Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-13
2001-11-13
Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2841)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S741000, C361S801000, C361S802000, C439S062000, C439S064000, C312S223300, C312S233000, C312S332100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06317329
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to data storage equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a data storage module alignment system and method that uses alignment guides that mount within a module enclosure and cooperate with guide rails provided on the data storage modules.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Data storage equipment components typically comprise a plurality of data storage modules that slidably dock within a module enclosure formed at the front end of the component. Normally, the data storage modules include disk drives that each include a plurality of internal disks or platters that spin at high speeds within the drive during drive operation.
Typically, the module enclosures include a sheet metal inner chassis that comprises a plurality of unitarily formed inner guide tracks that help guide the data storage module into position in one of several bay slots. In that these guide tracks are positioned relatively deep within the module enclosure, the guide tracks do not aid the user in aligning the data storage module during the initial part of insertion of the module. Because of this fact, the user must normally look within the enclosure to determine exactly where the module fits within the enclosure.
Unless the user exercises a great deal of care when inserting the data storage module, the modules are often bumped against the metal guide tracks until the module is properly aligned within the enclosure. The force imparted by this bumping can shock the module, causing damage to the sensitive data storage device mounted therein. This problem is exacerbated when the user mistakenly attempts to insert the data storage module upside down within the enclosure. Upside down insertion of the modules can easily occur in conventional systems since such systems have no keying features that prevent such insertion. When inserted upside down, the module can become jammed within the enclosure risking severe damage to the data storage device. Even when the module does not become jammed, upside down insertion can damage the multiple pin connectors normally used to electrically connect the data storage device to the equipment component.
From the above, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a data storage module alignment system which avoids the problems identified above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly described, the present invention relates to a data storage module alignment system for use in a data storage module and enclosure system including a module enclosure having a plurality of bay slots and at least one data storage module. The data storage module alignment system comprises at least one alignment guide adapted to be mounted, at the module enclosure entrance and at least one guide rail adapted to be mounted to the data storage module. The alignment guide includes a plurality of guide channels formed in the top side of the guide, each guide channel having a channel base. The guide rail is sized and configured for receipt within the guide channels of the alignment guide and includes at least a first tapered end.
Typically, the alignment guide includes a plurality of guide flanges that are arranged asymmetrically along the top side of the alignment guide. The inner side of each guide flange defines an edge of one of the guide channels and includes chamfers which facilitate initial alignment of the data storage module within one of the bay slots of the module enclosure. The bases of the channels normally are substantially planar and include rounded edges which facilitate initial insertion of the data storage module within the module enclosure bay slot. When the data storage module alignment system of the present invention is used, the tapered configuration of the guide rails and the chamfers of the guide channels help prevent shock to the data storage device. Furthermore, upside down insertion of the module is prevented due to the asymmetrical configuration of the guide flanges along the length of the alignment guides.
The particular objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such additional features and advantages be included therein with the scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.
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patent: 5353198 (1994-10-01), Kabat et al.
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patent: 5793614 (1998-08-01), Tollbom
patent: 5889850 (1999-03-01), Sochacki
patent: 6058016 (2000-05-01), Anderson et al.
Dickey David
Dowdy James L.
Mercer Alicia G.
Poulter Darrel W.
Tanzer Herbert J.
Foster David
Hewlett--Packard Company
Picard Leo P.
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