Dot Hill Assigned Patent

Dot Hill Systems Corp. announced a patented technology that more efficiently ejects drive carriers in certain AssuredSAN storage system chassis.

The inventors are Rust, Brenden Michael (Loveland, CO), Keffeler, David Michael (Niwot, CO) and Heyd, Andrew Rudolph (Longmont, CO, US). Filing date is November 1, 2012.

Using a ‘flat’ spring design, the mechanical invention described in Dot Hill’s 99th US patent, numbered 8,840,095,  Storage device carrier ejection spring, takes less space than traditional coiled springs. The additional space provided by the more efficient spring can be used to design a shallower chassis depth, or to allow more length for storage controller modules and power supplies.

Abstract of the patent: “A spring for ejecting a storage device module from a chassis is provided. The spring includes a first end, where the first end is held captive when the spring is installed in the chassis. The spring includes a second end, opposite the first end, and a body between the first and second ends. The body is formed with serpentine bends proceeding linearly between the first and second ends and in a common plane with the first end. The second end is oriented orthogonal to the common plane. The spring is in expansion when the storage device module is inserted into the chassis. The storage device module pushes against the second end when the storage device module is fully inserted into the chassis. The spring exerts force outward from the chassis when expanded.”

“This innovation, which is already being used in Dot Hill’s small form factor arrays, provides more flexibility in our design process allowing us to use the additional real estate for larger controller units or power supplies. The flat spring design also makes it possible to develop a shorter chassis footprint, which is highly desirable for numerous applications,” said Ken Day, CTO, Dot Hill. “Our large portfolio of internally developed intellectual property allows us to deliver truly unique products that provide 99.999% data availability and a range of features that make a real difference for our customers.”