Capacitor Module for SSD Space Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storage drives, particularly solid-state drives (SSDs), face space constraints due to large capacitors, which prevents the inclusion of additional flash memory components on the printed circuit board (PCB), limiting capacity and compactness.

Innovation Solution

A storage drive design that incorporates a capacitor module with a flat configuration, positioned at one end of the SSD, which increases usable board space by eliminating the need for fasteners and allows the capacitor module to be installed on the case, thereby freeing up space on the main PCB for more flash memory components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If large capacitors are used in storage drives, then power storage capability is improved, but board space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower storage capabilityVSAvoidboard space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor module transitions from a planar PCB-mounted configuration to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement where capacitors are positioned vertically above the PCB in a multi-layer structure, utilizing the Z-dimension to increase power storage capability without occupying additional board space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple capacitors are nested within a compact module structure where smaller capacitor components are arranged in a concentrated configuration within the module housing, allowing multiple energy storage elements to occupy a minimized footprint on the storage drive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If capacitors are mounted on the main PCB, then electrical connectivity is simplified, but flash memory component inclusion is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidflash memory component inclusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor assembly is segmented from the main PCB into a separate modular unit with its own dedicated PCB and mounting structure, allowing the main PCB to be dedicated entirely to flash memory components while the capacitor module maintains independent electrical connectivity through interface connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated capacitor module PCB serves as an intermediary between the main storage drive PCB and the capacitor array, managing electrical connections and signal routing while allowing the main PCB to maximize flash memory component density without direct capacitor mounting constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11516916B1Storage drive with capacitor module

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A storage drive, including: a main module, including: a main printed circuit board (PCB) having a first side positioned opposite to a second side; flash memory components positioned on the main PCB at a first end of the storage drive, a controller module positioned on the main PCB at a second end of the storage drive opposite to the first end; and a capacitor module, including: a module printed circuit board (PCB) having a first side positioned opposite to a second side; a plurality of capacitors positioned on the module PCB on the first side of the module PCB, wherein the capacitor module is coupled to the main module such that the capacitor module is positioned at the first end of the storage drive and the first side of the capacitor module faces the first side of the main module.