DIMM Insertion Cam Profile for Controlled Socket Force Deceleration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current manual and automated methods for installing memory modules into computing devices often result in elevated strain rates, leading to damage to the memory modules, sockets, and circuit boards due to improper force application, which can cause system failures and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for inserting memory modules using insertion rods with a controlled deceleration mechanism, driven by an electronic simulated cam, to apply a gradually decreasing force, minimizing strain rates and ensuring proper seating of memory modules in memory sockets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current manual or automated installation methods are used, then installation speed is maintained, but elevated strain rates cause damage to memory modules, sockets, and circuit boards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage preventionVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static or simple automated insertion to a dynamically controlled insertion process. The cam mechanism creates a time-varying force profile during insertion, where the force gradually decreases as the memory module approaches the socket, preventing strain rate damage while maintaining installation capability. This dynamic force control resolves the contradiction between reliable damage-free installation and productive installation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the force parameter during the insertion process using a cam mechanism. Instead of applying constant force, the system varies the insertion force as a function of insertion distance, creating a gradually decreasing force profile. This parameter change allows the system to maintain installation speed while reducing peak strain rates that cause damage, thereby resolving the reliability-productivity contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If controlled deceleration is applied to reduce strain rates, then damage risk is reduced, but insertion time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule integrityVSAvoidinsertion time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism is pre-configured with a specific profile that anticipates the need for controlled deceleration. As the insertion rod approaches the socket, the cam geometry automatically reduces the applied force in advance, preventing strain rate damage before it occurs. This preliminary action maintains module integrity without requiring excessive insertion time, as the force reduction is built into the mechanical profile rather than being a reactive measure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If gradual force application is used, then strain rate damage is minimized, but force control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesocket and board safetyVSAvoidforce control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic force control systems with a purely mechanical cam mechanism. The cam profile inherently provides the gradual force reduction needed to minimize strain rate damage, eliminating the need for sensors, controllers, and feedback systems. This mechanical substitution achieves socket and board safety while actually reducing overall system complexity compared to electronic control approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3910640B1DIMM insertion electronic cam insertion profile
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3910640B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3910640B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3910640B1 patent drawingFigure 1E~1H

AI summary

The technology relates to a memory insertion machine for inserting memory modules into memory sockets on a circuit board. The memory insertion machine may include one or more insertion rods moveably mounted to one or more vertical guides and an insertion controller. The insertion controller may be configured to apply an insertion force to a memory module in a memory socket by controlling the movement of the one or more insertion rods on the one or more vertical guides. The movement of the one or more insertion rods may have a gradually decreasing deceleration as the insertion rods move towards the memory socket.