Data storage device enclosure enabling use of a common shock mount across different products
View Patent ↗A data storage device assembly comprises a data storage device, a shock mount configured to couple to the data storage device, and an enclosure comprising first and second portions. The first enclosure portion may comprise a first pocket defining a first nesting surface, and a first plurality of ribs configured to contact a first portion of the shock mount over an aggregate first surface area that is less than a surface area of the first nesting surface. The second enclosure portion may be configured to mate with the first enclosure portion to enclose the data storage device therebetween. The second enclosure portion may comprise a second pocket defining a second nesting surface and a second plurality of ribs configured to contact a second portion of the shock mount over an aggregate second surface area that is less than a surface area of the second nesting surface.
1. A data storage device assembly, comprising:
a data storage device;
a shock mount configured to couple to the data storage device;
a first enclosure portion comprising a first pocket defining a first nesting surface, the first pocket comprising a first plurality of ribs configured to contact a first portion of the shock mount over an aggregate first surface area that is less than a surface area of the first nesting surface; and
a second enclosure portion configured to mate with the first enclosure portion to enclose the data storage device between the first and second enclosure portions, the second enclosure portion comprising a second pocket defining a second nesting surface, the second pocket comprising a second plurality of ribs configured to contact a second portion of the shock mount over an aggregate second surface area that is less than a surface area of the second nesting surface.
2. The data storage device assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second pockets define a generally semi-circular shape.
3. The data storage device assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second plurality of ribs extend generally in a radial direction with respect to a center of the shock mount.
4. The data storage device assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second pockets comprise a plurality of axially-directed insular extensions that are generally perpendicular to the first and second plurality of ribs, at least some of the plurality of axially-directed insular extensions defining respective free ends configured to contact the shock mount.
5. The data storage device assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second plurality of ribs are configured according to a desired stiffness of the shock mount.
6. The data storage device assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second plurality of ribs are configured according to a weight of the data storage device.
7. The data storage device assembly of claim 1 , wherein a number and shape of the first and second plurality of ribs are selected according to a desired stiffness of the shock mount.
8. The data storage device assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second plurality of ribs are configured such that greater aggregate first and second surface areas increases a stiffness of the shock mount and such that comparatively smaller aggregate first and second surface areas decreases the stiffness of the shock mount.
9. The data storage device assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second enclosure portions are configured to apply a predetermined amount of compressive force on the shock mount when the first enclosure portion is mated to the second enclosure portion.
10. The data storage device assembly of claim 1 , further comprising first to fourth shock mounts configured to couple to or near respective first to fourth corners of the data storage device and wherein:
the first enclosure portion comprises four separate first pockets, each configured to contact a first portion of a respective one of the first to fourth shock mounts, and
the second enclosure portion comprises four separate second pockets, each configured to contact a second portion of a respective one of the first to fourth shock mounts.
11. An external data storage device, comprising:
a data storage device assembly;
a plurality of shock mounts coupled to the data storage device assembly, the plurality of shock mounts each being generally cylindrically-shaped; and
an enclosure enclosing the data storage device assembly and the plurality of shock mounts and comprising:
a first enclosure portion comprising a separate first pocket for each of the plurality of shock mounts, each of the first pockets comprising a first plurality of generally radially-extending ribs defining a plurality of first shock mount-contacting surfaces; and
a second enclosure portion configured to mate with the first enclosure portion, the second enclosure portion comprising a separate second pocket for each of the plurality of shock mounts, each of the second pockets comprising a second plurality of generally radially-extending ribs defining a plurality of second shock mount-contacting surfaces.
12. The external data storage device of claim 11 , wherein the first and second enclosure portions are configured to hold the plurality of shock mounts captive with a predetermined pre-load.
13. The external data storage device of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first and second pockets comprise a plurality of axially-directed insular extensions that are generally perpendicular to the first and second plurality of generally radially-extending ribs, at least some of the plurality of axially-directed insular extensions defining respective free ends configured to contact the shock mount.
14. The external data storage device of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of axially-directed insular extensions are generally cylindrical in shape.
15. The external data storage device of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of axially-directed insular extensions are configured according to a weight of the data storage device assembly.
16. The external data storage device of claim 13 , wherein a number and shape of the plurality of axially-directed insular extensions are selected according to a desired stiffness of the plurality of shock mounts.
17. The external data storage device of claim 11 , wherein a stiffness of the plurality of shock mounts is determined at least in part by:
a durometer of a material of the plurality of shock mounts, and
a surface area of each of the plurality of first and second shock mount-contacting surfaces.
18. The external data storage device of claim 11 , wherein an aggregate surface area of the first and second shock mount-contacting surfaces is determined at least in part upon a number of the first and second plurality of generally radially-extending ribs and a surface area of each of the plurality of first and second shock mount-contacting surfaces.
19. The external data storage device of claim 11 , wherein the first and second plurality of ribs are configured according to a weight of the data storage device assembly.
20. The external data storage device of claim 11 , wherein a number and shape of the first and second plurality of ribs are selected according to a desired stiffness of the plurality of shock mount.