Patent ID: 8489343

Claim:
A method for detecting the presence of constrained motion in one or more components in a computer system, the method comprising: monitoring a vibrational spectrum of the computer system while the computer system operates; analyzing the vibrational spectrum using a pattern-recognition model to detect constrained motion in one or more components in the computer system, wherein constrained motion occurs when at least one mounting fastener for a component is loose, so that the component impacts one or more fasteners, mounts, or other components in the computer system when vibrating, and wherein the pattern-recognition model classifies the vibrational spectrum as indicating constrained motion or as not indicating constrained motion; monitoring one or more performance parameters in the computer system; upon classifying the vibrational spectrum as indicating constrained motion, using the vibrational spectrum and the monitored performance parameters to identify which of the components in the computer system is undergoing the constrained motion; and sending a signal to alter a speed of a fan for the computer system until the constrained motion for at least one of the identified components is reduced or eliminated.