Storage device carrier and related systems and methods

A rack enclosure system includes a receiving frame and a carrier. The carrier is configured to capture a storage device and to be slidably received by the receiving frame in a mounting direction. The carrier includes a first rail and a second rail each extending between a front end and a back end. The carrier also includes a cap member. The cap member may be rotatably or non-rotatably connected to the first rail at the front end. The cap is releasably connected to the second rail adjacent to the front end. The carrier further includes a handle with a cam portion and a latch portion. The cam portion is rotatably connected to the cap member and optionally the first rail. The latch portion is releasably connected to the cap member or the second rail.

The disclosure herein relates to storage device systems, and in particular, relates to a carrier that may be used to capture a storage device without additional tools and to securely mount the storage device in an enclosure.

SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a carrier having a rail, a cap member, and a handle with a cam portion for capturing a storage device without additional tools and for securing the storage device in an enclosure.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes a first rail and a second rail configured to secure a storage device. The first and second rails extend between a front end and a back end. The first rail defines a first side, and the second rail defines a side opposite to the first side. The apparatus also includes a cap member connected to the first rail and releasably connected to the second rail adjacent to the front end. The apparatus further includes a handle including a cam portion and a latch portion. The cam portion is rotatably connected to the cap member adjacent to the first side. The latch portion is releasably connected to at least one of the cap member adjacent to the second side and the second rail adjacent to the front end.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system includes a receiving frame having a sidewall defining a locking member. The locking member defines a front surface and a back surface. The system also includes a carrier configured to capture a storage device. The carrier is further configured to be slidably received by the receiving frame in a mounting direction. The carrier includes a first rail defining a first side and a second rail defining a second side opposite to the first side. The first and second rails extend in the mounting direction. A cap member extends orthogonal to the mounting direction. The cap member is connected to the first rail and releasably connected to the second rail adjacent to the front end. The system further includes a handle having a cam portion and a latch portion. The cam portion is rotatably connected to the cap member adjacent to the first side. The latch portion is releasably connected to at least one of the cap member adjacent to the second side and the second rail adjacent to the front end. The cam portion includes a first cam and a second cam. The first cam is configured to engage the back surface when the carrier is mounted to the receiving frame. The second cam is configured to engage the front surface to unmount the carrier from the receiving frame.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes disposing a storage device in a carrier. The carrier has a first rail defining a first side, a second rail spaced apart from the first rail and defining a second side, a cross member connected to the first and second rails adjacent to a back end, a cap member spaced apart from the cross member and releasably connected to the second rail adjacent to a front end, and a handle rotatably connected to the cap member adjacent to the first side and releasably connected to at least one of the cap member adjacent to the second side and the second rail adjacent to the front end. The method also includes mating a post on the first rail and a post on the second rail with corresponding recesses in the storage device. The method further includes connecting the cap member to the second rail to secure the storage device between the first and second rails.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the subject matter of the present disclosure as it is claimed.

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to several specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The present disclosure relates to storage devices. Storage devices are often described as information-storage devices, which may be considered a type of memory for computing. In general, a storage device is capable of storing information in various media formats, such as a bit stored in a magnetic format, an electronic format, or a combination of multiple formats. Non-limiting examples of storage devices include hard disc drives (HDD), solid-state drives (SSD), and hybrid drives including both types, although other formats are also contemplated.

Some storage devices are utilized in an array, which may be connected to a storage area network or other computing system that provides an information technology service. In such cases, storage devices may be mounted within an enclosure, such as a rack enclosure, or otherwise mounted to a larger structure during use. Such an enclosure may include a circuit board, such as a midplane or baseplane, that electrically, optically, or otherwise operably connects to the storage device, for example, to transfer of information and power.

Securely mounting each storage device to such an enclosure is often desirable to mitigate issues of a mechanical nature that may arise from rotational vibration, shock, and other vibrations. Such an enclosure may further contain a circuit board to which the storage device is engaged and operably connected to send and receive information during use.

Storage devices can be defined by standards that specify or control the geometry of the storage device. For example, the small form factor (SFF) definition controls the mounting hole locations, connector location, and maximum dimensions for base casting. Except for this geometry, the other exterior features and dimensions of an SFF storage device may be uniquely configured, such as the height of the storage device. It is often desirable to be able to mount more than one configuration of storage device in the same type of enclosures.

A carrier can be used to capture the unique geometry of a storage device to facilitate mounting to a particular type of enclosure. When captured by a carrier, the storage device may then be securely mounted to the enclosure via the carrier and operably connected to the circuit board of the enclosure. However, some carriers are not compatible with all storage device geometries, even if the storage devices are defined by the same standard. As such, manufacturing a different type of carrier may be required for each storage device geometry.

Carriers can also facilitate the mounting and unmounting of storage devices within the rack enclosure, which may be helpful for swapping storage devices, troubleshooting storage devices, or reconfiguring a rack enclosure. Some carrier designs require the use of tools (e.g., screwdrivers) to securely capture a storage device. When capturing several storage devices for each enclosure, such carrier designs requiring tools may significantly impact the time needed for installing storage devices in an enclosure, which may be undesirable, for example, if extending the “down time” of a storage area network.

It would be desirable to facilitate the mounting and unmounting of a storage device with an enclosure without time-consuming tools, to facilitate the ease of manufacturing different carrier designs, and to facilitate capturing various storage device geometries defined by a standard with one carrier design.

The present disclosure provides a carrier that may be used to capture a storage device without additional tools, may be used to securely mount storage device in an enclosure, and may be compatible with multiple storage device geometries defined by a standard. Various components of the carrier may be integrally formed to facilitate the ease of manufacturing. The carrier has a rail, a cap member, and a handle with a cam portion. The rail can include a post that mates with a recess in the storage device. The cap member can hinge to one of the rails and be rotated into a closed position to securely capture the storage device without additional tools. The captured storage device may be guided into the enclosure by a user grabbing the handle. The handle may hinge to one of the rails and be rotated into a locked position to securely mount the captured storage device in the enclosure and optionally connect the carrier to a circuit board of the enclosure. Various features of the rail may be used to help align the captured storage device with the enclosure during mounting. Various features may also relieve pressure on a circuit board in the enclosure when the captured storage device carrier is mounted.

The following terms used throughout the present disclosure are defined as follows, unless the context of the disclosure dictates otherwise:

As used herein, “capture” means to attach to a device for purposes of mechanical mounting to another structure. For example, a storage device may be captured by attaching a carrier to it. The carrier may be used to mount the storage device to an enclosure.

As used herein, “mount” means to attach to a structure for operational use. For example, a storage device may be mounted to an enclosure by attaching the storage device to a receiving frame of the enclosure and optionally connecting the storage device to a circuit board of the enclosure such that the storage device is installed in the enclosure.

As used herein, “secure” means to restrict the movement of a component relative to another component suitably for a particular application. For example, a carrier may secure the storage device by disposing the storage device between two rails, a cross member, and a cap member of the carrier to restrict movement of the storage device relative to the carrier for purposes of mechanical mounting to an enclosure.

As used herein, “engage” means to interface, touch, or directly contact to accomplish a particular task. For example, a cam portion may engage a receiving frame of an enclosure by directly contacting a surface of the receiving frame to slide along the surface or to apply a force to the surface.

As used herein, “hinge” means to pivotally or rotatably connect to a structure about a joint structure. For example, two components may be hinged by a slot and pin or a web of material that allows the structures to pivot or rotate relative to one another about the joint structure. In some cases, the components may pivot or rotate about a point, an axis, a restricted area (e.g., pin restricted by an elongate slot), or a restricted volume (e.g., ball in a joint space).

As used herein, “pivotally connected” and “rotatably connected” are used synonymously with “hinged.”

The terms “coupled” or “connected” refer to elements being attached to each other either directly (in direct contact with each other) or indirectly (having one or more elements between and attaching the two elements).

Terms related to orientation, such as “top”, “bottom”, “side”, and “end”, are used to describe relative positions of components and are not meant to limit the orientation of the embodiments contemplated. For example, an embodiment described as having a “top” and “bottom” also encompasses embodiments thereof rotated in various directions unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Reference will now be made to the drawings, which depict one or more aspects described in this disclosure. However, it will be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components, steps and the like. However, it will be understood that the use of a reference character to refer to an element in a given figure is not intended to limit the element in another figure labeled with the same reference character. In addition, the use of different reference characters to refer to elements in different figures is not intended to indicate that the differently referenced elements cannot be the same or similar.

FIG. 1shows an enclosure system10according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the enclosure system10includes a storage device12captured in a carrier14in the process of mounting or unmounting to an enclosure16having a receiving frame18and a circuit board20. Although not shown, the enclosure16may include a shroud to cover the receiving frame18and any mounted storage devices12.

The storage device12may take any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the storage device12has a generally rectangular prism or box-like shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the storage device is the longest dimension (or third shortest), the width is the second longest dimension (or second shortest), and the height is the third longest dimension (or shortest).

The enclosure16may be configured to receive one or more storage devices12. In some embodiments, the enclosure16defines one or more arrays of storage devices12(e.g., multiple rows). As illustrated, only one storage device12is shown for illustrative purposes. In some embodiments, the enclosure16includes more than one slot defined by the receiving frame18and connections on the circuit board20. Each slot may be configured to receive a storage device12.

The storage devices12may be arranged in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the storage devices12are in a “tombstone” arrangement, in which the storage devices are inserted length-wise into the receiving frame18. The storage devices12may be stacked height-wise into rows. Each row of storage devices12may be as wide as the storage devices therein. The rows of storage devices12may be stacked.

Each storage device12may be mounted adjacent to one or more sidewalls70of the receiving frame18. The sidewall70may be engaged by the carrier14to secure the captured storage device12to the enclosure16. One or more sidewalls70may also separate the rows of storage devices12within the enclosure16.

The carrier14is configured to capture the storage device12. When securely captured, the storage device12may be at least partially disposed within the carrier14. In some embodiments, the carrier14engages two sides of the storage device12. In one or more embodiments, the carrier14engages more than two sides of the storage device12. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier14engages four sides of the storage device12. For example, the carrier14can engage a perimeter of the storage device12.

The carrier14may not engage all sides of the storage device12. In some embodiments, the carrier14does not engage one side of the storage device12. In one or more embodiments, the carrier14does not engage two sides of the storage device12. The “free” sides of the storage device12may not be defined by a standard (e.g., SFF), which may allow the carrier14to be compatible for capturing multiple types of storage devices defined by the standard (e.g., multiple storage device heights).

Once captured, a user may insert, lower, or at least partially dispose the captured storage device12within the receiving frame18until the storage device is mounted to the enclosure16. In one or more embodiments, the carrier14is configured to allow the user to control the mounting process by handling the carrier instead of directly handling the storage device12.

After being lowered, a user may secure the storage device12to the receiving frame18to complete the mounting process. In one or more embodiments, the carrier14is configured to allow the user to lock the storage device12to the receiving frame18by manipulating the carrier instead of the storage device12.

Securing the storage device12to the receiving frame18may also to establish a connection to the circuit board20. In one or more embodiments, the storage device12is operably connected to the circuit board20when mounted, for example, to transfer data or power. Such a connection may be electrical, optical, electromagnetic, or any other suitable type of connection.

The storage device12can be unmounted from the enclosure16. In one or more embodiments, a user may manipulate the carrier14to release the carrier from the receiving frame18. Releasing may also disconnect the storage device12from the circuit board20. Once released, the user may remove, raise, or at least partially remove the storage device12from the receiving frame18until the storage device is unmounted.

Referring now toFIGS. 2-8, the carrier14is shown in further detail. The carrier14can be manipulated, or moved, into various positions that can facilitate capturing and mounting processes of the storage device12.

The carrier14can include a first rail22, a second rail24, a cross member26connecting the first and second rails, a cap member28connected to the first rail, and a handle30connected to the first rail. The carrier14can move between a closed position (seeFIG. 2) that can capture the storage device12and an open position (seeFIGS. 3-4) that can receive or release the storage device12. Also, the carrier14can move between a locked position (seeFIGS. 5, 7) that can secure the carrier to the receiving frame18and an unlocked position (seeFIGS. 2, 6) that allows the carrier14to slide into or out of the receiving frame18.

The first rail22and the second rail24are configured to secure the storage device12. The second rail24may be spaced apart from the first rail22. The storage device12may be captured between the first and second rails22,24.

In some embodiments, the rails22,24and the cross member form a “U”-shaped component. The cap member28can connect the ends of the “U”-shape to form an O-shape, or perimeter, around the storage device12being captured.

The first and second rails22,24can take any suitable shape. In one or more embodiments, the rails22,24may be elongate in shape and may extend in a mounting direction. For example, the first and second rails22,24may extend between a front end90and a back end92of the carrier14.

The rails22,24may be formed of any suitable material for supporting the storage device12within the carrier14. In some embodiments, the rail22,24are flexible. However, in some embodiments, the rails22,24are substantially rigid. In one or more embodiments, the rails22,24are formed of a plastic, such as an injection molded plastic. In one or more embodiments the rails22,24are formed of a metal, such as aluminum or steel.

During the mounting process, the rails22,24may help to guide the storage device12. When mounted, the rails22,24may also help to secure the carrier14. In some embodiments, the rails22,24include one or more recesses48(seeFIG. 4), which may be engaged to restrict movement of the carrier14after being mounted. In one or more embodiments, the recesses48are apertures that extend through the rails22,24. In the illustrated embodiment, each rail22,24includes two recesses48.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cross member26connects the first rail22and the second rail24adjacent to the back end92of the carrier14. In some embodiments, the cross member26is non-hingedly (e.g., non-pivotally) connected to the rails22,24. In one or more embodiments, the cross member26extends orthogonal to the rails22,24, which may also be orthogonal to the mounting direction when the carrier14(seeFIG. 2).

Any suitable material may be used to form the cross member26, which can support the connection between the rails22,24. In some embodiments, the cross member26is formed of the same material as the rails22,24. In one or more embodiments, the cross member26is integrally formed with rails22,24.

The cross member26can take any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the cross member26may be elongate in shape and extend linearly from the first rail22to the second rail24. In one or more embodiments, the cross member26defines a narrow portion44(seeFIG. 4) that provides a space for a connector of the captured storage device12to make a connection (e.g., with a connector of the circuit board20shown inFIG. 1). The space may be wide enough to accommodate various locations and sizes of connections within the standard.

The cross member26can be more flexible (e.g., less rigid) than the rails22,24. In some embodiments, the narrow portion44is a portion of material extending at least partially between the rails22,24that is narrower in height than the rails. The cross member26may also include one or more portions that are the same height as the rails22,24.

When the carrier14is open (seeFIGS. 3-4), the first and second rails22,24can be urged, or deflected, away from one another in the capturing process of the storage device12. The first and second rails22,24may remain connected by the cross member26, which can flex into a non-linear shape to allow an increased distance between the rails. In some embodiments, the front end90of the rails22,24can be urged farther apart than the back end92of the rails.

The rails22,24may be urged apart a sufficient distance to provide sufficient clearance to allow the storage device12to be received between the rails and to be disposed adjacent to the cross member26. For example, the rails22,24may be urged apart sufficiently for one or more posts46to clear opposing sides of the storage device12during the capturing process.

Posts46can be disposed on the first and second rails22,24and may be used for mating with corresponding recesses in the storage device12. The posts46may extend in an inward direction from the rails22,24of the carrier14. In some embodiments, both rails22,24include at least one post46. In the illustrated embodiment, each rail22,24, includes two posts46. The storage device12may include one or more corresponding recesses. The rails22,24may have the same or less number of posts46than the corresponding recesses in the storage device12.

The cap member28can connect the first rail22and the second rail24adjacent to the front end90of the carrier14. In some embodiments, the cap member28is hinged (e.g., pivotally connected) to the first rail22at the front end90. In some embodiments, the cap member28is releasably connected to the second rail24adjacent to the front end90. In one or more embodiments, the cap member28extends orthogonal to the rails22,24, which may also be orthogonal to the mounting direction, when the carrier14is closed (seeFIG. 2). The cap member28can extend at a range of angles from the first rail22when the carrier14is open (seeFIGS. 3-4).

Any suitable connection can be used to hinge the cap member28and the first rail22. In some embodiments, a pin60is used for hinging the cap member28and the first rail22about an axis.

The storage device12can be secured between the cross member26and the cap member28of the carrier14when closed. In some embodiments, the distance between the cross and cap members26,28may be about equal to the length of the storage device12.

The cap member28can take any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the cap member28is elongate in shape and extends from the first rail22to the second rail24when closed. In some embodiments, the cap member28defines a recess40(seeFIG. 2) that provides a space for receiving the handle30. For example, the handle30may be at least partially disposed within, or nested, the recess40of the cap member28when in the locked position (seeFIG. 4). The nesting may reduce the overall height of the captured storage device12. In one or more embodiments, the recess40at least partially forms an aperture through the cap member28.

In some embodiments, the cap member28may be rotated until the cap member28is connected to the second rail24to secure the storage device12between the first and second rails22,24. The cap member28may engage a side of the storage device12when the carrier14is closed.

Any suitable connection42can be used to releasably connect the cap member28to the second rail24that can maintain the carrier14in the closed position while capturing the storage device14. In some embodiments, the connection42is a snap-fit connection, or clip, attaching the cap member28to the second rail24. The connection42may be disposed adjacent to the front end90of the second rail24.

As illustrated, the connection42is a snap-fit connection and can include a portion on the second rail24and a portion on the cap member28. In some embodiments, the connection42includes an elongate prong extending from the second rail24that can extend through an aperture in the cap member28. In some embodiments, a protrusion extends orthogonally from the elongate prong that can retain the cap member28relative to the second rail24. In one or more embodiments, the connection42includes two elongate prongs and two protrusions extending in opposite directions and orthogonally from one of the elongate prongs.

As illustrated, the orientation of the protrusions may eliminate slop between the cap member28and the second rail24when connected and may also allow a pinching motion to release the connection42. In one or more embodiments, the connection42is retained under compression and/or tension to keep the cap member28closed.

By closing the cap member28and securing the cap member28with the connection42to the second rail24, the storage device12can be captured in one movement. For example, rotating the cap member28to the closed position may capture the storage device12positioned between the rails22,24. The storage device12is restricted in movement laterally by the rails22,24, front-to-back by the cross and cap members26,28, and up-and-down by the posts46.

The handle30can be hinged to the first rail22adjacent to the front end90of the carrier14. In some embodiments, the handle30is also hinged to the cap member28. In one or more embodiments, the handle30is hinged to the cap member28at a cam portion32of the handle. In some embodiments, the handle30is also releasably connected to the cap member28. In one or more embodiments, the handle30is releasably connected to the cap member28at a latch portion34of the handle. The latch portion34may be disposed on an opposite end of the handle30than the cam portion32.

Any suitable connection can be used to hinge the handle the handle30to the first rail22or the cap member28. In some embodiments, the pin60is used for hinging the handle30and the first rail22about an axis. In or more embodiments, the same pin60is used for hinging the handle30, the first rail22, and the cap member28about the same axis.

The handle30can take any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the handle30may have an elongate shape that, in the locked position, extends from the cam portion32, which extends beyond the first rail22, and the latch portion34, which extends short of the second rail24and the end of the cap member28. In some embodiments, the handle30may be narrower in height than the cap member28so that the handle30may be at least partially received within the recess40of the cap member28in the locked position (e.g., between elongate rails of the cap member28). In one or more embodiments, the handle30does not engage any side of the storage device12in the locked position or the unlocked position.

The latch portion34can secure the handle30to the cap member28in the locked position (seeFIG. 5). In some embodiments, the latch portion34includes a protrusion54that can mate with a recess56formed in the cap member28to releasably connect the latch portion34to the cap member28. A force may be applied to the protrusion54by a spring member58, or other resiliently deformable element, that biases the protrusion54into the recess56in the absence of user intervention. A user may release the latch portion34by counteracting the force of the spring member58to remove the protrusion54from the recess56. When the latch portion34is released, the handle30is unlocked and can rotate about the hinge to the cap member28(seeFIG. 2).

The handle30can be hinged to the first rail22at the cam portion32of the handle (seeFIG. 5). The cam portion32may also be hinged to the cap member28by the pin60.

The cam portion32can include one or more cams50,52. In some embodiments, the cam portion32includes a first cam50and a second cam52that form a jaw structure that can engage a locking member72defined by the receiving sidewall70of the receiving frame18. The cams50,52may oppose one another across a space to form the jaw structure. Both cams50,52may rotate together around the pin60.

In some embodiments, the first cam50can engage a back surface74of the locking member72when the carrier14is mounted (seeFIG. 7). In some embodiments, the second cam52can engage a front surface76of the locking member72when the handle30is unlocked to unmount the carrier14or to guide the engagement of the carrier14during the mounting process (seeFIG. 6).

The handle30can extend orthogonal to the rails22,24, which may also be orthogonal to the mounting direction, when the carrier14is locked (seeFIGS. 5, 7). When the carrier is unlocked, the handle30can extend at a range of angles from the first rail22(seeFIGS. 2, 6).

In some embodiments, the handle30extends at a non-orthogonal angle to the rails22,24when the carrier14is unlocked (seeFIGS. 2, 6). In one or more embodiments, the handle30also extends at a non-parallel angle to the rails22,24when the carrier14is open.

The rotation of the unlocked handle30can be limited by a stop80(seeFIG. 8). In some embodiments, the stop80is a protrusion extending laterally from the second cam52of the cam portion32. In some embodiments, the handle30includes two stops80extending in opposite directions from the cam portion32to evenly balance the forces on the cam portion. In one or more embodiments, the stop80can engage the cap member28(e.g., a tab of the cap member28) in the closed position when the handle30is rotated to a fully unlocked position (seeFIGS. 2, 7).

The stop80may position the first cam50in a fully unlocked position that is flush with or retreated within an exterior surface of the first rail22(seeFIG. 6) that allows the cam first cam50to clear the front surface76of the locking member72(or the sidewall70) during the mounting process. In the fully unlocked position, the second cam52may also be positioned to catch the front surface76of the locking member72after the first cam50slides past the locking member72.

The cam portion32can be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the cam portion32is formed of a resiliently deformable material that can flex. For example, the first cam50may be slightly deformed when the handle30is locked (seeFIG. 7).

During the mounting process, once the position inFIG. 6is achieved, the handle30may be rotated. In particular, a user may rotate the latch portion34toward the cap member28. The fulcrum of the pin60may cause the second cam52to slide along the front surface76of the locking member72as the captured storage device12is lowered into the receiving frame18along the sidewall70.

As the handle30rotates further, the first cam50may begin to engage the back surface74of the locking member72. The second cam52may also disengage with the front surface76as the handle30rotates.

As rotation of the handle30continues, the first cam50may slide along the back surface74until the handle30reaches a locked position (seeFIG. 7). The first cam50may the first cam50may be deformed, or loaded (e.g., compressed and/or tensioned), in the locked position, which can provide some resistance as the handle30approaches the locked position. Force from the deformed first cam50may urge the captured storage device12downward to further secure the captured device when mounted.

When the latch portion34is unlocked, force from the deformed first cam50may also lift the latch portion34away from the cap member28. For example, the latch portion34may be lifted enough for the protrusion54to clear the recess56, which may help a user to grab the handle30to extract the captured storage device12from the receiving frame18.

The carrier14can include even more features to facilitate the mounting process. For example, during the mounting process, the captured storage device12can be connected to the circuit board20(seeFIG. 1) by applying a force upon the storage device via the carrier14to engage a connection of the storage device with a connection of the circuit board.

Instead of applying the full extent of the force to the circuit board20(which may cause damage to the circuit board), the travel of the carrier14may be limited, which may at least partially relieve pressure on the circuit board when the captured storage device12is mounted. In some embodiments, the carrier14can include one or more shoulders62that can engage the sidewall70of the receiving frame18as the carrier14moves in the mounting direction. In one or more embodiments, one or more rails22,24of carrier14includes the one or more shoulders62.

Referring now also toFIG. 9, the sidewall70of the receiving frame18can include one or more shoulders84that can engage the one or more shoulders62of the carrier14. In some embodiments, the second cam52of the carrier14engages the front surface76of the locking member72and sidewall70before the shoulders62,84engage during the mounting process. In one or more embodiments, when the second cam52engages the front surface76, the shoulders62,84are spaced about 5 mm apart. For example, if the connectors on the storage device12and the circuit board20are about 2 mm long, then the connectors are stopped about 1 mm apart at their ends and about 5 mm from full engagement. As the handle30is rotated, the shoulders62,84can restrict the downward travel of the captured storage device12and provide resistance to deform the first cam50.

The sidewall70of the receiving frame18may also include one or more spring members98that can help to laterally align the carrier14when mounting. The spring members98may apply a force in a first direction that is orthogonal to the mounting direction. In some embodiments, the first direction is side-to-side relative to the storage device12.

The spring members98may include one or more protrusions82extending from the spring members that can mate with corresponding recesses48in the rails22,24of the carrier14(seeFIG. 4). The protrusions82can help to securely mount the storage device12, for example, by helping to prevent the storage device from sliding in and out of the receiving frame18when the handle30is locked.

Referring now toFIG. 10, an alternative sidewall170and an alternative first rail122may also be used with other aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the sidewall170defines apertures surrounded by ridges that form the shoulders84, which can also engage the shoulders62of the rail122(or rails22,24shown inFIGS. 2-8). For example, the sidewall170may be formed of a metal, and the ridges may be formed by stamping the metal to leave an aperture and the ridge forming the shoulder84of the sidewall170.

In some embodiments, the rail122includes a spring member86that can help to laterally align the rail122relative to the sidewall170in a second direction orthogonal to the mounting direction. The second direction may also be orthogonal to the first direction of alignment of the spring members98(seeFIG. 9) The spring members86may engage the same ridges that surround the apertures, which also form the shoulders84in sidewall170. In some embodiments, the spring members86are integrally formed with the rail of the carrier.

Having described the various components of an enclosure system10,FIG. 11shows an example method200of using the enclosure system10. Steps202,204,206relate to capturing the storage device. For example, in step202, a storage device can be disposed in a carrier, for example, between two rails of the carrier. In step204, posts on the rails of the carrier can be mated with recesses in the storage device defined by a standard, such as the SFF standard. In step206, a cap member that is attached to one of the rails can be moved (e.g., rotated) and until the connected to the other rail, which secures the storage device between the rails.

Steps208,210relate to mounting the storage device. For example, in step208, the carrier having the storage device captured therein is inserted into an enclosure. A handle of the carrier may be in an unlocked position during insertion. In step210, the handle is rotated to seat the storage device in the enclosure and connect the storage device to a circuit board in the enclosure.

Steps212,214relate to unmounting the storage device. For example, in step212, the handle is released from the cap member, at least at one end, by releasing a latch portion to unlock the handle. In step214, the unlocked handle is rotated toward an unlocked position, which disconnects the storage device from the circuit board. The captured storage device may then be removed from the enclosure, and the carrier may be removed from the carrier.

Various aspects of the enclosure system10may be used with other embodiments of carriers, such as a carrier314shown inFIGS. 12-14. The carrier314may be similar to the carrier14in many aspects except as described herein. The specific features of the carrier314are not limiting, and embodiments that include or exclude one or more aspects of the enclosure system10are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, similar to the carrier14, the carrier314may include a first rail322and a second rail324extending between a front end390and a back end392of the carrier314. The carrier314may define a first side394and a second side396opposite to the first side, which correspond to the first rail322and second rail324, respectively. The carrier314may include a cap member328connected to the first rail322and releasably connected to the second rail324adjacent to the front end390. The carrier may include a handle330with a cam portion332and a latch portion334. The handle330may be rotatably connected to the cap member328by the pin60. The cam portion332may be rotatably connected to the cap member328adjacent to the first side394. The latch portion334may be releasably connected to the second rail324adjacent to the front end390.

In some embodiments, different than carrier14, the cap member328is non-rotatably connected to the first rail322. The cap member328may extend orthogonally from the first rail322to define a first frame portion400. The first frame portion400may be described as an “L” shape. In some embodiments, the carrier314includes a cross member326rotatably connected to the first rail322. The cross member326may be non-rotatably connected to the second rail324adjacent to the back end392to define a second frame portion402. The second frame portion402may be described as an “L” shape.

In some embodiments, the cross member326is flexible. For example, the cross member326may flex when securing a storage device (e.g., storage device12) in the carrier314. The cross member326may not need to flex as much as cross member26in the process of securing the storage device, for example, when the cross member326is rotatably connected to the first rail322. The cross member326may rotate relative to the first rail322to allow the storage device to be secured.

The first frame portion400and the second frame portion402may cooperate to capture a storage device (e.g., storage device12). In some embodiments, the first frame portion400and the second frame portion402are rotatably connected adjacent to the first side394and the back end392. In some embodiments, the first frame portion400and the second frame portion402are rotatably connected by a pin401.

In some embodiments, the cam portion332may include an elongate slot404for pin60to extend therethrough. The elongate slot404may allow the cam portion328to move in the mounting direction, for example, to relieve some of the stress on the handle330when the carrier314is mounted.

The cap member328may include a retention spring member406. In some embodiments, the retention spring member406is disposed on the cap member328and be directed toward the handle330. The retention spring member406may engage the handle330when the latch portion334is connected to the cap member328(e.g., when the handle330is locked). When the handle330is locked, the retention spring member406may compress. As perhaps best shown inFIG. 13, the retention spring member406may compress to about half the height of an uncompressed state when the handle330is locked.

The force of the retention spring member406may facilitate a secure mounting of the carrier314. In some embodiments, the cam portion328may be restricted in movement when mounted due to the force of the retention spring member406, the guidance of the elongate slot404, and the corresponding receiving frame (e.g., frame18) when mounted. Non-limiting examples of a retention spring member406include a leaf spring or a torsion spring. In some embodiments, the torsion spring may be disposed adjacent to or at the pivotal connection between the handle330and the cap member328.

The carrier314may have a connection342instead of connection42. Connection342may be a snap-fit connection. The connection342may include a portion408extending orthogonally from the second rail324having a first tab and an aperture. The connection342may include a complementary portion410at an end portion of the cap member328having a second tab with a protrusion. In some embodiments, to secure the storage device, the first tab can be pulled over the second tab and the aperture can slide over the protrusion. The portion410may further include one or more spring members412configured to engage the portion408of the second rail324providing a force to engage the cap member328with a surface of the storage device.

Thus, embodiments of the STORAGE DEVICE CARRIER AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS are disclosed. Although reference is made to the accompanying set of drawings that form a part hereof and in which are shown by way of illustration several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from (e.g., still falling within) the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety into this disclosure, except to the extent they may directly contradict this disclosure.

The term “and/or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements (e.g., casting and/or treating an alloy means casting, treating, or both casting and treating the alloy).

The phrases “at least one of,” “comprises at least one of,” and “one or more of” followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.