Memory Device Cooling via Automatic Coolant Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Volatile memory devices face data loss during unexpected power outages, as existing solutions like high current batteries are not always reliable and may pose fire risks, and data can still be lost due to battery failure or flat batteries.

Innovation Solution

A cooling system with a valve mechanism that automatically releases a non-toxic coolant, such as CO2 or a low boiling point liquid, to rapidly cool the memory device upon power loss, ensuring data retention by maintaining the memory device's temperature and allowing for data recovery upon power restoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If high current battery systems are used to preserve data during power loss, then data retention time is improved, but safety risks (fire hazard) and reliability (flat battery risk) worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retention timeVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical/chemical battery-based data preservation system with a mechanical/physical cooling system. Instead of using high current batteries to maintain memory operation, the invention uses a coolant delivery system with valves that mechanically releases coolant to cool the memory device, extending data retention without the reliability issues of battery systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameter of the memory device from temperature maintenance (via power supply) to temperature reduction (via coolant delivery). By actively cooling the memory device after power loss, the system extends the data retention window, achieving the same goal as battery systems but through a different physical parameter change

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If high current battery systems are used to preserve data, then data retention is improved, but harmful factors (fire risk) increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retention timeVSAvoidfire hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the high current battery system with a mechanical coolant delivery system. The valve mechanism and coolant delivery replace the electrical/chemical energy storage system, eliminating fire hazards while achieving data retention through physical cooling rather than electrical power maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of rapid heating (which causes data loss) into a beneficial cooling process. By delivering coolant to actively cool the memory device after power loss, the system transforms thermal management from a passive concern into an active data preservation mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If a cooling system with automatic valve release is used, then data retention during power loss is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retention timeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the loss of power itself triggers the cooling action. The valve mechanism is designed to automatically open when power is lost, eliminating the need for complex control systems, sensors, or external triggering mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the power loss condition as the trigger for data preservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares the cooling system in advance by pre-positioning coolant and configuring the valve mechanism before power loss occurs. The system is armed and ready, with the valve set to open automatically upon power loss, ensuring immediate cooling action without requiring complex real-time decision-making or control algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The cooling system effectively reduces the risk of data loss by maintaining memory device functionality for an extended period during power outages, allowing for data retention and recovery, even in environments where traditional battery solutions are unsuitable.

Implementation Method 1

the coolant will rapidly lower the temperature of the memory device being protected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A rapid physical cooling system is present, close to the memory device being protected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal cooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS9804643B2Cooling of a memory device

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A system for providing cooling of a memory device comprises a cooling system arranged to store a coolant, a valve system connected to the output of the cooling system, and a control system connected to the valve system and arranged to open the valve system when power is lost to the control system. The system further comprises a delivery system connected to the output of the valve system and arranged to deliver the coolant to the memory device and the cooling system comprises a canister of low boiling point fluid.