Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates in general to information handling systems, and more particularly to a suspended hard disk drive system for portable computers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. 
         [0003]    In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and/or software components that may be configured to process, store, and/or communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and/or networking systems. In order to process, store and manage the information, a hard disk drive may be included in the information handling system. As information handling systems become more compact and complex, various issues have occurred. 
         [0004]    During normal use of certain types of information handling systems (e.g., a laptop computer), the system may be subjected to shocks such as movement, dropping, and proximity to noise. These environmental conditions may contribute to early failure or corruption of the hard disk drive (HDD). 
         [0005]    In addition, many information handling systems may be capable of running multi-media applications for music, movies, video conferencing and more. As the audio requirements of the system have increased, the hard disk drive (HDD) may be subjected to speaker-emitted vibration that affects HDD performance and can increase degradation that may lead to early failure of the HDD. 
         [0006]    Furthermore, as speeds at which the hard drive operates increases, the vibrations may be uncomfortable to the user of the information handling system. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, a need has arisen for suspended hard disk drive systems in information handling systems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, disadvantages and problems associated with hard disk drive systems may be substantially reduced or eliminated. 
         [0009]    An information handling system is disclosed. The information handling system may include a chassis and a storage resource assembly. The storage resource assembly may include a bezel coupled to the chassis by a first connector, the bezel configured to couple to a storage resource by a second connector and a shock isolation cap configured to couple to the storage resource, the shock isolation cap comprising a proximal end proximate to the bezel and a distal end opposite the proximal end. 
         [0010]    Other technical advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following specification, claims, and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of an example information handling system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example diagram of the components of a storage resource assembly of information handling system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example diagram of an assembled storage resource assembly  108  in information handling system  102 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts. 
         [0016]    For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a network storage resource, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components. 
         [0017]    For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may include any instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retain data and/or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequential access storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM, DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or flash memory; as well as communications media such wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic and/or optical carriers; and/or any combination of the foregoing. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of an example information handling systems  102 . Information handling system  102  may generally be operable to receive data from, and/or transmit data to, other information handling systems  102 . In one embodiment, information handling system  102  may be a personal computer adapted for home use. In the same or alternative embodiments, information handling system  102  may be a personal computer adapted for business use. In the same or alternative embodiments, information handling system  102  may be a storage array configured to include multiple storage resources (e.g., hard drives) in order to manage large amounts of data. As shown in  FIG. 1 , information handling system  102  may include a processor  103 , a memory  104  communicatively coupled to processor  103 , a user interface  106 , and a Storage resource assembly  108 . 
         [0019]    Processor  103  may comprise any system, device, or apparatus operable to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data, and may include, without limitation, a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data. In some embodiments, processor  103  may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored in memory  104 , Storage resource assembly  108 , and/or another component of information handling system  102 . 
         [0020]    Memory  104  may be communicatively coupled to processor  103  and may comprise any system, device, or apparatus operable to retain program instructions or data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media). Memory  104  may comprise random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a PCMCIA card, flash memory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage, or any suitable selection and/or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retains data after power to information handling system  102  is turned off. 
         [0021]    User interface  106  may be communicatively coupled to processor  103  and may include any instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities by which a user may interact with information handling system  102 . For example, user interface  106  may permit a user to input data and/or instructions into information handling system  102  (e.g., via a keyboard, pointing device, and/or other suitable means), and/or otherwise manipulate information handling system  102  and its associated components. User interface  106  may also permit information handling system  102  to communicate data to a user, e.g., by means of a display device. 
         [0022]    Storage resource assembly  108  may include one or more storage resources  204  communicatively coupled to processor  103  and/or memory  104  and may include any system, device, or apparatus operable to retain program instructions or data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media) and that retains data after power to information handling system  102  is turned off. Storage resource  204  may include one or more hard disk drives, magnetic tape libraries, optical disk drives, magneto-optical disk drives, compact disk drives, compact disk arrays, disk array controllers, and/or any computer-readable medium operable to store data. 
         [0023]    Multimedia module  120  may include a multimedia processor  122  coupled to speakers  124 . Multimedia module  120  may be operable to configure information handling system  102  to play videos, games, and/or other similar applications. Speakers  122  coupled to multimedia processor  122  may be configured to play the audio of the videos and/or music. Multimedia processor  122  may comprise any system, device, or apparatus operable to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data, and may include, without limitation, a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data. In some embodiments, multimedia processor  122  may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored in memory  104 , storage resource  108 , and/or another component of information handling system  102 . 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, information handling system  102  may be subject to multiple types and sources of shock and/or vibration. These sources may include speakers  124 , Storage resource assembly  108 , processor  103 , multimedia processor  122 , and/or other components of information handling system  102 . These sources may give rise to speaker emitted vibration, operational vibration, palmrest vibration and/or other types of shock and/or vibration that may negatively impact the life and/or performance of components such as Storage resource assembly  108 . This shock and/or vibration may also negatively impact the user of information handling system  102 . For example, operational vibration and speaker-emitted vibration may lead to an increase in field failure rates of storage resource  204  and/or other components of information handling system  102 . 
         [0025]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , storage resource assembly  108  may also include one or more shock insulation cap(s)  202  and bezel  206 , as described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 . 
         [0026]    Although  FIG. 1  depicts information handling systems  102  with certain features or devices, any suitable number and/or type of devices may be included in information handling system  102 . In addition, although, storage resource assembly  108  is depicted in a certain location, information handling system  102 , may be configured in any suitable manner. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example diagram of the components of a storage resource assembly  108  of information handling system  102 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , information handling system  102  may include storage resource assembly  108 . In some embodiments storage resource assembly  108  may include storage resource  204 , bezel  206 , and/or one or more shock isolation caps  202 . Storage resource assembly  108  may be configured to fit into a cavity of information handling system  102  such that storage resource  204  is not visible to the user. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, storage resource  204  may be a non-volatile, high capacity computer-readable media operable to store digital data. As an illustrative example, storage resource  204  may be a 320 GB, 500 GB or 640 GB hard disk drive. In some embodiments, storage resource  204  may comprise a 7 mm- or 9.5 mm-high case that fits within the profile of information handling system  102 . In other embodiments, storage resource  204  may be larger or smaller, and/or may have lesser or greater capacity than the illustrative example provided. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the mechanical operation of storage resource  204  may create vibration that may be felt through the chassis of information handling system  102 . This vibration may be referred to as “palmrest vibration”. It may be necessary or desirable to reduce or eliminate such vibration to improve the performance of information handling system  102 . Further, the mechanical operation of storage resource  204  may create vibration that may adversely affect continued operation of storage resource  204 . This vibration may lead to increased field failure rates of storage resource  204 . Still further, certain types of operational vibration and/or shock (e.g., from external environmental factors such as dropping information handling system  102 , or vibration from external factors such as airplane or train vibration) to some or all of information handling system  102  while storage resource  204  is in operation may lead to increased field failure rates of storage resource  204 . 
         [0030]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, bezel  206  may be configured such that it may be flush with an outer plane of the chassis of information handling system  102  when storage resource assembly  108  is inserted into information handling system  102 . 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, one or more fasteners  208  may be configured to couple bezel  206  to storage resource  204 . Additionally, one or more fasteners  230  may be configured to couple bezel  206  to the chassis of information handling system  102 . In some configuration, bezel  206  may therefore be configured to pivot relative to storage resource  204  while coupled to information handling system  102 . The coupling of bezel  206  to information handling system  102  may allow bezel  206  to absorb certain types of shock and/or vibration without passing that shock and/or vibration to storage resource  204  or the rest of information handling system  102 . In some embodiments, bezel  206  may also be configured to maintain the position of shock absorption caps  202 , as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, fasteners  208 ,  230  may be configured as a screw. In alternate embodiments, fasteners  208 .  230  may be configured as a peg, bolt, and/or any suitable fastener configured to couple bezel  206  to storage resource  204  or information handling system  102 . 
         [0032]    As described in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 1 , when storage resource assembly  108  is coupled to information handling system  102 , storage resource assembly  108  may be subjected to vibration through normal use of information handling system  102  (“operational vibration”) or through the use of multi-media applications and components such as speakers  124  (“speaker-emitted vibration”). This vibration or shock may harm the life and/or operation of storage resource  204  and/or other components of information handling system  102 . In some embodiments, the addition of one or more shock isolation caps  202  may reduce the shock absorbed by information handling system  102  and/or storage resource  204 . Shock isolation caps  202  may comprise any material suitable to absorb shock and/or minimize passing the shock and/or vibration to other components of information handling system  102 . As an illustrative example, shock isolation caps  202  may comprise Exxon Bromobutyl 2244. In some configurations, the material may be selected to conform to certain requirements (e.g., hardness and flammability) to meet specifications required by information handling system  102  such as the size and shape of the cavity required by Storage resource assembly  108 . 
         [0033]    In some embodiments shock isolation caps  202  may have dimensions such that shock isolation caps  202  maintain their place on storage resource  204  through an interference fit. An interference fit may maintain coupling of two components via friction or compression rather than a third component such as a screw. 
         [0034]    In the same or alternative embodiments, shock isolation caps  202  may be configured such that they may be utilized on legacy storage resource assemblies without affecting insertion into legacy information handling systems. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, shock absorption cap  202  may include loop  222 . Loop  222  may be formed to fit around one end of storage resource  204  proximal to bezel  206 . In some configurations loop  222  may be formed to couple to storage resource  204   210  without interfering with the pivot point of bezel  206  around fastener  208 . In such a configuration, bezel  206  may be configured to maintain the position of shock isolation caps  202  relative to storage resource  204 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the fit may be such that the height of shock isolation caps  202  matches the height of storage resource  204 . In addition, the fit may be an interference fit. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, shock absorption cap  202  may include end cap  224  at an end opposite bezel  206 . In some embodiments, end cap  224  may be formed to fit around storage resource  204  without interfering with insertion of storage resource assembly  108  into information handling system  102 . In the same or alternative embodiments, end cap  224  of shock isolation caps  202  may be formed as a lead-in chamfer to facilitate blind insertion into information handling system  102 . 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, shock isolation caps  202  may also include one or more ribs  216  on the side of shock isolation cap between shock isolation cap  202  and information handling system  102 . Ribs  216  may be raised portions of shock isolation caps  202  and may be made of the same or different material as shock isolation caps  202 . Ribs  216  may offer less friction during assembly and/or disassembly of storage resource assembly  108  in information handling system  102 . In addition, ribs  216  may provide a more balanced shock dissipation profile for storage resource assembly  200 . 
         [0039]    Although  FIG. 2  discloses a particular number of components with respect to hard disk drive Storage resource assembly  108 , it may be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that storage resource assembly  108  may have greater or fewer components than those depicted in  FIG. 2 . In addition, although  FIG. 2  discloses a certain type of storage resource  204  in storage resource assembly  108 , the types (e.g., capacity, case height) of storage resource  204  in storage resource assembly  108  may be of any suitable type. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example diagram of an assembled storage resource assembly  108  in information handling system  102 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, bezel  206  may be mounted to storage resource  204  by one or more fasteners  208 . Fastener  208 , when inserted, may allow storage resource  204  to pivot around the axis from at fastener  208 . When inserted in an information handling system bezel  206  may be flush with the case and cause the remaining components of storage resource assembly  308  to not be visible to the user. In addition, the flexibility of bezel  206  may allow shock isolation caps  202  to absorb shock from storage resource  204 . 
         [0042]    Shock isolation caps  202  may fit around storage resource  204 . Shock isolation caps  202  may absorb the sources of vibration (e.g., speakers, HDD operation and general use shock) by isolating the frame from the information handling system. In addition, shock isolation caps  202  may be formed around legacy HDD assemblies without interfering with the insertion of Storage resource assembly  108  into an information handling system. 
         [0043]    Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Category: g