HIGH DENSITY ARRAY SYSTEM WITH ACTIVE STORAGE MEDIA SUPPORT STRUCTURES
A storage unit including a frame that defines a storage unit interior space, at least one storage media support structure capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements wherein the storage media support structure is adapted to provide a communicating path between the storage elements and the storage unit. The storage media support structure is capable of moving between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space. Power and communication are provided to the storage media support structure when the storage media support structure is at or between the retracted and extended positions the power and communication is uninterrupted.
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This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of provisional U.S. Ser. No. 60/788,487, entitled HIGH DENSITY ARRAY SYSTEM WITH ACTIVE STORAGE BLADES, filed Mar. 31, 2005 which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a storage unit that is useful in storing data to any one of a plurality of storage elements associated with a frame that can be moved at least partially out of the storage unit without power and communication interruption to the storage elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONPresently, data storage units, such as mass data storage libraries and RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks/Drives) systems, each employing multiple storage elements, are primarily used to archive data, i.e., store data that is not immediately needed by the host computer, and provide archived data to the host computer when the data is needed. To elaborate, a typical data storage unit receives data from a host computer and causes the data to be stored or recorded on a recording medium typically located in one or more of the storage elements, such as a disk drive for example. When the host computer requires some of the data that was previously stored in the storage elements, a request for the data is sent from the host computer to the data storage unit to fulfill real-time data retrieval needs. In response, the data storage unit retrieves the data from the storage elements, and transmits the retrieved data to the host computer system.
From time to time, there may be reason to remove one or more storage elements from a data storage unit, such as for repair, maintenance or upgrades. This generally results in removing panels associated with a data storage unit cover in order to access the storage elements inside the data storage unit. Typically, the process of removing one or more storage elements from a data storage unit further requires turning off the power to the data storage unit.
In an effort to improve accessing powered storage elements operable with a data storage unit both methods and apparatus are disclosed herein. It is to innovations related to this subject matter that the claimed invention is generally directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to a storage unit that is useful in storing data to any one of a plurality of storage elements supported by a drawer-like structure that can be moved at least partially out of the storage unit without power and communication interruption to the storage elements.
Embodiment of the present invention can therefore comprise a storage unit comprising: a frame defining a storage unit interior space; at least one media blade adapted for accommodating a plurality of storage elements; the media blade adapted to provide at least a communication pathway and power between the storage elements and the storage unit; the media blade adapted for being at least partially moved into and out from the interior space without interruption of the power and communication.
Another embodiment of the present invention can therefore comprise a storage unit comprising a frame that defines and interior space, the storage unit capable of performing the steps of: receiving a first data package from a host; storing the first data package on a first media blade wherein the first media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; moving the first media blade along a guided pathway adapted for the first media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention can therefore comprise a storage system comprising at least one storage unit, the storage unit comprising: a frame defining a storage unit interior space; at least one media blade capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements wherein the media blade is adapted to provide a communicating path between the storage elements and the storage unit; the media blade capable of moving between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space; a means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to the media blade when the media blade is at or between the retracted and extended positions.
Referring to the drawings in general, and more specifically to
The data storage arrangement illustrated in
Embodiments of the present invention can be commercially practiced in a Spectra Logic HDA manufactured by Spectra Logic of Boulder Colo.
With reference to
Also shown in
With reference to
Generally speaking, in one aspect of the present invention, a storage unit can comprise: a frame defining a storage unit interior space; at least one media blade capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements; the media blade adapted to provide at least a communication pathway and power between the storage elements and the storage unit; the media blade capable of being at least partially moved into and out from the interior space without interruption of the power and communication. The storage unit can further comprise a latch mechanism to prevent the media blade from totally being removed from the unit interior space. The storage unit can further be adapted to be received by an accommodating opening in the frame. Additionally, the storage unit can be adapted to accommodate six media blades.
The media blade can be partially moved between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space. Additionally, the storage blade can be retained by a locking mechanism and supported by the storage unit when in the extended position.
The storage unit can optionally comprise storage elements selected from one of the group consisting of: a disc drive, flash memory (or other kind of solid state storage memory), compact disc, magneto-optical drive, floppy disc drive and holographic drive.
The power and communication can be provided to the media blade by a power and communication linking device selected from one of the group consisting of: a ribbon cable, at least one independent conductive wire, a flexible cable, at least one group of conductive wires. Additionally, the power and communication linking device can comprise a tangling prevention device. Furthermore, the tangling prevention device can be a flex chain linkage. Optionally, the tangling prevention device can be a spring loaded spindle. The power can be provided by a brush and conductive lead system and the communication can be transmitted wirelessly. The storage media blade of the storage unit can comprise a base for supporting a base board through which the communication and power can be transmitted, a bezel module, a mid-plane frame, blade power connector and blade communication connector. The blade base can accommodate a plurality of storage element power and communication connectors for the storage elements. The storage element power and communication connectors can be Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface connectors. The bezel module can be removably attached to the storage media blade and comprises a handle, at least one indication light associated with each of the storage elements, at least one fan speed controllable and a blade reset button. The blade power and blade communication connectors connect to the power and communication linking device. The storage elements can be disposed on either side of the mid-plane frame. The storage elements can be disc drives wherein the disc drive can optionally be at least two different storage density capacities, different disc rotation speeds, or different disc drive form factors. In the embodiment wherein the storage elements are disc drives magnetic discs comprised by the disc drives can rotate in opposite directions when mounted on opposite sides of the mid-plane frame. The storage elements can optionally be mounted to a mid-plane retaining plate that cooperates with the mid-plane to hold the storage elements substantially in place when electrically connected to the base board. The retaining plate can accommodate alternate form factor storage elements. The storage media blade can further comprise a latch mechanism to removably and substantially lock the storage element to the blade. The base board of the blade further can comprise storage element activity indicators for each storage element corresponding to the at least one indication light associated with each of the storage elements on the bezel board. The storage element activity indicators can be Light Emitting Diodes located in proximity to each storage element. As a skilled artisan would recognize, other light indicating devices/emitters or light sources and reflecting devices, etc. can be used to accomplish the same result as a Light Emitting Diode without departing from the present invention.
The storage unit can further be adapted to cooperate with a second storage unit to comprise a storage system capable interacting with a host. All of the storage units can be substantially identical, or optionally the second storage unit can be just a bunch of storage elements or drives (JBOD) such as, for example, capable of being field adaptable to be able to switch from a JBOD to full operating mode. Both storage units can each further comprise a universal module space located in the interior space adapted to accommodate a server module, i.e. a first modular server unit for the original storage unit and a second modular server unit for the second storage unit. The first modular server unit can function as a master server unit taking over server operations for both the original storage unit and the second storage unit. Optionally, the second modular server unit can be made to function as the maser server unit. In one embodiment, the second modular server unit can be made to function as the maser server unit when the first server unit fails wherein functionality of the system remains uninterrupted. In an alternative embodiment, the second modular server unit can be made to function as the maser server unit when the first server unit is removed in a hot-swap operation wherein functionality of the system remains uninterrupted. The storage system can comprise a third storage unit wherein the storage units can be interconnected through a loop system wherein the storage unit from claim 1 is connected to the second storage unit and the second storage unit is connected to the third storage unit. The storage units can all interconnected via router devices. Optionally, the original storage unit can be connected to both the second storage unit and the third storage unit; the second storage unit can be connected to both the original storage unit and the third storage unit.
In another aspect of the present invention, a storage unit comprising a frame that defines and interior space, the storage unit can be capable of performing the steps of: receiving a first data package from a host; storing the first data package on a first storage media blade wherein the first storage media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; moving the first storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing.
The storage unit method can optionally be further defined so that the first position is when at least all of the storage elements are within the interior space. The second position can be when all of the storage elements are out side of the interior space. The method can further comprising storing the first data redundantly using a RAID level format, such as RAID level-5 for example. In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of storage elements can be removed from the first storage media blade when in the second position without substantially interrupting storing of the first data. The removed storage element can be replaced with a different form factor storage element, a different storage capacity storage element, or a different data handling rate.
The method can further comprise exchanging a modular unit in a universal space that is substantially within the interior space without interruption to the storing of the first data. The modular unit can be of the group consisting of: a JBOD, a server unit, RAID controller, a storage array and a routing unit.
The storage unit method can further comprise receiving a second data package from the host; storing the second data package on a second storage media blade wherein the second storage media blade comprises a second plurality of data storage elements; moving the second storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing of the second data. This can further comprise storing the second data redundantly in a RAID level format on the second storage media blade. Alternatively, this can further comprise storing the second data redundantly in a RAID level format across the first and second storage media blades.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a storage system can comprise a first and second storage unit, the storage system capable of performing the steps of: receiving a first data package from a host; storing the first data package on a first storage media blade associated with the first storage unit wherein the first storage media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; moving the first storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing.
The method can further comprise receiving a second data package from the host; storing the second data package on a second storage media blade associated with the second storage unit wherein the second storage media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; moving the second storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing. This can further comprise storing the second data redundantly in a RAID level format across the first and second storage units. Optionally, this can further comprise the first storage unit controls the storage of the first data on the first unit and the first storage unit controls the storage of the second data on the second unit. Optionally this can further comprise the second storage unit assumes control of the storage of the first and second data if the first storage unit fails to control the storage of the first and second data.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a storage system comprising at least one storage unit, the storage unit can comprise: a frame defining a storage unit interior space; at least one media blade capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements wherein the media blade is adapted to provide a communicating path between the storage elements and the storage unit; the media blade capable of moving between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space; a means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to the media blade when the media blade is at or between the retracted and extended positions.
In yet another aspect of the present invention a storage unit comprising a frame that defines and interior space, a means for storage unit operation can comprise: means for receiving a first data package from a host; means for storing the first data package on a first storage media blade wherein the first storage media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; means for moving the first storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing.
Optionally, the means plus function embodiments can further include, means for storing the first data redundantly using a RAID level format. Means for further receiving a second data package from the host; means for storing the second data package on a second storage media blade wherein the second storage media blade comprises a second plurality of data storage elements; means for moving the second storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing of the second data.
The means plus function can further comprise means for storing the second data redundantly in a RAID level format on the second storage media blade or optionally means for storing the second data redundantly in a RAID level format across the first and second storage media blades.
The means plus function can further comprise means for exchanging a modular unit in a universal space that is substantially within the interior space without interruption to the storing of the first data.
In another aspect of the present invention, a storage system comprising a first and second storage unit, a means for the storage system to operate can comprise: a means for receiving a first data package from a host; a means for storing the first data package on a first storage media blade associated with the first storage unit wherein the first storage media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; a means for moving the first storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing.
The means plus function can further comprise means for receiving a second data package from the host; means for storing the second data package on a second storage media blade associated with the second storage unit wherein the second storage media blade comprises a plurality of data storage elements; means for moving the second storage media blade from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing. Additionally, this can further comprise a means for storing the second data redundantly in a RAID level format across the first and second storage units.
It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with the details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. For example, alternate board layouts and features specific to market needs can be used with an HDA, such as the HDA system 800, for example, while still maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Another example can include various means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to a storage media blade, such as the storage media blade 200, when moved between a retracted and extended position while still maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Although the preferred embodiments described herein are directed to disc drive systems, such as the disc drive blade 200, and related technology, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the an that the teachings of the present invention can be applied to other systems and storage media, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the invention disclosed.
Claims
1. A data storage unit having a source of electronic communication and a source of electronic power, the data storage unit comprising:
- a frame defining a storage unit interior space;
- at least one storage media support structure accommodating a plurality of storage elements;
- the plurality of storage elements receiving at least electronic communication and electronic power from said electronic communication source and said electronic power source via said storage media support structure;
- the storage media support structure adapted for being at least partially moved into and out from the interior space without interruption of the communication and power.
2. The storage unit of claim 1 further comprising a latch mechanism to prevent the storage media support structure from totally being removed from the unit interior space.
3. The storage unit of claim 1 wherein the at least one support media structure is adapted to be received by an accommodating opening in the frame.
4. The storage unit of claim 3 wherein the storage unit is adapted to accommodate a plurality of storage media support structures.
5. The storage unit of claim 1 wherein the at least one support media structure is partially moved between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space, the at least one support media structure remains supported by data storage unit while the media blade is partially moved.
6. The storage unit of claim 5 wherein the storage media support structure is adapted to be supported by the storage unit when fully in the extended position.
7. The storage unit of claim 1 wherein the at least one storage media support structure comprises a base for supporting a base board, the communication and the power can be transmitted via the base board.
8. The storage unit of claim 7 wherein the base can accommodate a plurality of storage element power and communication connectors for the storage elements.
9. The storage unit of claim 8 wherein the at least one storage media support structure is selected from the group consisting of: a storage media blade, a storage media drawer, a storage media plate, a double storage media blade.
10. The storage unit of claim 1 wherein the power and the communication are provided to the at least one storage media support structure by a power and communication linking device selected from one of the group consisting of: a ribbon cable, at least one independent conductive wire, a flex cable, at least one group of conductive wires.
11. The storage system of claim 10 wherein the power and the communication linking device comprises a tangling prevention device.
12. A method of operating a data storage unit wherein the data storage unit comprises a frame that defines an interior space, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving a first data package from a host;
- storing the first data package on at least one of a plurality of data storage elements that are supported by a first storage media support structure;
- moving the first storage media support structure along a guided pathway adapted for the first storage media support structure from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the first position is when at least all of the storage elements are within the interior space.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the second position is when all of the storage elements are out side of the interior space.
15. The method of claim 12 further comprising storing the first data redundantly using a redundant data storing technique.
16. The method of claim 12 further comprising receiving a second data package from the host;
- storing the second data package on a second storage media support structure wherein the second storage media support structure comprises a second plurality of data storage elements;
- moving the second storage media support structure along a guided pathway from a first position that is substantially within the interior space to a second position that is less than substantially within the interior space without interrupting the storing of the second data.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising storing the second data redundantly using a redundant data storing technique across the first and second storage media support structures.
18. The method of claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of data storage elements is removed from the first storage media support structure when in the second position without substantially interrupting storing of the first data.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the removed storage element is replaced with a storage element selected from the group consisting of: a different form factor storage element, a different storage capacity storage element, a storage element having a different data handling rate.
20. A storage system comprising:
- a frame defining a storage system interior space;
- at least one storage media support structure capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements wherein the storage media support structure provides a communicating path between the storage elements and the storage system;
- the storage media support structure moving while being supported by the storage between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space;
- a means to provide uninterrupted power and communication to the storage media support structure when the storage media support structure is at or between the retracted and extended positions.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 24, 2007
Publication Date: Oct 4, 2007
Applicant:
Inventors: Matthew Thomas Starr (Lafyette, CO), Walter Wong (Boulder, CO), Micheal Edward Figero (Golden, CO), Ronald Gregory Duren (Denver, CO), Matthew John Ninesling (Littleton, CO), Joshua Daniel Carter (Lafyette, CO), Scott Edward Bacom (Westminster, CO)
Application Number: 11/626,745
International Classification: G06F 1/16 (20060101);