mount some of the devices 4 in an inverted position relative to their corresponding carriers 5.
  • the devices 4 are DSD’s where one vertical side of the device 4 has better heat-transfer characteristics than the other vertical side, a chosen arrangement would be to attach the devices 4 in the modules 3 such that the vertical side having better heat transfer characteristics is in contact with the airflow or equivalent fluid flow.
  • FIG. 10 An advantage of the embodiment in FIG. 10 over the embodiment in FIG. 9 is that the chimney effect of the vertical orientation of the air channels facilitates convective cooling, thereby possibly reducing or obviating the need for fans 60 or 61. Similarly, embodiments using forced convection with vertically-oriented air columns are likely to require fewer or less powerful fans 60 or 61.
  • FIG. 11 shows a modular assembly 70 comprising a plurality of modules 3 mounted on a supporting structure 2 having a plurality of alignment pins 1 where, in this embodiment, the supporting structure 2 has a plurality of mounting holes 71 that are used for attaching the supporting structure 2 to a mechanical support such as mounting brackets 72 by using machine screws or other means known in the art.
  • a mechanical support such as mounting brackets 72
  • Various other means of attaching the supporting structure 2 to mounting brackets 72, directly to the wall of a building, or to the enclosure 20 are well known in the art, and include rivets, clips, or adhesives.
  • FIG. 11 is application-dependent and the modules 3 could be arranged in any configuration including, but not limited to, the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, or 10, or any combination thereof.
  • the dimensions of mounting brackets 72 are illustrative and they could be of any dimension that is suited to a particular embodiment, including where the mounting brackets 72 shown therein are merged into a single full-width mounting bracket.
  • a plurality of modular assemblies 70 could be mounted directly on the wall of a building or on the mounting brackets 72, with or without an enclosure 20.
  • a single modular assembly 70 could be mounted in an enclosure 20 having a door 21 and, if forced- convection cooling is required, the embodiment could include intake fans 60, exhaust fans 61, or any combination thereof.
  • FIG. 12 shows an embodiment where a plurality of modular assemblies 70 are mounted in a single enclosure 20 and where the modular assemblies 70 are affixed inside of the enclosure 20 to mounting brackets 72 or are affixed directly to a wall of the enclosure 20.
  • the number of rows and columns of modular assemblies 70 in FIG. 12 is illustrative and the number of rows or columns of modular assemblies 70 is application-dependent.
  • a first advantage of this embodiment is that a large number of modules 3 can be accommodated in a single enclosure 20.
  • a second advantage is that the modular assemblies 70 can share a means of heat transfer, exemplified by the plurality of fans 60 shown in FIG. 12. Any required means of inducing turbulence in the airflow using methods known in the art such as fins 63 or pins 64 are not shown in FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 12 it can be seen that there are air channels located between the vertical columns of modules 3 such that air will flow from the intake fans 60 upward through the air channels and the air could be exhausted through openings in the top of the enclosure 20.
  • each fan 60, 61 or plurality of fans 60, 61 can be replaced as a removable module, as shown by the exemplary fullwidth fan modules 73 containing fans 60 in FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 12 shows both a lower-level fan module 73 and a mid-level fan module 73, thereby illustrating that any number of fan modules 73 may be employed.
  • the exhaust airflow or equivalent fluid flow could be enhanced by adding exhaust fans 61 or a fan module 73 at or near the top of the enclosure, but the means of enhancing the exhaust airflow are not shown in FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 13 shows a side view of another embodiment of the present technology.
  • a plurality of modular assemblies 70 (as exemplified in the front view shown in FIG. 11) are placed back-to-back in a single enclosure 20 having doors 21 for accessing the modules 3. It can be appreciated that the plurality of modular assemblies 70 can be arranged in side-to-side in the enclosure 20. For clarity, the nearest wall of the enclosure 20 and any required support brackets 72 are not shown.
  • This configuration includes an air space 74 between the back sides of the modular assemblies 70 wherein can be placed additional aforementioned system components 75 such as CPUs, single-board computers, DSD’s, cabling, communications interfaces, power supplies, or any combination thereof as shown by the exemplary placement of such system components 75.
  • system components 75 such as CPUs, single-board computers, DSD’s, cabling, communications interfaces, power supplies, or any combination thereof as shown by the exemplary placement of such system components 75.
  • the direction of airflow is from bottom to top and the airflow may be by natural convection, forced convection, or any combination thereof.
  • Any number of levels of fans 60, 61 or fan modules 73 may be incorporated in this embodiment, as exemplified in FIGS. 9, 10, and 12.
  • FIG. 14 a further exemplary embodiment is shown where the intake airflow enters from the top of the enclosure 20 and the air space 74 acts as a plenum space for the intake airflow. It may be necessary to include airflow partitions 62 or other such structures known in the art to realize the plenum space. Exemplary directions for the airflow are shown by thick arrows where the airflow exits the air space 74 at one or more levels within the enclosure 20 to provide airflow for cooling the modular assemblies 70 and the airflow is exhausted through the top of the enclosure 20. As with preceding embodiments, airflow may be enhanced by using one or more intake fans 60, exhaust fans 61, fan modules 73, or any combination thereof. An exemplary placement of a plurality of intake fans 60 is shown in FIG. 14. For clarity, any required additional system components 75 that are mounted in the air space 74 are not shown in FIG. 14. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 could be readily adapted for use when the intake airflow is through the bottom of the enclosure.
  • the embodiments in FIGS. 8 through 14 are also suitable for modules 3 that require cooling when only a subset of the modules are concurrently active.
  • the term active implies that the module 3 is generating enough heat such that the module 3 requires cooling.
  • the devices 4 are DSD’s that are part of a large data storage system such as a data archive. When the stored data is accessed infrequently, the DSD’s can be powered down or be put into a low-power state when rapid access to the stored data is not required.
  • a data storage system where a subset of the DSD’s are concurrently active and where the choice of the subset can be based on thermal constraints is disclosed in U.S.
  • An advantage of having some of the modules 3 inactive is that less total heat is generated by the plurality of modules 3. Further, if surfaces of the modules 3 are thermally conductive, the heat generated by any active module 3 can be conducted to the supporting structure 2 or to adjacent inactive modules 3 that are in thermal contact with the active module 3 thereby increasing the effective surface area for heat transfer from the active modules 3. In this case, the supporting structure 2 or the inactive adjacent modules 3 can effectively act as heat sinks for the active modules 3.
  • the corresponding embodiments will normally have an enclosure 20 with multiple sides plus one or more doors 21 such that the sides of the enclosure 20 plus the doors 21 surrounds the supporting structure 2 and the modules 3 on all sides so that the airflow can be directed through the interior of the enclosure 20.
  • Such a surrounding enclosure 20 may also be used when natural convective airflow provides a sufficient means of heat transfer.
  • the alignment pin 100 can include a first pin section 102, a central pin section 106 adjacent to the first section 102, and a second pin section 110 adjacent to the central section 106. Together, these section can be configured as an elongated pin having a single longitudinal axis, and where the alignment pin 100 can be made of any suitable material such as, but not limited to, metals, plastics, wood, ceramics, alloys and the like.
  • the first section 102 can feature a distal end 104 and an elongated body with a first diameter or width.
  • a first pin transition section 108 can be a beveled, chamfered, filleted or arcuate section that transitions between the first section 102 and the central section 106.
  • the distal end 104 can have a laterally flat surface, a rounded or bull nose tip 104’ or a pointed tip 104”, as best illustrated in FIG. 16.
  • the central section 106 can have a diameter or width greater than the first section 102, thereby creating the first pin transition section 108.
  • a second pin transition section 112 can be a beveled, chamfered, filleted or arcuate section that transitions between the central section 106 and the second section 110.
  • the second section 110 can have a diameter or width greater than the central section 106, thereby creating the second pin transition section 112.
  • the second section 110 can include a proximal end 114 featuring a flat surface.
  • the second section 110 can include a cylindrical configuration.
  • the second section 110 can include a geometrical profile with planar surfaces 111 configured for utilization with a tool such as, but not limited to, a wrench, pliers or a socket.
  • the second section 110 and/or the central section 106 can include recessed planar sections 111’ configured for utilization with a tool such as, but not limited to, a wrench, pliers or a socket.
  • a fastener bore 116 can be defined through the second section 110 and into the central section 106, where the fastener bore 116 can be defined along the longitudinal axis of the alignment pin 100, as best illustrated in FIG. 17. It can be appreciated that the fastener bore 116 can extend into the first section 102 or can only be defined in the second section 110.
  • a pin mounting fastener 120 can be utilized to mount and/or secure the alignment pin 100 to the PCB or the supporting structure 2.
  • the pin mounting fastener 120 can include a head 122 and a threaded shaft section 124 smaller than the head 122.
  • the threaded shaft section 124 is receivable through a hole in the PCB 2 and then engageable with the fastener bore 116 of the alignment pin 100. Tightening of the pin mounting fastener 120 secures the alignment pin 100 to the PCB 2 sandwiched between the head 122 and the second section 110 of the alignment pin 100.
  • the tool can be engaged with any one of the planar surfaces 111, 111’ to assist in rotation of the alignment pin 100 and thus securely engaging the alignment pin 100 with the pin mounting fastener 120 and accordingly mounting on the PCB 2.
  • the proximal end 114 of the second section 110 can include radially arranged detents, grooves or teeth 115 or pins 115’, as best illustrated in FIG. 15.
  • the teeth 115 or pins 155’ can be configured to engage with corresponding radial slots or holes 117 defined in an area radially surrounding the hole in the PCB 2 or visa versa, as best illustrated in FIG. 17.
  • the alignment pin 100 can include a thru-hole 105 in order to aid in a robotic alignment and insertion/removal of the alignment pin 100 utilizing a robotic or automated system (not shown).
  • the robotic or automated system can utilize a socket 126 configured to receiving at least a portion of the alignment pin 100 for manipulation of the alignment pin 100.
  • the socket can include a socket pin configured to engage with the thru- hole 105 and/or can include a magnetic or a magnetizable element configured to secure with the alignment pin 100 or portion thereof.
  • fasteners or fastening devices can be utilized in the scope of the present technology to secure the alignment pin 100 to the PCB 2.
  • fasteners or fastening devices can be utilized in the scope of the present technology to secure the alignment pin 100 to the PCB 2.
  • clips, clamps, snaps, latches and the like can be utilized.
  • the second section 110 of the alignment pin 100 can include a threaded stud (not shown) extending out therefrom.
  • This threaded stud can be engageable with a threaded section or nut that is integral with or associated with the PCB 2.
  • rotating the alignment pin 100 would engage the threaded stud with the threaded section thereby securing the alignment pin 100 to the PCB 2 without the use of the pin mounting fastener 120.
  • FIGS. 18-20 an embodiment of the carrier 132 of the present technology is illustrated and will be described in association with a drive device 4 to form a drive module 130.
  • the carrier 132 can include one or more drive mounting holes 134 defined therethrough and lateral to a longitudinal axis of the carrier 132.
  • Drive mounting fasteners 136 can be utilized to securing the carrier 132 to a side or edge of the drive device 4.
  • the drive mounting holes 134 can be offset from the longitudinal axis of the carrier 132, and can be aligned with or offset from other drive mounting holes 134.
  • the carrier 132 can be made of any suitable material such as, but not limited to, metals, plastics, wood, ceramics, alloys and the like. Further, the carrier 132 can be transparent or translucent allowing for the transmission of light from proximity of the PCB 2 through the carrier 132 so that a plurality of system status indicators such as LED’s can be easily viewed by the system operator.
  • a pin receiving bore 140 can be defined in the carrier 132 and can be along the longitudinal axis of the carrier 132, as best illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20.
  • the pin receiving bore 140 can include a first bore section 142, and a second bore section 146.
  • the first bore section 142 can be of a first diameter or width that corresponds with or is capable of receiving the first pin section 102 of the alignment pin 100.
  • a first bore transition section 144 can be a beveled, chamfered, filleted or arcuate section that transitions between the first bore section 142 and the second bore section 146.
  • the shape or configuration of the first bore transition section 144 can correspond with or compliment the first pin transition section 108 of the alignment pin 100.
  • the second bore section 146 can have a diameter or width greater than the first bore section 142, thereby creating the first bore transition section 144. Further, the diameter or width of the second bore section 146 can correspond with or be capable of receiving the central section 106 of the alignment pin 100.
  • the pin receiving bore 140 can included an open end 148 configured to receive the at least the first and central sections 102, 106 of the alignment pin 100 therethrough.
  • This open end 148 can be a beveled, chamfered, filleted or arcuate section that can correspond with or compliment the second transition section 112 of the alignment pin 100. Further, the open end 148 can be sized to receive the second section 110 of the alignment pin 100.
  • the size of the open end 148 can provide a frictional securing means against the second section 110 of the alignment pin 100, thereby securing the carrier 132 or drive module 130 to the alignment pin 100 in a removable manner.
  • an exterior of the second section 110 of the alignment pin 100 and an interior surface of the open end 148 and/or second bore section 146 can feature mutually engageable elements to provide securement.
  • the mutually engageable elements can be, but not limited to, kinks, spirals, internal knobs, detents, ratchets, ribs, magnets, constricting diameter, or any structural element that is capable of securing the carrier 132 to the alignment pin 100 until a predetermined force is application to the carrier to remove it therefrom.
  • a spring or biasing element can be associated between the PCB 2 and the carrier 132 to provide an ejection force against the carrier 132 to push the carrier 132 away from the PCB 2 when the carrier 132 is unlocked, unlatched or released from the alignment pin 100.
  • the second section 110 can have a diameter or width greater than the central section 106, thereby creating the second transition section 112.
  • the second section 110 can include a proximal end 114 featuring a flat surface.
  • the carrier 132 can be secured to the drive device 4 to create the drive module 130. Then, the drive module 130 can be mounted to the PCB 2 by sliding the carrier 132 onto the alignment pin 100 so that at least the first and central sections 102, 106 are received in the first and second bore sections 142, 146 of the pin receiving bore.
  • connectors of the drive device 4 are engageable with connectors of the PCB 2 when the drive module 130 is fully mounted on the alignment pin 100.
  • the present technology allows for the quick removal and replacement of drive devices 4 to the PCB 2 without having to remove the PCB 2 or an entire piece of equipment featuring the PCB 2. This further allows for the “hot” removal and replacement of drive devices 4 with the PCB 2 without turning off the computer, service, drive array or the like.
  • a length of the carrier 132 can be configured to allow sufficient support with the alignment pin 100 while permitting the contacts of the PCB 2 and the drive device 4 operatively engage.
  • the carrier 132 can be configured to accommodate two or more drive devices 4 in a spaced apart relationship to define an airspace or gap therebetween. To accomplish this, the carrier 132 can have a width large enough to allow two drive devices 4 to be affixed thereto in said spaced apart relationship.
  • the carrier 132 can include additional drive mounting holes 134 arranged to allow for additional drive mounting fasteners 136 to be utilized to securing the carrier 132 to a side or edge of each of the drive devices 4.
  • the drive mounting holes 134 can be offset from the longitudinal axis of the carrier 132, and can be aligned with or offset from other drive mounting holes 134. It can be appreciated that the carrier 132 can include two, four, six, ext. drive mounting holes 134 to accommodate one, two, three, ext. drive devices 4.
  • the drive devices 4 can be, but not limited to, two skinny (usually 7mm) media (usually SSD) drives that can hang from a single carrier 132. In this adjacent and spaced apart relationship, the two drive devices 4 share each other’s heat, but each is cooled by the airgap therebetween and the air flowing therearound.
  • the contacts 8 can be, but not limited to, Serial AT Attachment (SATA), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), U.2, U.3 and SFF -TA-1001 and variants thereof.
  • This offset between the pair of contacts 8 provides a means for thicker drive devices 4 can also fit into the PCB 2, and allows for the attachment of thicker drive devices with pairs of thin drive devices on the same PCB 2.
  • the mixing of different sized drive devices 4 on a single PCB 2 can maximize storage density, which is in contrast to utilizing two different PCBs that previously have be required.
  • the use of two different PCBs precludes the function of swapping thin and thick drive devices dynamically while in service.
  • an alternate multiple carrier 150 can be utilized to mount multiple drive devices to a single carrier.
  • the multiple carrier 150 can include multiple carrier sections 152 each including drive mounting holes 154, and a pin receiving bore 156.
  • the drive mounting holes 154 of each carrier section 152 allows for a single drive device to mounted thereto.
  • each of the pin receiving bores 156 corresponds to the space or distance between adjacent alignment pins mounted on the PCB.
  • the present technology can further include a modular rack system 160, as best illustrated in FIG. 24 and in the exemplary.
  • the rack system 160 can be attachable to other similar rack systems in a vertical/stacked arrangement and/or in a horizontal/side-by-side arrangement. This allows for the adaptable configuration of multiple racks.
  • the exemplary rack system can be housed inside any of enclosures of the present technology, and can be configured as a module allowing for expansion of the drive system.
  • the rack system 160 can include a general open framework 162 with openings 164 and slots 166 to allow sufficient airflow or equivalent fluid flow therethrough.
  • the PCB 2 can be mounted to the framework 162 with multiple alignment pins 100 secured to the PCB 2.
  • air can easily medium or air flow through the openings 164 and slots 166 of the rack system 160 to cool off or dissipate heat from each of the drive modules.
  • air can efficiently flow between each drive module in direct contact with a majority of the surface of the drive device. Consequently, this increased surface contact with the medium or air flow more efficiently cools the or dissipates heat from the drive devices.
  • FIG. 24 illustrates how the PCB 2 can include a single contact 8 or a pair of contacts 8 associated with an alignment pin 100, thereby supporting the utilization of a drive module 130 with a single drive device 4 or a pair of drive devices 4. It can be appreciated that the PCB 2 can include any number and/or arrangement of alignment pins 100 and any number and/or arrangement of contacts 8.
  • the present technology can be implemented so that multiple drive devices 2 are removably mounted to one or more PCBs 2 so that an air gap is defined between sides and ends of adjacent drive devices 2 with only the carrier 132 on one edge of the drive devices 2 obstructing air flow.
  • an insert/removal tool 180 can be utilized with the present technology.
  • the tool 180 is configured to be fitted to the drive device 4 of the drive module 130, while allowing handling and manipulation of the drive module 130 for insertion and/or removal thereof with the alignment pin.
  • the tool 180 can include a handle section 182 featuring a mounting hole 184, a back section 186 extending from the handle section 182, a pair of side sections 188, and a bottom section 204.
  • the back section 186 can extend from the handle section 182 at an angle, and in some cases perpendicular with the handle section 182.
  • Each side section 188 includes a first recess 200 defined in an upper edge thereof near the handle section 182, and a second recess 202 near the bottom section 204.
  • the first recess 200 is configured to receive a first part of the drive device 4 or a fastener head 4a associated with a first set of fasteners fitted to each side of the drive device 4, and the second recess 202 is configured to receive a second part of the drive device 4 or a fastener head 4b associated with a second set of fasteners fitted to each side of the drive device 4.
  • the first recess 200 can be configured as a cradle capable of receiving the fastener head 4a from an open area above the tool 180.
  • the second recess 202 can be configured as a ledge capable of receiving the fastener head 4b from an open area in front of the tool 180.
  • the bottom section 204 can be perpendicular to the back section 186 and/or side sections 188 to create a section that can support a side of the drive device 4 opposite to that of the carrier 132, as best illustrated in FIG. 26.
  • a secondary tool 210 can be utilized with the tool 180 to provide a disengagement force to the drive module 130 that removes the tool 180 from the drive module 130.
  • This secondary tool 210 can include a handle section 212 featuring a mounting hole 214, and a back section 216 extending from the handle section 212.
  • the back section 216 can extend from the handle section 212 at an angle, and in some cases perpendicular with the handle section 182.
  • the handle section 212, the mounting hole 214 and the back section 216 can have a configuration corresponding with the handle section 182, the mounting hole 184 and the back section 186 of the tool 180.
  • the back section 216 is configured to be receivable between the pair of side sections 188
  • the disengagement force can be a biasing force created from the angle between the handle section 212 and the back section 216 when the drive module 130 is pressed against the back section 216.
  • a hand grip 220 can be utilized with the tool 180, including the secondary tool 210.
  • the hand grip 220 can have an ergonomic configuration, and can be attached to the handle section 182 of the tool 180 utilizing a grip fastener 222 operably associated with the mounting hole 184.
  • the secondary tool 210 can be operable fitted with the tool 180, and the grip fastener 222 operable associated with the mounting holes 184, 214 of both the tool 180 and the secondary tool 210.
  • the tool 180 can be tilted at an angle sufficient and positioned toward the drive module 130 so that an edge of the drive devices 4 is received between the side sections 188 and the fastener heads 4a are received in their corresponding first recess 200. Then, the tool 180 can be rotated about the fastener heads 4a so that the fastener heads 4b are received in their corresponding second recess 202. In this arrangement, the drive module 130 is supported by the fastener heads 4a, 4b in their corresponding recesses 200, 202. Further support can be achieved by a portion of the drive device 4 resting on the bottom section 204.
  • the present technology can include a method of mounting an electronic device 4 to a printed circuit board 2 using any embodiment of the electronic device mounting system.
  • the method can include the steps of attaching a carrier 5, 132, 150 to one or more electronic devices 4. Then, mounting the electronic devices 4 to the printed circuit board 2 by sliding the carrier 5, 132, 150 onto an alignment pin 1, 100 affixed to the printed circuit board 2 so that the alignment pin 1, 100 is received in a pin bore 6, 140, 156 defined in the carrier 5, 132,
  • the carrier 5, 132, 150 can further include one or more drive bores 7, 134, 154 configured to receive a fastener configured to secure the carrier 5, 132, 150 to the electronic device 4.
  • the pin bore 6, 140, 156 of the carrier 5, 132, 150 can include a first bore section 142 having a first diameter or width, and a second bore section 146 having a second diameter or width greater than the first diameter or width.
  • the second bore section 146 can be adjacent the first bore section 142 and an open end 148 of the carrier 5, 132, 150
  • the alignment pin 1, 100 can include a first pin section 102 that can have a first pin diameter or width receivable in the first bore section 142 , and a central pin section 106 that can have a central pin diameter or width receivable in the second bore section 102.
  • the central pin diameter or width of the central pin section 106 can be greater than the first pin diameter or width of the first pin section 102.
  • the alignment pin 1, 100 can include a second pin section 110 adjacent to the central pin section 106 so that the central pin section 106 is between the first pin section 102 and the second pin section 110.
  • the second pin section 110 can have second pin diameter or width greater than the central pin section 106.
  • the alignment pin 1, 100 can define a fastener bore 116 configured to operable receive a pin fastener 120 configured to affix the alignment pin 1, 100 to the printed circuit board 2.
  • the electronic device 4 can be a data storage device.
  • Some or all embodiments of the present technology can include a means of restricting movement of the electronic device 4 along the alignment pin 1, 100, the means of restricting movement is selected from the group consisting of magnets, mechanical fasteners, a translational detent, by inclining the alignment pin above a horizontal plane, and a door on an enclosure containing the printed circuit board 2 and the electronic device 4.
  • the printed circuit board 2 can include one or more connectors 8 for a transfer of one or combination of power, electrical signals, heat, optical signals or fluids between the printed circuit board 2 and one or more of the electronic devices 4.
  • the alignment pin 1, 100 can be a plurality of alignment pins arranged on the printed circuit board 2.
  • the carrier 5, 132, 150 and the electronic device 4 attached to the carrier form a cartridge module 3, 130.
  • Each of the alignment pins 5, 132, 150 can be configured to support the cartridge module 3, 130 so that multiple cartridge modules are arranged in a back-to-back and/or side-to-side configuration defining a space provided between backsides and/or sides of the cartridge modules 3, 130.
  • the space can be a plenum space for airflow or fluid flow.
  • the space for the airflow or fluid flow can be provided between one or more horizontal rows of the cartridge modules 3, 130 or between one or more vertical columns of the cartridge modules 3, 130.
  • Some or all embodiments of the present technology can include one or more fans to provide airflow or fluid flow through the space.
  • the carrier 150 can include multiple carrier sections 152 each including the pin bore 156 and each being attachable to at least one of the electronic device 4.
  • the carrier 5, 132 can be configured to be attachable to two or more electronic devices 4.
  • the carrier 5, 132 can be a single carrier configured to be mounted on a single alignment pin 1, 100 mountable on a single printed circuit board 2 that includes a pair of offset contacts 8 operably arranged on the printed circuit board 2 so that a pair of electronic devices 4 mounted to the single carrier 5, 132 are operable connectable to the pair of contacts 8, respectively, when the single carrier 5, 132 is mounted to the single alignment pin 1, 100
  • Some or all embodiments of the present technology can include a tool 180 configured to support the electronic device 4 with the carrier 5, 132, 150 attached to the electronic device.
  • the tool 180 can include a handle section 182 configured to be grasped by a hand of a user or configured to be attachable to a hand grip 220.
  • the tool 180 can include a pair of side sections 188 in a spaced apart relationship configured to receive an edge of the electronic device 4 therebetween, and each of the side sections 188 can include one or more recesses 200, 202 configured to receive a part of the electronic device 4 or a fastener 4a, 4b associated with the electronic device 4.
  • any holes or slots in the enclosure 20, 160 that are required for air exchange with the environment outside of the enclosure 20, 160 are not shown in FIG. 3 or FIGS. 8 through 14 since the shape and location of the holes or slots may be known in the art.
  • the orientation of the alignment pin 1, 100 has been shown to be in the horizontal plane.
  • the present technology can be used with alignment pins 1, 100 in any orientation.
  • a further embodiment has a supporting structure 2 that is oriented in the horizontal plane and has a plurality of vertical alignment pins 1, 100, which is beneficial when the modules 3, 130 are mounted in drawers, such as is shown with the DSD’s in FIG. 2 of U.S. Patent 10,856,436 and FIG. 1C of U.S. Patent and 9,232,683.
  • each of the alignment pins 1, 100 can serve as a cantilever beam thereby providing support for its corresponding module 3, 130.
  • the plurality of modules 3, 130 can be heterogeneous.
  • the plurality of devices 4 in the modules 3, 130 could comprise various electronic devices including conventional spinning DSD’s, SSDs, CPUs, single-board computers, data interfaces, heat exchange apparatus, or any combination thereof. Since the heterogeneous modules 3, 130 can have differing physical sizes, the apparatus can utilize nonuniform spacing of the alignment pins 1, 100 to accommodate the differing sizes.
  • modules 3, 130 illustrated herein have been shown to have a rectangular cross section in the plane parallel to the supporting structure 2.
  • modules 3, 130 having non-rectangular cross sections can be accommodated by other embodiments of the present technology.
  • the horizontal offset is one-half of the horizontal spacing of the alignment pins 1, 100.
  • the alignment pin 1, 100 could be mounted on the carrier 5, 132 such that the alignment pin 1 can be inserted into a corresponding hole in the supporting structure 2.
  • fluid refers to any liquid, gas, or mixture thereof.
  • cartridge module alignment and mounting system, apparatus and method herein described is also suitable for mounting multiple electronic devices in a close proximity to each other allow for sufficient air flow therebetween and therearound.

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  • Cooling Or The Like Of Electrical Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système d'alignement et de montage de module de cartouche, un appareil et un procédé pour le montage d'une pluralité de modules amovibles où les modules peuvent être emballés de manière dense à l'intérieur de l'appareil et où l'alignement physique du module est maintenu pendant l'insertion et le retrait de telle sorte que les modules sont facilement connectés ou déconnectés à une carte de circuit imprimé. Le système comprend une broche d'alignement pouvant être fixée à la carte de circuit imprimé, et un support pouvant être fixé à un dispositif électronique tel qu'un dispositif de stockage de données. Le support peut comprendre un alésage de broche configuré pour recevoir une partie de la broche d'alignement, ce qui permet de connecter et d'aligner de manière amovible le dispositif électronique sur la carte de circuit imprimé de telle sorte qu'un espace est défini entre des dispositifs électroniques adjacents. L'espace permet à un flux d'air ou à un écoulement de fluide de passer entre ceux-ci augmentant la dissipation de chaleur des dispositifs électroniques et de la carte de circuit imprimé.
PCT/US2022/075959 2021-09-08 2022-09-06 Système, appareil et procédé d'alignement et de montage de module de cartouche Ceased WO2023039364A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202163241605P 2021-09-08 2021-09-08
US63/241,605 2021-09-08
US17/658,492 US12250785B2 (en) 2021-09-08 2022-04-08 Cartridge module alignment and mounting system, apparatus and method
US17/658,492 2022-04-08

Publications (1)

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WO2023039364A1 true WO2023039364A1 (fr) 2023-03-16

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Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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US2000A (en) 1841-03-12 Improvement in the manufacture of starch
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US5557499A (en) 1994-06-28 1996-09-17 Ast Research, Inc. Hard-disk drive tray assembly with pivotally rotatable front bezel
US6015196A (en) 1998-03-26 2000-01-18 Pacific Micro Data, Inc. Module mounting system
US6729383B1 (en) 1999-12-16 2004-05-04 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Fluid-cooled heat sink with turbulence-enhancing support pins
US6735082B2 (en) 2002-08-14 2004-05-11 Agilent Technologies, Inc. Heatsink with improved heat dissipation capability
US20050146855A1 (en) * 2004-01-07 2005-07-07 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for aligning and supporting interconnect systems
WO2010144677A1 (fr) 2009-06-10 2010-12-16 Blackrock, Inc. Système de refroidissement pour une armoire de serveur d'ordinateur dans un centre de données
US9232683B2 (en) 2011-07-22 2016-01-05 Seagate Technology Llc Storage system and a method of cooling storage media within a data storage system
US10082844B2 (en) 2017-02-07 2018-09-25 Super Micro Computer Inc. Slim type of screwless removable hard drive tray
US10856436B2 (en) 2019-01-31 2020-12-01 Seagate Technology Llc Multilevel enclosure cooling
US10888029B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2021-01-05 Google Llc Data center cooling system with stacked rows of server racks

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2000A (en) 1841-03-12 Improvement in the manufacture of starch
US5332306A (en) 1992-06-05 1994-07-26 Compaq Computer Corporation Computer disk drive mounting apparatus
US5423046A (en) 1992-12-17 1995-06-06 International Business Machines Corporation High capacity data storage system using disk array
US5557499A (en) 1994-06-28 1996-09-17 Ast Research, Inc. Hard-disk drive tray assembly with pivotally rotatable front bezel
US6015196A (en) 1998-03-26 2000-01-18 Pacific Micro Data, Inc. Module mounting system
US6729383B1 (en) 1999-12-16 2004-05-04 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Fluid-cooled heat sink with turbulence-enhancing support pins
US6735082B2 (en) 2002-08-14 2004-05-11 Agilent Technologies, Inc. Heatsink with improved heat dissipation capability
US20050146855A1 (en) * 2004-01-07 2005-07-07 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for aligning and supporting interconnect systems
WO2010144677A1 (fr) 2009-06-10 2010-12-16 Blackrock, Inc. Système de refroidissement pour une armoire de serveur d'ordinateur dans un centre de données
US9232683B2 (en) 2011-07-22 2016-01-05 Seagate Technology Llc Storage system and a method of cooling storage media within a data storage system
US10082844B2 (en) 2017-02-07 2018-09-25 Super Micro Computer Inc. Slim type of screwless removable hard drive tray
US10888029B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2021-01-05 Google Llc Data center cooling system with stacked rows of server racks
US10856436B2 (en) 2019-01-31 2020-12-01 Seagate Technology Llc Multilevel enclosure cooling

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