Memory Module Retainer Mounting for High-Vibration Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Memory modules in computer systems, particularly in ruggedized environments, face issues with loosening or dislodging due to high vibration, leading to operational instability and potential errors.

Innovation Solution

A retainer system is used to secure memory modules in place within memory sockets, providing triple redundancy retention along the x, y, and z axes, using a retainer that attaches to the memory module and socket latches to stabilize the module during high vibration conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If memory modules are mounted in memory sockets without additional retention mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates under high vibration conditions causing modules to loosen or dislodge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory module retention stabilityVSAvoidretention system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system is segmented into multiple independent retention points arranged along the memory module, with each point providing retention in specific directions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive three-axis retention stability without requiring a single complex retention mechanism, thereby improving reliability while controlling device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different retention points are designed with locally optimized structures tailored to their specific functional requirements. Each retention point provides retention forces in particular directions based on local vibration patterns and mechanical stress distributions, enabling the overall system to achieve superior reliability through localized optimization rather than uniform complexity throughout

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If traditional single-point retention mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the reliability deteriorates as the module can loosen or dislodge under vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule retention under vibrationVSAvoidretention mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system transitions from traditional single-point retention to a distributed multi-point retention architecture that operates across three spatial dimensions. By arranging retention points along the memory module and configuring them to provide forces in x, y, and z directions, the system achieves comprehensive retention stability without proportionally increasing complexity, as each dimension is addressed independently at multiple locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If multiple retention points are distributed along the memory module, then the reliability improves with triple redundancy, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetriple redundancy retentionVSAvoidretainer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer structure is designed as a universal multi-functional component that simultaneously provides retention forces in multiple directions (x, y, and z axes) through its geometric configuration. This single retainer structure performs multiple retention functions that would otherwise require separate mechanisms, achieving triple redundancy reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration

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

Data Source

PatentUS20250273907A1Rugged retainer mounting point system
Publication Date: 2025.08.28 SMART MODULAR TECH SDN BHD
  • US20250273907A1 patent drawing
  • US20250273907A1 patent drawing
  • US20250273907A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A memory module operation system for operating in high stress environments with strong vibration. The application and use of a retainer to reduce and dampen the effects of system vibration and the application of dynamic loads can retain a memory module in place in a memory socket. Further, the retainer can operate to reduce the effects of electromagnetic interference and can act as a heat transport system to reduce thermal stress on components.