Captivating shock mounts for data storage devices using retention clips

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/868,456, filed on Aug. 21, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Due to their sensitive components, disk drives are vulnerable to externally induced shocks and vibrations. Because magnetic disk drives are predominantly designed for operation in stationary environments, external shock and vibration protection is often required to improve the robustness of disk drives in mobile applications. To fulfill this requirement, protective cases having vibration and shock dampening characteristics are often used to carry and transport small external disk drives.

It is a common practice to provide internal shock and vibration isolation to a portable disk drive encased in a plastic enclosure. Conventionally, elastomeric mounts having various geometric shapes are used to support the disk drive and to provide the necessary shock and vibration isolation within its enclosure. Typically, these elastomeric mounts are often custom-molded to fit the disk drive assembly and the enclosure. However, this results in different elastomeric mount designs and different elastomeric mount supporting structures that are only suitable for a single disk drive model or a small number of disk drive models.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a data storage assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts a data storage assembly with a cover separated from an enclosure according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 depicts a data storage assembly with a data storage device separated from an enclosure according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 depicts a partial view of an enclosure according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 depicts a partial view of an enclosure according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a retention clip according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a retention clip according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a retention clip according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective of an installation of a retention clip;

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an enclosure with retention clips mated with captivating pockets;

FIG. 11 depicts a partial view of a retention clip mated with a captivated pocket;

FIG. 12 depicts a partial view of an enclosure with retention clips mated with captivating pockets to captivate shock mounts;

FIG. 13 depicts a side view of a cover comprising retention units; and

FIG. 14 depicts a partial view of an enclosure and a cover where retention units are cooperating with captivating pockets to captivate shock mounts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, a data storage assembly 100 comprising an enclosure 104 and a cover 102 are shown in an embodiment in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the data storage assembly 100 comprises a direct access storage (“DAS”) device or a network access storage (“NAS”) device. In an embodiment, the data storage assembly 100 is configured to be connected to a host. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the data storage assembly 100 can be configured to be connected to a host either directly or through a network.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the enclosure 104 can store a data storage device 106 at least partially using a set of one or more retention clips 108, which will be described in more detail later. In an embodiment, the enclosure 104, the cover 102, or any combination thereof comprise plastic.

In an embodiment, the data storage device 106 comprises at least one of a disk drive or a solid state drive. In an embodiment, the disk drive comprises a magnetic rotating disk. In an embodiment, the solid state drive comprises a solid state memory. In an embodiment, the disk drive comprises a 3.5 inch disk drive.

While the description herein refers to solid state memory generally, it is understood that solid state memory may comprise one or more of various types of solid state non-volatile memory devices such as flash integrated circuits, Chalcogenide RAM (C-RAM), Phase Change Memory (PC-RAM or PRAM), Programmable Metallization Cell RAM (PMC-RAM or PMCm), Ovonic Unified Memory (OUM), Resistance RAM (RRAM), NAND memory (e.g., single-level cell (SLC) memory, multi-level cell (MLC) memory, or any combination thereof), NOR memory, EEPROM, Ferroelectric Memory (FeRAM), Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), other discrete NVM (non-volatile memory) chips, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 3, one or more threaded inserts 111 are attached to the data storage device 106. Furthermore, in an embodiment, one or more shock mounts 110 are attached to the threaded inserts 111. In an embodiment, the shock mounts comprise shock absorbers to reduce shock to the data storage device 106.

Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in FIG. 3, the data storage device 106 is placed in the enclosure 104. As can be seen in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the enclosure comprises one or more shock mount retention units such as captivating pockets to receive the shock mounts 110 attached to the data storage device 106. In embodiments shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, a first set of captivating pockets 112a are located in a first side 114 of the enclosure 104, and a second set of captivating pockets 112b are located in a second side 116 of the enclosure 104.

In an embodiment, each set of captivating pockets comprise one or more captivating pockets. In an embodiment, the first side 114 of the enclosure 104 comprises a back side of the enclosure 104, while the second side 116 of the enclosure 104 comprises a front side of the enclosure 104. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the first side 114 of the enclosure 104 is configured to include apertures 118 for receiving connection interfaces from cable such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) cables, network cables, or other types of communicating cables.

In an embodiment, each of the captivating pockets in the first set of captivating pockets 112a is configured to mate with the retention clip 108. In an embodiment, the retention clip 108 comprises a shock mount retention clip. In an embodiment, the retention clip 108 comprises plastic. In an embodiment, the use of the retention clip 108 reduces manufacturing costs relative to the use of metal screws. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the use of the retention clip 108 may reduce manufacturing costs and time by utilizing a top down approach to assembly such as in a semi-automated or fully automated process. That is, the retention clips 108 can be placed in a same direction as a placement of the data storage device 106 onto the enclosure.

In an embodiment, a retention clip 108 is shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. A first side 132 of the retention clip 108 is shown in an embodiment in FIG. 6 and a second side 134 of the retention clip of the retention clip 108 is shown in an embodiment in FIG. 7. A side view of the retention clip 108 is shown in an embodiment in FIG. 8. In an embodiment, when the retention clip 108 is mated with a captivating pocket, the second side 134 of the retention clip 108 is configured to face the data storage device 106, while the first side 132 of the retention clip 108 is configured to face the enclosure 104.

As can be seen in the embodiment in FIG. 7, the retention clip 108 comprises a shock mount retention surface 122, which contacts the shock mount 110 (FIG. 3) when the retention clip 108 is secured and mated with the captivating pocket 112a. In an embodiment, the shock mount retention surface 122 comprises a partially circular surface. In an embodiment, the shock mount retention surface 122 comprises a semi-circle. In an embodiment, the retention clip 108 and the captivating pocket 112a cooperate to retain the shock mount 110. In an embodiment, the retention clip 108 also comprises a pocket to retain the shock mount 110.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the retention clip 108 comprises a surface 120 for an assembly press to apply force to the retention clip 108. In an embodiment, the retention clip 108 comprises one or more latching units. In an embodiment, the latching units comprise one or more beams such as latching beams 124. In an embodiment, the captivating pockets 112a also comprise one or more latching units, which will be described in more detail below. In an embodiment, the latching unit in the captivating pocket 112a comprises a flange.

In an embodiment, the assembly press can apply sufficient force to the retention clip 108 so that the latching beam 124 in the retention clip 108 will latch with a corresponding latching unit in the captivating pocket. In an embodiment, when the latching beam 124 is latched with the flange in the captivating pocket 112a, the retention clip 108 is secured to the captivating pocket 112a.

In an embodiment, the retention clip also 108 comprises one or more radial ribs 130 opposite the shock mount retention surface 122. When force is applied to the retention clip 108 to latch the latching beam 124 to the flange, the latching beam 124 can expand outwards. The radial ribs 130 can provide stiffness to the shock mount retention surface to reduce deformation or damage to the shock mount retention surface when the latching beam is expanding outwards.

As can be seen in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the latching beam 124 comprises a ramp 126. The ramp 126 is located at an angle to the latching beam 124. When the ramp 126 latches with a bottom portion of the flange, the retention clip 108 is secured to the captivating pocket.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the retention clip 108 also comprises a set of one or more alignment feature 128 which can cooperate with a corresponding alignment features in the captivating pockets 112a. In an embodiment, the alignment feature 128 can ensure that the retention clip 108 will be properly mated and secured to the captivating pocket 112a when force is placed on the retention clip 108. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the alignment features 128 in the retention clip 108 comprise one or more grooves.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the retention clip 108 is secured to the captivating pocket to secure by placing the retention clips 108 over the first set of captivating pockets 112a. In embodiments shown in FIG. 10, the retention clips 108 are secured to the first set of captivating pockets 112a.

In an embodiment, a side view of the retention clip 108 mated with the captivating pocket 112a is shown in FIG. 11. As can be seen in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the alignment features 136 in the captivating pocket comprise one or more rails which slide into the grooves in the retention clip 108. Furthermore, as can be seen, the ramp 126 in the latching beam 124 of the retention clip 108 is latched with a bottom portion of a flange 138 in the captivating pocket 112a. Thus, the retention clip 108 is prevented from being moved in a direction away from the captivating pocket by the ramp 126 and the flange 138.

Furthermore, as shown in the embodiment in FIG. 11, to install the retention clip 108, force is applied to the retention clip 108 to push the retention clip 108 towards the captivating pocket 112a. When the ramp 126 first contacts the flange 138 at a top side of the flange 138, the latching beam 124 will expand outwards so that the ramp 126 can move past the flange 138. When the ramp 126 moves past the flange 138, the latching beam 124 will contract backwards and the ramp 126 will thus be located below the flange 138 and be configured to contact a bottom side of the flange 138. The ramp 126 is thus latched with the flange 138.

However, when force is applied to the retention clip 108 to move the retention clip 108 away from the captivating pocket 112a, the ramp 126 will contact the flange 138 and prevent the retention clip 108 from being moved in that direction. In an embodiment, to remove the retention clip 108, force can be applied to the latching beam 124 to expand the latching beam 124 outwards so that the ramp 126 can move past the flange 138.

In an embodiment, a perspective view of the retention clip 108 and the captivating pocket 112a cooperating to captivate the shock mounts 110 is shown in FIG. 12. As can be seen in the embodiment in FIG. 12, the retention clip 108 and the captivating pocket 112a reduce the movement of the shock mounts 110.

Although the latching units for the retention clips 108 in the examples above are shown as comprising latching beams and ramps, and the latching units for the captivating pockets 112a are shown as comprising flanges, in an embodiment, the latching units for the retention clips can comprise flanges and the latching units for the captivating pockets 112a can comprise latching beams and ramps. In addition, in an embodiment, the latching units for the retention clips 108 and the latching units for the captivating pockets 112a can comprise other mechanical devices which can be used to removably secure the retention clips 108 to the captivating pockets 112a.

Furthermore, although the alignment features 128 (FIG. 6) in the examples above are shown as being grooves and the alignment features 136 (FIG. 11) are shown as being rails, in an embodiment, the alignment features 128 (FIG. 6) can comprise rails while the alignment features 136 (FIG. 11) can comprise grooves. Similarly, other cooperative features which can guide the retention clip 108 onto the captivating pockets 112a may be utilized. In addition, although two retention clips 108 and two captivating pockets 112a are shown, additional or less amounts of retention clips 108 and captivating pockets 112a may be utilized.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the cover 102 comprises a U-shaped cover. In an embodiment, the cover 102 is configured to be slid onto the enclosure 104 from the second side 116 (FIG. 3) of the enclosure 104 to the first side 114 (FIG. 3) of the enclosure 104. In an embodiment, the cover 102 is configured to slide onto the enclosure 104 in a direction substantially parallel to a central axis of the shock mounts 110. Although in the embodiments shown in the examples above depict a U-shaped cover, the cover 102 can comprise other shapes. For example, the cover 102 can be partially U-shaped, J-shaped, L-shaped, or substantially planar.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the cover 102 comprises retention units 140 which can be mated with the captivating pockets 112b. Thus, when the cover 102 is slid onto the enclosure 104, the retention units 140 will cooperate with the captivating pockets 112b to captivate the shock mounts 110. In an embodiment, a perspective view of the retention units 140 and the captivating pockets 112b cooperating to captivate the shock mounts 110 is shown in FIG. 14.

In an embodiment, the retention units 140 do not comprise latches in order to the retention units 140 to be slid over the captivating pockets to captivate the shock mounts 110. Furthermore, this can also allow the cover 102 to be slid onto the enclosure 104. In an embodiment, the retention units 140 are not latched onto the captivating pockets 112b. Thus, in an embodiment, the retention units 140 do not need to include latching units such as the latching beams or the ramps on the latching beams. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the captivating pockets 112b do not need to include latching units such as the flanges. In addition, in an embodiment, the retention units 140 and the captivating pockets 112b do not include alignment features.

In an embodiment, retention clips 108 can be used instead of retention units 140. In such a case, the cover 102 would not need to comprise the retention units 140.

Those of ordinary skill would appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and algorithm parts described in connection with the examples disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. Furthermore, the embodiments can also be embodied on a non-transitory machine readable medium causing a processor or computer to perform or execute certain functions.

To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and process parts have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosed apparatus and methods.

The parts of a method or algorithm described in connection with the examples disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. The parts of the method or algorithm may also be performed in an alternate order from those provided in the examples. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, an optical disk, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosed methods and apparatus. Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed method and apparatus. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.