U.S. patent application number 15/148931 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-01 for reduced friction retention of a data storage cartridge within a storage cell.
The applicant listed for this patent is International Business Machines Corporation. Invention is credited to Dylan J. Boday, Andrew S. Green, Shawn M. Nave.
Application Number | 20160255742 15/148931 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50233084 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160255742 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boday; Dylan J. ; et
al. |
September 1, 2016 |
REDUCED FRICTION RETENTION OF A DATA STORAGE CARTRIDGE WITHIN A
STORAGE CELL
Abstract
An automated data storage library for data storage cartridges,
according to one embodiment, includes an array of storage cells for
storing data storage cartridges. Each storage cell includes a
housing for storing a data storage cartridge, an opening in the
housing for inserting and removing a data storage cartridge, and a
retention tab in the housing for engaging with a notch of the data
storage cartridge for retaining the data storage cartridge in the
housing. The retention tab is textured for reducing a contact
surface between the retention tab and the notch.
Inventors: |
Boday; Dylan J.; (Tucson,
AZ) ; Green; Andrew S.; (Tucson, AZ) ; Nave;
Shawn M.; (Tucson, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
International Business Machines Corporation |
Armonk |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50233084 |
Appl. No.: |
15/148931 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13606666 |
Sep 7, 2012 |
9355652 |
|
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15148931 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/128 20130101;
G11B 33/04 20130101; G11B 33/124 20130101; G11B 5/78 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/14 20060101
H05K007/14; G11B 33/04 20060101 G11B033/04; G11B 33/12 20060101
G11B033/12 |
Claims
1. An automated data storage library for data storage cartridges
comprising: an array of storage cells for storing data storage
cartridges; wherein each storage cell comprises: a housing for
storing a data storage cartridge; an opening in said housing for
inserting and removing a data storage cartridge; and a retention
tab in said housing for engaging with a notch of said data storage
cartridge for retaining said data storage cartridge in said
housing, wherein said retention tab is textured for reducing a
contact surface between said retention tab and said notch.
2. The automated data storage library of claim 1, comprising an
accessor for transporting said data storage cartridge within said
storage library.
3. The automated data storage library of claim 1, wherein said
texture of said retention tab comprises at least one of bumps,
lines, and grooves.
4. The automated data storage library of claim 1, wherein said
housing includes a pair of opposing side walls, a back wall, and a
floor orthogonal and connected to said opposing side walls and said
back wall, and wherein said side walls, back wall, and floor,
define said opening for inserting and removing a data storage
cartridge.
5. The automated data storage library of claim 1, wherein said
retention tab protrudes from at least one side wall of said
housing.
6. The automated data storage library of claim 1, wherein said
retention tab is configured to depress out of a path of said data
storage cartridge when said data storage cartridge is inserted in
said housing and engage with said notch of said data storage
cartridge when said data storage cartridge is fully inserted in
said housing.
7. The automated data storage library of claim 1, wherein reduced
contact surface between said retention tab and said notch reduces
an amount of force necessary for removing said data storage
cartridge from said storage cell.
8. An automated data storage library for data storage cartridges
comprising: an array of storage cells for storing data storage
cartridges; wherein each storage cell comprises: a housing for
storing a data storage cartridge; an opening in said housing for
inserting and removing a data storage cartridge; and a retention
tab in said housing for engaging with a notch of said data storage
cartridge for retaining said data storage cartridge in said
housing, wherein said retention tab is textured, wherein said
texture of said retention tab reduces a contact surface between
said retention tab and said notch.
9. The automated data storage library of claim 8, comprising an
accessor for transporting said data storage cartridge within said
storage library.
10. The automated data storage library of claim 8, wherein said
texture of said retention tab comprises at least one of bumps,
lines, and grooves.
11. The automated data storage library of claim 8, wherein said
housing includes a pair of opposing side walls, a back wall, and a
floor orthogonal and connected to said opposing side walls and said
back wall, and wherein said side walls, back wall, and floor,
define said opening for inserting and removing a data storage
cartridge.
12. The automated data storage library of claim 8, wherein said
retention tab protrudes from at least one side wall of said
housing.
13. The automated data storage library of claim 8, wherein said
retention tab is configured to depress out of a path of said data
storage cartridge when said data storage cartridge is inserted in
said housing and engage with said notch of said data storage
cartridge when said data storage cartridge is fully inserted in
said housing.
14. The automated data storage library of claim 8, wherein texture
reduces an amount of force necessary for removing said data storage
cartridge from said storage cell.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This disclosure relates to the retention of data storage
cartridges within a storage cell.
[0002] Automated data storage libraries are known for providing
cost effective storage and retrieval of large quantities of data.
The data in automated data storage libraries is stored on data
storage media that are, in turn, stored on storage cells or the
like inside the library in a fashion that renders the media, and
its resident data, accessible for physical retrieval. Such media is
commonly termed "removable media." Data storage media may comprise
any type of media on which data may be stored and which may serve
as removable media, including but not limited to magnetic media
(such as magnetic tape or disks), optical media (such as optical
tape or disks), electronic media (such as PROM, EEPROM, flash PROM,
MRAM, Compactflash.RTM., Smartmedia.RTM., Memory Stick.RTM., etc.),
or other suitable media. Typically, the data stored in automated
data storage libraries is resident on data storage media that is
contained within a cartridge and referred to as a data storage
cartridge. An example of a data storage cartridge that is widely
employed in automated data storage libraries for mass data storage
is a magnetic tape cartridge.
SUMMARY
[0003] An automated data storage library for data storage
cartridges, according to one embodiment, includes an array of
storage cells for storing data storage cartridges. Each storage
cell includes a housing for storing a data storage cartridge, an
opening in the housing for inserting and removing a data storage
cartridge, and a retention tab in the housing for engaging with a
notch of the data storage cartridge for retaining the data storage
cartridge in the housing. The retention tab is textured for
reducing a contact surface between the retention tab and the
notch.
[0004] An automated data storage library for data storage
cartridges, according to another embodiment, includes an array of
storage cells for storing data storage cartridges. Each storage
cell includes a housing for storing a data storage cartridge, an
opening in the housing for inserting and removing a data storage
cartridge, and a retention tab in the housing for engaging with a
notch of the data storage cartridge for retaining the data storage
cartridge in the housing. The retention tab is textured. The
texture of the retention tab reduces a contact surface between the
retention tab and the notch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are understood by
referring to the figures in the attached drawings, as provided
below.
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates automated data storage library with the
view specifically depicting a library having a left hand service
bay, multiple storage frames and a right hand service bay in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates an automated data storage library with
the view specifically depicting an exemplary basic configuration of
the internal components of a library in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an automated data storage
library with the diagram specifically depicting a library that
employs a distributed system of modules with a plurality of
processor nodes in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary controller
configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a front and rear view of a data storage
drive in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a data storage cartridge in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a storage cell in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates the insertion and removal of a data
storage cartridge from a storage cell and in accordance with and
embodiment of the invention; and
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a data storage cartridge inserted in a
storage cell in accordance with and embodiment of the invention
[0015] Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are
referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the
same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects, in
accordance with one or more embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Automated data storage libraries include one or more
accessors to move data storage cartridges between storage cells and
to data storage drives. The storage cells must retain the data
storage cartridges such that outside influences such as normal
machine or door opening or closing operations etc. do not cause the
data storage cartridges to move out of the storage cells. However,
the retention force of the storage cell must still be easily
overcome by an accessor removing or adding cartridges to the
storage cell. Retention tabs in a storage cell may be used to
engage with a notch in a data storage cartridge to retain the data
storage cartridge in the slot. The notch of the data storage
cartridge, and the data storage cartridge itself, have generally
smooth surfaces. Similarly, the retention tab of the storage cell,
and the storage cell itself, have generally smooth surfaces. The
smooth surface of the notch of the data storage cartridge comes
into contact with the smooth surface of the retention tab of the
storage cell and the data storage cartridge is retained in the
storage cell by a certain amount of friction. However, in some
cases, the amount of friction between the retention tab and notch
is too high such that the accessor is not able to remove the data
storage cartridge from the storage cell. Further, the amount of
friction between the retention tab and notch is not consistent for
each data storage cartridge and its respective storage cell, such
that accessor may be able to remove some data storage cartridges
from their respective storage cells, but not be able to remove
others. These issues may result in the accessor being unable to
remove one or more data storage cartridges from their respective
storage cells causing downtime for the automated data storage
library.
[0017] Described are embodiments of an invention for a textured
interface between a notch of a data storage cartridge and a
retention tab of a storage cell to provide a consistent and low
friction force that retains the data storage cartridge within the
cell but allows the accessor to easily remove the data storage
cartridge when needed. In one embodiment, the retention tab of a
storage cell includes at least one textured surface. In another
embodiment, the notch on a data storage cartridge includes at least
one textured surface.
[0018] The storage cell includes a housing for storing a data
storage cartridge and includes an opening for inserting and
removing a data storage cartridge. A retention tab within the
housing engages with the notch of the data storage cartridge to
retain the data storage cartridge with the housing. In one
embodiment, the retention tab of a storage cell includes at least
one textured surface. In another embodiment, the notch on a data
storage cartridge includes at least one textured surface. The
textured surface reduces the contact surface between the retention
tab and the notch of the data storage cartridge. Accordingly, the
reduced contact surface between the retention tab and notch reduces
the amount of friction between the retention tab and the notch. The
data storage cartridge can thus be removed from the storage cell
with less force than that required by the prior art having a
generally smooth interface between the notch of the data storage
cartridge and the retention tab of the storage cell
[0019] Further, the textured surface allows for a more consistent
amount of friction between the notch and retention tab for each
data storage cartridge and its respective storage cell. This
consistent amount of friction between the notch and retention tab
allows for the amount force required to move one data storage
cartridge from its respective storage cell to be close to the
amount of force required to move another data storage cartridge
from its respective storage cell. Thus, a consistent amount of
force can be applied by the accessor to remove each data storage
cartridge from their respective storage cells. Thus, the textured
interface between notch of the data storage cartridge and the
retention tab allows for a low and consistent force to remove a
plurality of data storage cartridges from their respective storage
cells.
[0020] It will be obvious, however, to one skilled in the art, that
embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some
or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known
process operations have not been described in detail to prevent
obscuring the embodiments of the present invention described
herein.
[0021] It is understood that all surfaces have a certain amount of
texture. Therefore, for purposes of the description herein, a
textured surface is a surface that has more texture than an
immediate surrounding area. For example, in the embodiment in which
the retention tab of a storage cell has a textured surface, the
retention tab is said to have a textured surface when the textured
surface has more texture than that of the immediate surrounding
area (e.g. the sidewall of the storage cell if the retention tab is
provided on a sidewall of the storage cell) Similarly, in the
embodiment in which the notch of the data storage cartridge has a
textured surface, the notch is said to have a textured surface when
the textured surface of the notch has more texture than that of the
immediate surrounding area (e.g. the sidewall of the data storage
cartridge if the notch is provided on the sidewall of the data
storage cartridge). Accordingly, a non-textured surface or a smooth
surface is defined herein as a surface that has the same amount of
texture or less texture than an immediate surrounding area.
[0022] This invention is described in preferred embodiments in the
following description with reference to the Figures, in which like
numbers represent the same or similar elements. While this
invention is described in terms of the best mode for achieving this
invention's objectives, it will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that variations may be accomplished in view of these
teachings without deviating from the spirit or scope of the
invention. The invention will be described as embodied in an
automated data storage library for use in a data processing
environment. Although the invention shown used magnetic tape
cartridges, one skilled in the art would recognize that the
invention equally applies to optical disk cartridges or other
removable storage media.
[0023] Turning now to the Figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an
automated data storage library 10 which stores and retrieves data
storage cartridges containing data storage media (not shown) in
storage cells 16. It is noted that references to "data storage
media" herein refer to data storage cartridges, and for purposes
herein the two terms may be used synonymously. An example of an
automated data storage library which may be used in the described
embodiments is the IBM.RTM. 3584 UltraScalable Tape Library, and
has a configuration as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The library of
FIG. 1 comprises a left hand service bay 13, one or more storage
frames 11, and right hand service bay 14. As will be discussed, a
frame may comprise an expansion component of the library. Frames
may be added or removed to expand or reduce the size and/or
functionality of the library. Frames may comprise additional
storage cells, drives, import/export stations, accessors, operator
panels, etc.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows an example of a storage frame 11, which is the
base frame of the library 10 and is contemplated to be the minimum
configuration of the library. In this minimum configuration, there
is only a single accessor (i.e., there are no redundant accessors)
and there is no service bay. The library 10 is arranged for
accessing data storage media in response to commands from at least
one external host system (not shown), and comprises a plurality of
storage cells 16, on front wall 17 and rear wall 19 for storing
data storage cartridges that contain data storage media; at least
one data storage drive 15 for reading and/or writing data with
respect to the data storage media; and a first accessor 18 for
transporting the data storage media between the plurality of
storage cells 16 and the data storage drive(s) 15. The data storage
drives 15 may be optical disk drives or magnetic tape drives, or
other types of data storage drives as are used to read and/or write
data with respect to the data storage media. The storage frame 11
may optionally comprise an operator panel 23 or other user
interface, such as a web-based interface, which allows a user to
interact with the library. The storage frame 11 may optionally
comprise an upper I/O station 24 and/or a lower I/O station 25,
which allows data storage media to be inserted into the library
and/or removed from the library without disrupting library
operation. The library 10 may comprise one or more storage frames
11, each having storage cells 16 accessible by first accessor
18.
[0025] As described above, the storage frames 11 may be configured
with different components depending upon the intended function. One
configuration of storage frame 11 may comprise storage cells 16,
data storage drive(s) 15, and other optional components to store
and retrieve data from the data storage cartridges. The first
accessor 18 comprises a gripper assembly 20 for gripping one or
more data storage media and may include a bar code scanner 22 or
other reading system, such as a cartridge memory reader or similar
system, mounted on the gripper 20, to "read" identifying
information about the data storage media.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an automated data
storage library 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, which employs a distributed
system of modules with a plurality of processor nodes. An example
of an automated data storage library which may implement the
distributed system depicted in the block diagram of FIG. 3, and
which may implement the described embodiments, is the IBM 3584
UltraScalable Tape Library.
[0027] While the automated data storage library 10 has been
described as employing a distributed control system, the described
embodiments may be implemented in automated data storage libraries
regardless of control configuration, such as, but not limited to,
an automated data storage library having one or more library
controllers that are not distributed. The library of FIG. 3
comprises one or more storage frames 11, a left hand service bay 13
and a right hand service bay 14. The left hand service bay 13 is
shown with a first accessor 18. As discussed above, the first
accessor 18 comprises a gripper assembly 20 and may include a
reading system 22 to "read" identifying information about the data
storage media. The right hand service bay 14 is shown with a second
accessor 28. The second accessor 28 comprises a gripper assembly 30
and may include a reading system 32 to "read" identifying
information about the data storage media. In the event of a failure
or other unavailability of the first accessor 18, or its gripper
20, etc., the second accessor 28 may perform some or all of the
functions of the first accessor 18. The two accessors 18, 28 may
share one or more mechanical paths or they may comprise completely
independent mechanical paths. In one example, the accessors 18, 28
may have a common horizontal rail with independent vertical rails.
The first accessor 18 and the second accessor 28 are described as
first and second for descriptive purposes only and this description
is not meant to limit either accessor to an association with either
the left hand service bay 13, or the right hand service bay 14.
[0028] In the exemplary library, first accessor 18 and second
accessor 28 move their grippers in at least two directions, called
the horizontal "X" direction and vertical "Y" direction, to
retrieve and grip, or to deliver and release the data storage media
at the storage cells 16 and to load and unload the data storage
media at the data storage drives 15.
[0029] The exemplary library 10 receives commands from one or more
host systems 40, 41 or 42. The host systems, such as host servers,
communicate with the library directly, e.g., on path 80, through
one or more control ports (not shown), or through one or more data
storage drives 15 on paths 81, 82, providing commands to access
particular data storage media and move the media, for example,
between the storage cells 16 and the data storage drives 15. The
commands are typically logical commands identifying the media
and/or logical locations for accessing the media. The terms
"commands" and "work requests" are used interchangeably herein to
refer to such communications from the host system 40, 41 or 42 to
the library 10 as are intended to result in accessing particular
data storage media within the library 10.
[0030] The exemplary library is controlled by a distributed control
system receiving the logical commands from hosts, determining the
required actions, and converting the actions to physical movements
of first accessor 18 and/or second accessor 28.
[0031] In the exemplary library, the distributed control system
comprises a plurality of processor nodes, each having one or more
processors. In one example of a distributed control system, a
communication processor node 50 may be located in a storage frame
11. The communication processor node provides a communication link
for receiving the host commands, either directly or through the
drives 15, via at least one external interface, e.g., coupled to
line 80.
[0032] The communication processor node 50 may additionally provide
a communication link 70 for communicating with the data storage
drives 15. The communication processor node 50 may be located in
the frame 11, close to the data storage drives 15. Additionally, in
an example of a distributed processor system, one or more
additional work processor nodes 52, 252 are provided, which may
comprise, e.g., a work processor node 52 that may be located at
first accessor 18, and that is coupled to the communication
processor node 50 via a network 60, 157. Each work processor node
may respond to received commands that are broadcast to the work
processor nodes from any communication processor node, and the work
processor nodes may also direct the operation of the accessors,
providing move commands. One or more XY processor nodes 55, 255 are
provided, which may comprise, e.g., an XY processor node 55 located
at an XY system of first accessor 18. The XY processor node 55 is
coupled to the network 60, 157, and is responsive to the move
commands, operating the XY system to position the gripper 20.
[0033] Also, an operator panel processor node 59 may be provided at
the optional operator panel 23 for providing an interface for
communicating between the operator panel and the communication
processor node 50, the work processor nodes 52, 252, and the XY
processor nodes 55, 255.
[0034] A network, for example comprising a common bus 60, is
provided, coupling the various processor nodes. The network may
comprise a robust wiring network, such as the commercially
available CAN (Controller Area Network) bus system, which is a
multi-drop network, having a standard access protocol and wiring
standards, for example, as defined by CiA, the CAN in Automation
Association, Am Weich Selgarten 26, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany.
Other networks, such as Ethernet, or a wireless network system,
such as RF or infrared, may be employed in the library as is known
to those of skill in the art. In addition, multiple independent
networks may also be used to couple the various processor
nodes.
[0035] The communication processor node 50 is coupled to each of
the data storage drives 15 of a storage frame 11, via lines 70,
communicating with the drives and with host systems 40, 41 and 42.
Alternatively, the host systems may be directly coupled to the
communication processor node 50, at input 80 for example, or to
control port devices (not shown) which connect the library to the
host system(s) with a library interface similar to the
library/drive interface. As is known to those of skill in the art,
various communication arrangements may be employed for
communication with the hosts and with the data storage drives 15.
In the example of FIG. 3, host connections 80 and 81 are SCSI
busses. Bus 82 comprises an example of a Fibre Channel bus which is
a high speed serial data interface, allowing transmission over
greater distances than the SCSI bus systems.
[0036] The data storage drives 15 may be in close proximity to the
communication processor node 50, and may employ a short distance
communication scheme, such as SCSI, RS-422, USB (Universal Serial
Bus), SAS (Serial Attached SCSI), etc. The data storage drives 15
are thus individually coupled to the communication processor node
50 by means of lines 70. Alternatively, the data storage drives 15
may be coupled to the communication processor node 50 through one
or more networks, such as CAN, Ethernet, etc.
[0037] Additional storage frames 11 may be provided and each is
coupled to the adjacent storage frame. Any of the storage frames 11
may comprise communication processor nodes 50, storage cells 16,
data storage drives 15, and networks 60.
[0038] Further, as described above, the automated data storage
library 10 may comprise a plurality of accessors. A second accessor
28, for example, is shown in a right hand service bay 14 of FIG. 3.
The second accessor 28 may comprise a gripper 30 for accessing the
data storage media, and an XY system 255 for moving the second
accessor 28. The second accessor 28 may run on the same horizontal
mechanical path as first accessor 18, or on an adjacent path. The
exemplary control system additionally comprises an extension
network 200 forming a network coupled to network 60 of the storage
frame(s) 11 and to the network 157 of left hand service bay 13.
[0039] In FIG. 3 and the accompanying description, the first and
second accessors are associated with the left hand service bay 13
and the right hand service bay 14 respectively. This is for
illustrative purposes and there may not be an actual association.
In addition, network 157 may not be associated with the left hand
service bay 13 and network 200 may not be associated with the right
hand service bay 14. Depending on the design of the library, it may
not be necessary to have a left hand service bay 13 and/or a right
hand service bay 14.
[0040] An automated data storage library 10 typically comprises one
or more controllers to direct the operation of the automated data
storage library. Host computers and data storage drives typically
comprise similar controllers. A controller may take many different
forms and may comprise, for example but not limited to, an embedded
system, a distributed control system, a personal computer, or a
workstation. Essentially, the term "controller" as used herein is
intended in its broadest sense as a device that contains at least
one processor, as such term is defined herein. FIG. 4 shows a
typical controller 400 with a processor 402, RAM (Random Access
Memory) 403, nonvolatile memory 404, device specific circuits 401,
and I/O interface 405. Alternatively, the RAM 403 and/or
nonvolatile memory 404 may be contained in the processor 402 as
could the device specific circuits 401 and I/O interface 405. The
processor 402 may comprise, for example, an off-the-shelf
microprocessor, custom processor, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate
Array), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), discrete
logic, or the like. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 403 is typically
used to hold variable data, stack data, executable instructions,
and the like. The nonvolatile memory 404 may comprise any type of
nonvolatile memory such as, but not limited to, ROM (Read Only
Memory), PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically
Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), flash PROM (Programmable
Read Only Memory), NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory), MRAM
(Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory), battery backup RAM,
CompactFlash.RTM., SD (Secure Digital), CD (Compact Disk), DVD
(Digital Versatile Disk), hard disk drives, etc. The nonvolatile
memory 404 is typically used to hold the executable firmware and
any nonvolatile data. The I/O interface 405 comprises a
communication interface that allows the processor 402 to
communicate with devices external to the controller 400. Examples
may comprise, but are not limited to, serial interfaces such as
RS-232, USB (Universal Serial Bus), SCSI (Small Computer Systems
Interface), Fibre Channel, Ethernet, SAS (Serial Attached SCSI),
etc. The device specific circuits 401 provide additional hardware
to enable the controller 400 to perform unique functions such as,
but not limited to, motor control of a cartridge gripper. The
device specific circuits 401 may comprise electronics that provide,
by way of example but not limitation, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
control, Analog to Digital Conversion (ADC), Digital to Analog
Conversion (DAC), etc. In addition, all or part of the device
specific circuits 401 may reside outside the controller 400.
[0041] While the automated data storage library 10 is described as
employing a distributed control system, the described embodiments
may be implemented in various automated data storage libraries
regardless of control configuration, such as, but not limited to,
an automated data storage library having one or more library
controllers that are not distributed. A library controller may
comprise one or more dedicated controllers of a prior art library.
For example, there may be a primary controller and a backup
controller. In addition, a library controller may comprise one or
more processor nodes of a distributed control system. For example,
communication processor node 50 (FIG. 3) may comprise the library
controller while the other processor nodes (if present) may assist
the library controller and/or may provide backup or redundant
functionality. In another example, communication processor node 50
and work processor node 52 may work cooperatively to comprise the
library controller while the other processor nodes (if present) may
assist the library controller and/or may provide backup or
redundant functionality. Still further, all of the processor nodes
may comprise the library controller. Herein, library controller may
comprise a single processor or controller or it may comprise
multiple processors or controllers.
[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the front 501 and rear
502 of a data storage drive 15. In the example of FIG. 5, the data
storage drive 15 comprises a hot-swap drive canister. This is only
an example and is not meant to limit the invention to hot-swap
drive canisters. In fact, any configuration of data storage drive
may be used whether or not it comprises a hot-swap canister.
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a data storage cartridge
600. Data storage cartridge 600 comprises data storage media (not
shown). In one embodiment, the data storage media may be magnetic
tape and, accordingly, data storage cartridge 600 may be a tape
cartridge. The data storage cartridge 600 is inserted in data
storage drive 15 so that the data may be read and/or written to the
data storage media. As shown in FIG. 6, the data storage cartridge
600 comprises a generally rectangular housing 602 forming an
exterior dimensional form factor of the data storage cartridge 600.
The cartridge housing 602 has a top 604, a bottom 606, two sides
610, a front 612, and a back 614. A notch 608 is provided on the
data storage cartridge 600 for engaging with a retention tab of a
storage cell 16 of an automated data storage library 10. As shown,
in one embodiment the notch 608 is on a one side 610 of the data
storage cartridge 600. However, one of ordinary skill in the art
would understand that the notch 608 could be provided at any
location on the data storage cartridge 600. For example, the notch
608 could be provided either side 610 of the data storage
cartridge, the top 605 or bottom 607, or the front 612 or back 614
of the data storage cartridge 600, or at a plurality of locations
described above.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a storage cell 16
comprising storage cell housing 702. The housing 702 includes a
pair of opposing side walls 704, 706, a back wall 708, and a floor
710 which is orthogonal and connected to the two opposing side
walls 704, 706 and the back wall 710. The side walls 704, 706, back
wall 708, and floor 710 define an opening for inserting and
removing data storage cartridge 600. As shown in FIG. 8, the
housing 702 is modular in nature and can be stacked over another
housing to form a larger array of a plurality of storage cells 16.
For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a plurality of storage cells 16 on
front wall 17 and rear wall 19 of an automated data storage library
10. Returning to FIG. 7, the housing 702 conforms substantially to
the shape and size of a data storage cartridge 600 with tolerances
that allow the easy and convenient insertion of the cartridge
through the storage cell 16 opening.
[0045] The housing 702 includes a retention tab 712 for engaging
the notch 608 of data storage cartridge 600 when the data storage
cartridge is inserted into the storage cell 16. The retention tab
712 protrudes from a side wall 706 of the housing 702 and depresses
out of the path of the data storage cartridge when the data storage
cartridge is inserted within the housing 712 and engages with the
notch 608 of the data storage cartridge 600. The retention tab 712,
when engaged with the notch 608 of data storage cartridge, retains
the data storage cartridge 600 within the storage cell 16 and
prevents the data storage cartridge 600 from falling out from the
storage cell 16 due to outside influences such as machine vibration
or opening or closing of a door to the automated storage
library.
[0046] In one embodiment, the retention tab 712 includes at least
one textured surface 714 that contacts the notch 608 on data
storage cartridge 600 when the data storage cartridge is inserted
into the storage cell 16. The textured area 714 of the retention
tab 712 may include a texture of bumps, lines or grooves or any
combination including at least one of bumps, lines, or grooves. The
texture on textured surface 714 of retention tab 712 reduces the
contact surface between the retention tab 712 and the notch 608 of
the data storage cartridge 600. Accordingly the reduced contact
surface between the retention tab 712 and the notch 608 of the data
storage cartridge 600 reduces the amount of friction between the
retention tab 712 and the notch 608 of the data storage cartridge
600 such that the data storage cartridge 600 can be removed from
the storage cell 16 with less force than compared to a retention
tab 712 with a non-textured surface. For example, tests have shown
that providing a textured area 714 on retention tab 712 reduces the
force required to pull data storage cartridge 600 from the storage
cell 16 by thirty to fifty percent. Further, the textured surface
714 of the retention tab 712 allows for a more consistent force to
be applied in order remove each of the data storage cartridges from
their respective storage cells 16.
[0047] While FIG. 7 shows that the retention tab 712 is on a side
wall 706 of the housing 702, it should be understood that the
retention tab 712 could be on either side wall 704, 706 or floor
710 that corresponds with the notch 608 of the data storage
cartridge 600 when inserted into the storage cell 16. Still
further, while FIG. 7 shows that only area 714 of retention tab 712
includes texture, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand
that the entire retention tab 712 may be textured, or that other
surfaces that contact the notch 608 of data storage cartridge 600
may be textured. Finally, it should be understood that while the
texture in the present embodiment is described to only include
bumps, lines and grooves, one of ordinary skill in the art should
understand that the texture on texture surface 714 of retention tab
may be any texture that reduces the contact surface between the
retention tab 712 and the notch 608 of the data storage cartridge
600.
[0048] Returning to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the notch 608 of
data storage cartridge 600 includes at least one textured surface
616. Still further, in one embodiment, the notch 608 of data
storage cartridge 600 includes at least one textured surface that
contacts the retention tab 712 when the data storage cartridge 600
is inserted into storage cell 16. The textured area 616 of the
notch may include a texture of bumps, lines, or grooves or any
combination including at least one of bumps, lines, or grooves. The
texture on textured surface 616 of the notch 608 reduces the
contact surface between the retention tab 712 and the notch 608 of
the data storage cartridge 600. Accordingly the reduced contact
surface between the retention tab 712 and the notch 608 of the data
storage cartridge 600 reduces the amount of friction between the
retention tab 712 and the notch 608 of the data storage cartridge
600 such that the data storage cartridge 600 can be removed from
the storage cell 16 with less force than compared to a notch with a
non-textured surface. For example, test have shown that providing a
textured area 616 on notch 608 of the data storage cartridge 600
reduces the force required to pull data storage cartridge 600 from
the storage cell 16 by thirty to fifty percent. Further, the
textured surface 616 of the notch 608 of the data storage cartridge
600 allows for a more consistent force to be applied in order
remove each of the data storage cartridges from their respective
storage cells 16.
[0049] While FIG. 6 shows that only area 616 of notch 608 includes
texture, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the
entire notch 608 may be textured, or that other surfaces that
contact the retention tab 712 of the storage cell 16 may be
textured. Finally, it should be understood that while the texture
in the present embodiment is described to only include bumps, lines
and grooves the texture on texture surface 616 of notch 608 may be
any texture that reduces the contact surface between the retention
tab 712 and the notch 608 of the data storage cartridge 600.
[0050] The textured surface 616 of the notch 608 and the textured
surface 714 of the retention tab 712 can be provided by any means.
In one embodiment the textured surface may be molded, over-molded,
roughened, or scraped, however, the invention should not be limited
to these methods. Further, while the above description includes in
which the either the retention tab 712 may have a textured surface
714 or the notch 608 of the data storage cartridge 600 may have a
textured surface 616, one of ordinary skill in the art would
understand, that in one embodiment, both the retention tab 712 and
the notch 608 may have textured surfaces.
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of data storage cartridge
600 is inserted and removed from the storage cell 16 of an
automated data storage library 10. In one embodiment, the data
storage cartridge 600 is inserted and removed from the storage cell
16 by accessor 18 with a gripper assembly 20. The accessor 18
inserts data storage cartridge 600 with the back 614 of the data
cartridge housing 602 facing the back wall 708 of the storage cell
housing 702. As shown in FIG. 8, the notch 608 of the data storage
cartridge 600 aligns with the retention tab 712. As the accessor 18
inserts the data storage cartridge 600 in the storage cell the
retention tab 712 depresses out of the path of the data storage
cartridge 600 and engages with the notch 608 of the data storage
cartridge 600.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates data storage cartridge 600 inserted
within the storage cell 16. The retention tab 712 is engaged with
the notch 608 of the data storage cartridge 600. The retention tab
712 contacts the notch 608 along a textured interface. For example,
area 714 of retention tab 712 may contact area 616 of notch 608
when the data cartridge is fully inserted within the storage cell
16. In one embodiment, area 714 of retention tab is textured. In
another embodiment area 616 of notch 608 as textured. In yet
another embodiment, both areas 714 of the retention tab and area
616 of notch 608 are textured. By providing textured areas 714
and/or 616 the contact surface between the retention tab 712 and
the notch 608 of the data storage cartridge 600 is reduced. The
texture of textured areas 616 and 714 may include a texture of
bumps, lines or grooves or any combination including at least one
of bumps, lines, or grooves. Still further, the texture may include
any texture that increases the surface area of the textured areas
714 and 616 the retention tab 712 and notch 608, respectively.
[0053] Returning to FIG. 8, the accessor 18 removes the data
storage cartridge 600 from the storage cell 16 by applying a force,
F, in the direction indicated by FIG. 8. The reduced contact
surface between the retention tab 712 and the notch 608 of the data
storage cartridge 600 reduces the amount of friction between the
retention tab 712 and the notch 608 of the data storage cartridge
600 such that the data storage cartridge 600 can be removed from
the storage cell 16 with less force than compared to two
non-textured surfaces in contact. Further, the textured surface on
one of at least the notch 608 of the data storage cartridge 600 and
the retention tab 712 of the storage cell allows for a more
consistent force, F, to be applied to remove each of the data
storage cartridges from their respective storage cells. Therefore,
an accessor may be able to provide a low and consistent force to
remove a plurality of data storage cartridges from their respective
storage cells.
[0054] As described, embodiments of the present invention allow for
a textured interface between a notch of a data storage cartridge
and a retention tab of a storage cell to provide a consistent and
low friction force that retains the data storage cartridge within
the cell but allows the accessor to easily remove the data storage
cartridge when needed. The textured surface reduces the contact
surface between the retention tab and the notch of the data storage
cartridge. Accordingly, the reduced contact surface between the
retention tab and notch reduces the amount of friction between the
retention tab and the notch. The data storage cartridge can thus be
removed from the storage cell with less force than that required by
the prior art having a generally smooth interface between the notch
of the data storage cartridge and the retention tab of the storage
cell. Further, the textured surface allows for a more consistent
amount of friction between the notch and retention tab for each
data storage cartridge and its respective storage cell such that a
consistent amount of force can be applied by the accessor to remove
each data storage cartridge from their respective storage
cells.
[0055] The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention
has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is
intended that the scope of the embodiments be limited not by this
detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. The
above specification, examples and data provide a complete
description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the
embodiments. Since many embodiments may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the embodiments, the embodiments
reside in the claims hereinafter appended or any subsequently-filed
claims, and their equivalents.
* * * * *