Patent Application
20190009965
High capacity, portable external disk drives have become a popular device. Today, users can transport and use a large amount of data, such as data files, documents, music, etc., with them. Portable external drives give a user the flexibility to easily carry and transport their data. Modern external drives have a relatively small physical size and yet they allow storing data capacities approaching of a terabyte or more.
For example, professional photographers may elect to use a portable external disk drive as an information storage device in the field to store pictures or movies. As another example, portable external disk drives are used to carry multimedia files, such as movies. In such applications, the robustness of the external drive can be a critical requirement.
However, portable external disk drives typically include sensitive components, such as electronics and delicate mechanical components. In particular, hard disk drives are vulnerable to excessive shock and vibration, which are common to a mobile environment. When mobile, a hard disk drive's internal components can be damaged if it is dropped, struck, or bounced, especially against a hard surface. The user may be unaware of the damage since the damage to the external drive can occur even without visible external damage. For example, if a portable disk drive is dropped, contact with a hard surface may lift the slider of the disk surface and then slap back on the disk surface creating damage. A disk drive that is subjected to this type of shock may fail on initial use or the reliability of the drive may degrade over time. Furthermore, when used in a mobile environment, external drives may be exposed to excessive moisture or dust conditions that can also damage or degrade components.
Systems and methods which embody the various features of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
The embodiments relate to providing a rugged enclosure for an external drive, such as a portable disk drive. The rugged enclosure provides protection from shock and vibration, moisture, and contaminants. The rugged enclosure may thus prevent the external drive from short-term, traumatic damage as well as long-term, chronic damage caused by exposure to an external environment and mobile usage. Unlike known cases for portable disk drives, the embodiments provide a rugged enclosure that is capable of providing higher levels of protection, for example, that conform to known military and industrial standards.
The rugged enclosure provides cushioning and a sway space in order to tolerate shock, such as from a drop from various heights. In the embodiments, the cushioning of the rugged enclosure may be generally positioned on the perimeter of the casing of a data storage device. For example, as shown in the figures, the cushions are generally placed on either longitudinal portion of an external drive. This placement was found to take advantage of the stronger and stiffer portions of the casing of the data storage device. In addition, this perimeter placement helps avoid excessive pinching of the casing in its central portions, where the casing tends to be more flexible and prone to damage. Excessive pinching in the central portion may cause substantial damage, for example, to the disk drive components. However, in order to also preserve portability of the external drive, the rugged enclosure is configured with a low profile form factor that is relatively compact. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the rugged enclosure employs a low profile hinge and low profile latch to maintain its small size.
In addition, in the embodiments, the rugged enclosure may be fitted with different cushions or other components to accommodate different sizes and types of external drives. This allows the ruggedized enclosure to fit a wide variety of external drive models and types. The rugged enclosure can thus provide a range of protection for drives having different sizes, weights, etc.
To minimize the need for opening, the ruggedized enclosure may also comprise a port that allows use of the external drive while enclosed in the enclosure. This port may provide a physical passage to the drive within the enclosure, or in the alternative, the port may provide an external interface that is electrically coupled to the drive. For purposes of illustration, the embodiments shown in the disclosure illustrate a rugged enclosure for an external drive that utilizes a universal serial bus (USB) interface. However, other embodiments of the rugged enclosure may be used for other types of data storage drives. For example, the rugged enclosure may be configured to enclose any type of drive, such as a hard disk drive. In these configurations, the rugged enclosure may be fitted with additional components, such as a bridge circuit or bridge controller, to allow for communications with the typical SATA interface of a hard disk drive. In yet other embodiments, the rugged enclosure may also accommodate solid state drives, hybrid drives, etc.
Certain embodiments of the inventions will now be described. These embodiments are presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. For purposes of illustration, the enclosure is shown for use with an external disk drive. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the enclosure may be used with any type of external drive. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. To illustrate some of the embodiments, reference will now be made to the figures.
In some embodiments, the ruggedized enclosure 100 is configured to comply with various shock and vibration standards. For example, in one embodiment, the ruggedized enclosure 100 complies with the MIL-STD and/or ISO standards for shock and vibration. For example, the embodiments may be configured to comply with various aspects of MIL-STD 810.
In some embodiments, the ruggedized enclosure 100 may withstand shock levels equivalent to a free-fall of about seven to eight feet for a free-fall drop on to a hard surface, such as an industrial carpet surface, concrete, asphalt, a floor, counter top, a wood surface, or other type of hard surface. In addition, the ruggedized enclosure 100 may be relatively water-resistant, for example, a spill of water or other fluid while protecting an enclosed external drive. In yet other embodiments, the ruggedized enclosure 100 may be configured to be relatively water-tight or water-proof, such that the enclosure 100 can be partially or fully submerged in a liquid.
Furthermore, as noted above, the ruggedized enclosure 100 may be configured to prevent dust or other airborne contaminants. Indeed, the ruggedized enclosure 100 may comprise various seals capable of preventing dust from entering V internal space when enclosed as well as filtering elements.
As shown, the ruggedized enclosure 100 may comprise an upper portion, cover 102, a lower portion, bottom 104, a latch 106, a retaining feature 108, and a port 110. As to dimension, the ruggedized enclosure 100 may be generally about 5.5 inches in length, 4.5 inches in width, and 1.5 inches in height. That is, the rugged enclosure 100 may generally have a size and shape that is relatively close fitting and low profile in nature to enhance the portability of the enclosure. Of course, these dimensions may vary depending on the desired data storage devices or external drives to be enclosed. These components will now be further described.
The cover 102 serves as a top portion enclosing the ruggedized enclosure 100. The cover 102 may be coupled to the bottom 104 of the ruggedized enclosure 100 via various mechanisms, such as a hinge (not shown in
As shown in
The bottom 104 provides a corresponding portion to the cover 102 to provide a protected enclosed space to hold a portable disk drive. The bottom 104 may be constructed from the same or different materials as the cover 102. Like the cover 102, the bottom 104 may simply be opaque or may comprise various features, such as a transparent portion to allow viewing of the interior of the ruggedized enclosure, or a display, such as a liquid crystal display or electronic ink display. Furthermore, the bottom 104 may comprise one or more identification spaces to allow a user to label the ruggedized bottom 104 and indicate any contents enclosed.
The latch 106 provides a mechanism for closing and sealing the ruggedized enclosure 100 when in its closed configuration. As shown, the latch 106 is configured as a flat tongue-like piece that does not protrude beyond the overall form factor of the ruggedized enclosure 100. In other embodiments, the ruggedized enclosure 100 may be held in its closed configuration with other mechanisms, such as a fastener, slider, twist lock, cam lock, etc. In some embodiments, the latch 106 is configured to provide approximately 20-30 Newtons of closing force to maintain the enclosure in its closed configuration even during shock conditions.
The retaining feature 108 is an optional feature that allows the ruggedized enclosure 100 to be attached or retained to another device or item. For example, as shown in
The port 110 provides a passage for allowing access to a portable disk drive while enclosed. As shown, the port 110 may comprise a sealing mechanism, such as a door, or slider that allows for passage of a cable, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable. In the embodiment shown, the port 110 provides for a physical passage into the interior of the ruggedized enclosure.
In other embodiments, rather than a mechanical opening or passage, the port 110 may be configured as an electrical connector that preserves the mechanical integrity of the ruggedized enclosure 100. For example, the port 110 may be a male or female USB connector that is then electrically coupled to a portable disk drive while inside the enclosure 100.
In one embodiment, the sliding door 200 is constructed from a compliant material, such as an elastomer or rubber, to allow for easy handling by a user and to provide a sealing structure for port 110. As shown, the sliding door 200 may be shaped as a tab-like structure to cover the port 110. In other embodiments, the sliding door 200 may comprise different shapes, such as oval, circular, triangular, etc.
In yet other embodiments, sliding door 200 may comprise other features. For example, the sliding door 200 may be self-latching when covering port 110. The sliding door 200 may also comprise a locking feature to prevent unauthorized or unintentional opening or removal. Furthermore, the sliding door 200 may be constructed from different materials, such as metal, plastic, or combination thereof, to provide rugged protection for port 110.
Cushions 302, 308 and upper padding 306 may be constructed from various materials, such as an elastomeric material or a foam-like material. In addition, cushions 302, 308 and upper padding 306 may vary in material, size, thickness, and shape to accommodate different sizes of portable devices or different types of portables drives. For example, a kit or package of such cushions that are customized to a particular portable disk drive 300 may be provided with the ruggedized enclosure 100.
In order to allow the enclosure 100 to accommodate different drives, the cushion assembly 304 may comprise the cushion 308 and an optional spacer 310. For example, the cushion assembly 304 may be modular in construction to allow for different spacers 310 and/or cushions 308. This feature allows the enclosure 100 to be fitted with different configurations of cushions, cushion heights, and cushion geometry to enclose and protect the drive 300.
As shown, the cushions 308 may have a strip-like structure from which rib-like cushioning arms extend. As noted above, the cushions 308 may be constructed from various materials known for their cushioning and shock absorbing properties, such as rubber, foam, or elastomeric material. In general, the cushions 308 are configured to provided a controlled stiffness based on their shape and materials. In the embodiment shown in
As also shown, the cushion 308 may comprise a side wall 322 around its perimeter to provide additional structural support for the cushioning arms 312, 314, 318, and 320. The side wall 322 may be included to provide additional support with relatively little extra material needed. In the embodiment shown, the side wall 322 is provided around the perimeter of the cushion 308, but can be provided anywhere. In yet other embodiments, the cushioning arms 312, 314, 318, and 320 may comprise cross-structural features, such as cross beams.
In addition, as can be seen, the cushion assembly 304 is provided on the cover 102 at specific locations that are closer to the edges of the cover 102 in the embodiment shown. For example, in some embodiments, the cushioning assembly 304 is placed within about 1-inch of the edge of the cover and provides approximately 2.5 inches of spacing between them. These locations of the cushioning assembly 304 may be used to prevent pinching in the middle or central portion of the casing of the portable disk drive (not shown) when the ruggedized enclosure 100 is subjected to shock or mechanical pressure, especially when pressure is exerted on the central portions of the top 102 or bottom 104. In other words, the cushions of the rugged enclosure 100 effectively suspend the drive at its perimeter edges and provide further clearance in the central portion of the casing of the drive. As noted, this placement was found to take advantage of the stiffer portions of the casing and avoid the casing in its central portion where it tends to be more flexible and prone to intrusion into the drive components under excessive deflection. As shown in the figures, the cushions suspend the drive at the longitudinal ends of the casing. In other embodiments, the cushions may be placed to fully encircle the casing around its perimeter, or may be placed along the lateral sides of the casing of the drive.
Furthermore, the cushioning assembly 304 is placed so that their shock dampening structures are substantially along the same axis of cushions 302. That is, when closed, the cushioning assembly 304 and cushions 302 are aligned to minimize their offset and provide support along substantially the same axis. This placement provides for a shock dampening structure on both the top and bottom of the drive 300 along the same axis. This placement may be helpful to secure the drive 300 and to prevent moment arms of movement during shock conditions.
In addition, cushions 302 are shown installed in the bottom 104 at various strategic locations, such as in proximity to the corners to provide shock protection rather than in the central portion of the bottom 104. The configuration and distribution of these cushions may vary depending on the desired amount of protection and the dimensions of the portable disk drive (not shown). As described above, these positions for cushions 302 roughly correspond to the positions of cushioning assemblies 304 in the top 102 in order to secure the drive (not shown) in place and also prevent excessive pinching in the central portion of the drive 300 (not shown in
As also shown, an elastomeric seal 402 may be provided in the bottom 104. The seal 402 provides a seal against moisture, dust, etc., when the ruggedized enclosure 100 is in its closed configuration. In addition, the seal 402 is configured based on its size and shape to provide for a sufficient latching force to hold the enclosure 100 closed, but also allowing for an acceptable level of effort to open the enclosure 100 by a user. In some embodiments, the elastomeric seal 402 is constructed from a plastic or rubber material. Furthermore, in some embodiments the elastomeric seal 402 is self-retaining. That is, the seal 402 does not require a separate fastener or glue to be held into place in the bottom 104. This allows the seal 402 to be easily replaced or changed. For example, related U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “SELF RETAINING ELASTOMERIC SEAL,” may be used in the embodiments and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The spacer 310 may be an optional component of the cushioning assembly 304. The spacer 310 may be constructed from various materials, such as a plastic, metal, etc. As shown, the spacer 310 may comprise clips 602 and 604 to allow it to be removably attached to the top 102. Of course, spacer 310 may be attached in other ways, such as via an adhesive, screw fastener, Velcro, etc. The spacer 310 may have different heights and shapes to accommodate different drives in the enclosure 100.
As shown, the cushioning arms 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 may be a plurality of trapezoidal shaped ribs. The trapezoidal shape provided in the embodiments assists in optimizing buckling and compressive stiffness of the cushioning arms 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320. In addition, the trapezoidal base of arms 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 prevent collapse or buckling of the rib during shock. The arms 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 are placed to provide securement and are distributed to avoid contact with each other during shock. In alternative embodiments, the arms 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 may be provided cross-beams or other type of structural aid to provide desired rigidity or to counteract buckling under excessive loading during shock conditions.
Furthermore, the cushion 308 may have different size, shape, and placement of the arms 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 to accommodate different drive sizes and thicknesses. For example, the cushion 308 may be removable attached to the spacer 310 or cover 102, such as by an adhesive strip, Velcro, etc.
In other embodiments, the arms 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 may be shaped differently, such as conical. In addition, the number and placement of ribs may be varied in the embodiments to achieve a desired shock protection or fitment to a particular device.
The features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the present disclosure provides certain embodiments and applications, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments, which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only by reference to the appended claims.
This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled “SELF RETAINING ELASTOMERIC SEAL,” filed ______, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13308410 | Nov 2011 | US |
| Child | 16004197 | US |
