Memory Module Enclosure Assembly for Heat and Shock Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Memory devices, such as SSDs, face challenges with mechanical reliability due to exposure to vibrations, shocks, and high temperatures in environments like automobiles and aircraft, which can lead to malfunction and mechanical failure.

Innovation Solution

The memory device is designed with a sealed enclosure assembly that includes thermal interface materials and phase change materials to enhance heat capacity and mechanical strength, featuring a specific fastening structure with inter-device fastening pillars and a thermal gap filler to absorb shocks and dissipate heat effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the memory device is exposed to high temperature environments, then the operational reliability deteriorates, but adding thermal management components increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed to integrate multiple functions: structural protection, thermal management through phase change materials, and mechanical shock absorption through elastic fixing units. This merging of functions improves reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing incorporates phase change materials that undergo phase transitions at specific temperatures to absorb excess heat. This composite material approach provides passive thermal management, maintaining operational reliability in high-temperature environments without requiring active cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the memory device is subjected to external shocks and vibrations, then mechanical reliability deteriorates, but adding protective structures increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic fixing units are pre-configured to provide cushioning against mechanical shocks and vibrations. These units absorb impact energy before it reaches the substrate, maintaining mechanical reliability without requiring complex active protection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic fixing units function as flexible elements that deform under shock loads and return to their original position. This flexibility provides mechanical protection while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Temperature

If thermal interface materials and phase change materials are added to enhance heat capacity, then heat dissipation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure is merged with thermal management functions by incorporating phase change materials directly into the housing. This integration improves heat dissipation capability while avoiding the need for separate, complex cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Phase change materials are utilized to absorb and dissipate heat through phase transitions (e.g., solid to liquid). This passive thermal management approach enhances heat dissipation capability without requiring active cooling mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

4Strength

If a sealed enclosure assembly with fastening structure is implemented to improve mechanical strength, then resistance to external shocks improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a first housing part and a second housing part that can be separately assembled and fastened. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing and assembly while providing a sealed enclosure that resists external shocks and vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening structure serves multiple functions: it seals the enclosure, provides mechanical strength, and anchors the elastic fixing units. This multi-functionality improves resistance to external shocks without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides improved mechanical reliability and heat dissipation, ensuring the memory device remains functional in harsh environments and maintains performance under external shocks and high temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

phase change materials to enhance heat capacity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

thermal interface materials to enhance heat capacity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a fixing unit which has elasticity and is in contact with the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3923687B1Memory device and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3923687B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3923687B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3923687B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A memory device and an electronic device is provided. The memory device may include a memory module including a module board and a memory connector located on one side of the module board, a first enclosure placed above the memory module and a second enclosure placed below the memory module, wherein the first enclosure includes a first main cover which covers upper faces of the module board and the memory connector, at least one clamping hole which penetrates the main cover at a position overlapping the memory connector, an inter-device fastening pillar protruding downward from a lower face of the first main cover, and a coupling hole which is located inside the inter-device fastening pillar on a plane and penetrates the inter-device fastening pillar and the main cover.