Apparatus for storing data

摘要

An apparatus for storing data and supplying stored data. The apparatus comprises a support unit having a plurality of connectors for connecting to a plurality of data storage elements, and a plurality of data storage elements. Each data storage element is connected to one of the connectors. The apparatus also comprises a cable having a first end connected to the support unit and a second end connected to a main part. The main part defining a first space containing a portion of the cable, and a second space for containing the support unit. The support unit is movable between (i) a first position providing access to the data storage elements and (ii) a second position in which the data storage elements are located within the second space. The cable is a ribbon cable comprising power wires having a relatively large gauge and signal wires having a relatively small gauge.

主权项

1. An apparatus for supporting data storage elements and supplying data stored thereon, said apparatus comprising:
a support unit having a plurality of connectors for connecting to a plurality of data storage elements; a cable having a first end connected to said support unit and a second end connected to a main part of the apparatus; the main part of the apparatus forming an enclosure for the support unit, the enclosure defining a first space configured for containing a portion of said cable and a separate second space configured for containing said support unit, such that said support unit is movable between a first position providing access to said data storage elements and a second position in which said data storage elements are located within said second space, wherein said cable is a substantially flat ribbon cable having a width at least five times greater than its thickness, the ribbon cable comprising:
a first plurality of power wires at a first edge of the ribbon cable and a second plurality of power wires at a second edge of the ribbon cable, the power wires having a relatively large gauge; anda plurality of signal wires extending along a central portion of the ribbon cable when kept substantially flat, between the first plurality of power wires at the first edge and the second plurality of power wires at the second opposite edge, the signal wires having a relatively small gauge;wherein the relatively large gauge of the power wires is larger than the relatively small gauge of the signal wires such that the ribbon cable is substantially stiffer than a ribbon cable containing only the signal wires; and a guide module configured to cause said substantially flat ribbon cable to develop at least two separate loops within said first space while said support unit is moved to said second position contained within said separate second space, the loops separated by a point of inflection and not formed around a shared spindle or former.