Electronic device, portable storage module, and system

Abstract

According to various embodiments, there may be provided a system which may include a portable storage module and an electronic device. The portable storage module may include a casing with an insertable portion. The portable storage module may further include a connector disposed at a first end segment of a pair of opposite end segments of the casing. The insertable portion may include the first end segment and at least a portion of a segment of the casing between the pair of opposite end segments of the casing. The insertable portion of the casing of the portable storage module may be insertable into a module-accommodation space within an internal space of a housing of the electronic device, via an opening at a wall of the housing of the electronic device, to interconnect a connector of the portable storage module with an inner connector of a mainboard of the electronic device.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE, PORTABLE STORAGE MODULE, AND SYSTEMTechnical Field

[0001] Various embodiments generally relate to an electronic device, a portable storage module, and a system which includes the electronic device and the portable storage module. In particular, various embodiments relate to an electronic device and a portable storage module which are interconnectable with each other, and a system which includes the intcrconncctablc electronic device and portable storage module.Background

[0002] The evolution of electronic devices, such as computers and laptops, has led to changes in performance, convenience, and functionality. However, despite these changes, existing technologies for managing and upgrading computer storage present several challenges and limitations.

[0003] In traditional computer systems, upgrading or replacing storage often necessitates disassembling the device, removing internal components, and accessing the storage drive. This process is not only complex and time-consuming, but also requires a certain level of technical expertise. Moreover, the intricate nature of this procedure increases the risk of damaging other internal components during disassembly.

[0004] External storage solutions have been introduced as an alternative to internal upgrades. However, these traditional storage solutions come with their own set of issues. Traditional storage solutions, while providing additional storage capacity, typically require separate cables and connectors. This reliance on external peripherals can lead to clutter, detracting from the sleek design of modern computers. Additionally, the performance of external drives may be limited by their connection interface, leading to increased latency and reduced overall performance.

[0005] Recognizing the above issues, there is a need for an enhanced and / or improved electronic device and a portable storage module that can address at least the above issues.Summary[00061 According to various embodiments, there may be provided a system which may include a portable storage module and an electronic device. The portable storage module may include a casing with a pair of opposite end segments. The portable storage module may further include a connector disposed at a first end segment of the pair of opposite end segments of the casing. The casing may include an inscrtablc portion. The insertable portion may include the first end segment and at least a portion of a segment of the casing between the pair of opposite end segments of the casing. The electronic device may include a housing defining an internal space. The housing may further include at least one wall with an opening. The electronic device may further include a mainboard with an inner connector. The mainboard may be disposed within the internal space of the housing in a manner such that the inner connector of the mainboard may be spaced apart from the opening at the wall of the housing to define a moduleaccommodation space extending between the inner connector and the opening at the wall of the housing, within the internal space of the housing. The inscrtablc portion of the casing of the portable storage module may be insertable into the moduleaccommodation space within the internal space of the housing via the opening at the wall of the housing of the electronic device, to interconnect the connector of the portable storage module with the inner connector of the mainboard of the electronic device.

[0007] According to various embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device. The electronic device may include a housing defining an internal space. The housing may include at least one wall with an opening. The electronic device may further include a mainboard with an inner connector. The mainboard may be disposed within the internal space of the housing in a manner such that the inner connector of the mainboard may be spaced apart from the opening at the wall of the housing to define a module-accommodation space extending between the inner connector and the opening at the wall of the housing, within the internal space of the housing. The opening at the wall of the housing and the module- accommodation space may be configured to receive an insertable portion of a casing of an external portable storage module therein forinterconnecting a connector of the external portable storage module with the inner connector of the mainboard of the electronic device.

[0008] According to various embodiments, there may be provided a portable storage module. The portable storage module may include a casing having a pair of opposite end segments. The portable storage module may further include a connector disposed at a first end segment of the pair of opposite end segments of the casing. The casing may include an insertable portion, the insertable portion including at least the first end segment and at least a portion of a segment of the casing between the pair of opposite end segments of the casing. The insertable portion may be configured or adapted to be inscrtablc into a housing of an electronic device.Brief description of the drawings

[0009] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments arc described with reference to the following drawings:FIG. 1A schematically depicts an electronic device and a portable storage module partially inserted into a module-accommodation space of the electronic device, according to various embodiments;FIG. IB schematically depicts the portable storage module of FIG. 1A interconnected with an inner connector of a mainboard of the electronic device of FIG. 1A, according to various embodiments;FIG. 1C schematically depicts the portable storage module of FIG. 1A having a male connector, according to various embodiments;FIG. ID schematically depicts the portable storage module of FIG. 1 A having a female connector, according to various embodiments;FIG. 2 shows a plan view of an electronic device in the form of a laptop, with a portable storage module interconnected with a motherboard of the laptop, according to various embodiments;FIG. 3A shows a plan view of a portable storage module for the laptop of FIG. 2, according to various embodiments;FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C show respective side views of the portable storage module of FIG. 3A, according to various embodiments;FIG. 3D shows a front view of the portable storage module of FIG. 3A, according to various embodiments;FIG. 3E shows a rear view of the portable storage module of FIG. 3A, according to various embodiments;FIG. 3F and FIG. 3G show various perspective views of the portable storage module of FIG. 3A, according to various embodiments;FIG. 3H shows an exploded perspective view of the portable storage module of FIG. 3 A, according to various embodiments;FIG. 31 shows a perspective see-through view of the portable storage module of FIG. 3 A interconnected ith an inner connector of a mainboard of the laptop of FIG. 2, according to various embodiments;FIG. 3J shows a plan view of a set of baffles on a ceiling portion of a casing of the portable storage module of FIG. 3A, according to various embodiments;FIG. 3K shows a plan view of another set of baffles on a base portion of the casing of the portable storage module of FIG. 3A, according to various embodiments;FIG. 3L shows a perspective view of the portable storage module of FIG. 3A, having a fan assembly, according to various embodiments;FIG. 3M is a partial exploded view of FIG. 3L, revealing a fan unit of the fan assembly, according to various embodiments;FIG. 3N is a close-up view of an exemplary fan unit for the fan assembly of FIG.3L, according to various embodiments; andFIG. 30 shows a perspective see-through view of the portable storage module of FIG. 3L interconnected with the inner connector of the mainboard of the laptop of FIG. 2, according to various embodiments.Detailed description roooioi Embodiments described below in context of the apparatus are analogously valid for the respective methods, and vice versa. Furthermore, it will be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, a part of one embodiment may be combined with a part of another embodiment.

[0011] It should be understood that the terms “on”, “over”, “top”, “bottom”, “down”, “side”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “lateral”, “up” etc., when used in the following description arc used for convenience and to aid understanding of relative positions or directions, and not intended to limit the orientation of any device, or structure or any part of any device or structure. In addition, the singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0012] Various embodiments relate to an electronic device (e.g. a computer, laptop, etc.) configured with a “module-accommodation space” - a passageway which may extend from a wall of the electronic device’s housing to a connector embedded deep within a mainboard (e.g. motherboard) of the electronic device. This direct-access passageway may enable seamless insertion and removal of a portable storage module, providing a direct connection to the motherboard for improved speed and convenience.

[0013] Various embodiments also relate to the portable storage module (or portable storage device). The portable storage module may include a casing (e.g. an outer casing) configured to be inscrtablc into the direct-access passageway of the electronic device. Thus, at least a portion of the casing of the portable storage module may be inserted into the direct-access passageway of the housing of the electronic device, to establish a secure and direct connection with the mainboard of the electronic device that is within the housing of the electronic device. According to various embodiments, this may not only improve user convenience but may also optimize performance.

[0014] Moreover, according to various embodiments, the direct connection between the portable storage module and the mainboard of the electronic device may offer several key advantages. By bypassing intermediary external cables, the direct connection may minimize latency and maximize data transfer speeds, ensuring faster read and write operations. Additionally, the secure and stable internal or inner connection (i.e. between the portable storage module and the mainboard of the electronic device) may reduce risk of data loss or corruption typically associated with traditional external or outer connections (e.g. external ports) of an electronic device.

[0015] Various embodiments may also relate to a thermal regulation arrangement or feature(s) which facilitate efficient heat dissipation from the portable storage module. According to various embodiments, this thermal regulation arrangement or feature(s)may ensure that the portable storage module remains within safe temperature ranges during use, preventing thermal throttling and enhancing the overall lifespan of the portable storage. Additionally, in various embodiments, the cooling system of the electronic device may also be optimized to manage heat generated by the portable storage module during use and operation (i.e. when interconnected with the electronic device), thereby ensuring consistent performance and reliability.

[0016] FIG. 1A schematically depicts an electronic device 100 and a portable storage module 140 partially inserted into a module- accommodation space 113 of the electronic device 100, according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. IB schematically depicts the portable storage module 140 of FIG. 1A interconnected with an inner connector 121 of a mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1A, according to various embodiments.

[0018] With reference to FIG. 1 A and FIG. IB, according to various embodiments, there may be provided the electronic device 100. According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may be a stationary electronic device 100 or it may be a portable electronic device 100. As some examples, a stationary electronic device 100 may include or may be any one of a desktop personal computer (PC), a tower (c.g. a computer processing unit (CPU) tower, computer tower, or gaming tower I case), a console (e.g. a gaming console), a server, a television (e.g. a smart television), monitor, etc. On the other hand, a portable electronic device 100 may include or may be any one of a laptop, a portable personal computer, a notebook (e.g. electronic notebook), a tablet (c.g. electronic tablet), a palmtop, handphone, smartphone, or gaming peripheral device, etc. For ease of illustration, various embodiments may be described with reference to the electronic device 100 being a portable electronic device 100, such as a laptop. Nevertheless, it is understood that the various embodiments described as such are not limited thereto. Accordingly, in various other embodiments, the electronic device 100 may, for example, include or may be a gaming console or a gaming tower.

[0019] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, the electronic device 100 may include a housing 110 (e.g. a main housing, a base housing of a laptop, etc.). In particular, the housing 110 may be a casing, an outer shell, or a chassis of the electronic device 100. Accordingly, the housing 110 may give physical form and / or shape to the electronic device 100 and may define an internal space 111 (e.g. a hollow internal space 111 or an enclosure) for accommodating (e.g.housing, containing, encasing, enclosing, etc.) one or more other components (e.g. a motherboard 120, fan unit 131, etc.) of the electronic device 100.

[0020] According to various embodiments, as an illustration, the housing 110 of the electronic device 100 may include a top panel and a base panel opposite the top panel. According to various embodiments, the base panel and the top panel may both be planar (e.g. substantially flat) and / or may be parallel to each other. The housing 1 10 may further include a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall, and a pair of side walls respectively adjoining opposite edges of the front wall and the rear wall. According to various embodiments, each of the front wall, the real' wall, and the pair of side walls of the housing 110 may be planar or may be non-planar (e.g. curved). Further, the front wall, the rear wall, and the pair of side walls of the housing 110 may be extending between the top panel and the base panel of the housing 110. According to various embodiments, any portion of the housing 1 10 serving as an outer shell or casing, such as the top panel, the base panel, the front wall, the rear wall, and / or the side wall(s), etc., of the housing 110 may be referred to as an “outer face” of the housing 110. Accordingly, each outer face of the housing 110 may bound the internal space 111 (e.g. bound at least a side of the internal space 111 of the housing 110). In other words, the internal space 111 may be defined by and confined within the (e.g. all) outer faces of the housing 110.

[0021] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include (e.g. further include) a mainboard 120 disposed within the internal space 111 of the housing 110. Particularly, the entire mainboard 120 may be disposed within the internal space 111 of the housing 110, without any portion (or component) of the mainboard 120 protruding or sticking outwards from the outer face of the housing 110. According to various embodiments, the mainboard 120 may be a main circuit board (e.g. a printed circuit board) or a motherboard of the electronic device 100. Particularly, the mainboard 120 (e.g. motherboard) may be configured to serve as a central hub connecting and / or enabling conununication between various components of the electronic device 100. According to various embodiments, as an illustration, the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100 may include any one or more components, such as a CPU socket (e.g. where a CPU may be installed), random access memory (RAM) slot(s) (e.g. where RAM module(s) may be installed), graphics chipset (e.g. an onboard graphic processing unit (GPU) or chipset for video output), outer or external connector(s) or interface(s)122 (e.g. audio jack, Ethernet port, High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDM1) port, Video Graphics Array (VGA) port, external Universal Serial Bus (USB) port(s). Secure Digital port, TransFlash port, etc.), a power connector (e.g. input for power supply and battery charging), etc.

[0022] In particular, according to various embodiments, the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100 may include at least one inner or internal connector (or interface) 121. According to various embodiments, this inner connector 121 may be embedded within (e.g. positioned inwardly or inside) the housing 110. Furthermore, the inner connector 121 may be configured to interconnect and / or interface (e.g. directly interconnect and / or directly interface) with an external storage component or external storage device, such as an external and / or portable storage module 140 (described in detail later). According to various embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 1A, with the mainboard 120 and its inner connector 121 disposed within the internal space 1 1 1 of the housing 110, the inner connector 121 may be situated within (e.g. entirely within), or at, a central or core portion 111b of the internal space 111 of the housing 110. In particular, this central or core portion 11 lb of the internal space 111 of the housing 110 may be surrounded or bounded within (or by) a peripheral edge portion I l la of the internal space 111 of the housing 110.

[0023] According to various embodiments, the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100 may include (e.g. further include) one or more outer connector(s) 122 which may be situated within (e.g. entirely within), or at, the peripheral edge portion 11 la of the internal space 111 of the housing 110.

[0024] Accordingly, in the above arrangement, according to various embodiments, the outer conncctor(s) 122 of the mainboard 120 may be at or proximal to an edge or a wall (e.g. side wall) (i.e. an outer face) of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100, while the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 may be located distal (or further away from) aforesaid edge or wall (i.e. outer face) of the housing 1 10.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120, positioned deeper inside the housing 110 of the electronic device 100, may provide a reliable and stable connection, with reduced or minimal movement, on any interconnection therewith. Additionally, the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 - which may be directly interfaced with (e.g. directly mounted on) a portion or an element of the mainboard 120 (e.g. such as a bridge chip of the mainboard 120) - mayalso offer a more direct and higher bandwidth interconnection with the mainboard 120. Specifically, according to various embodiments, the inner connector 121 may offer faster data transfer speeds between the portable storage module 140 and the mainboard 120 when they are directly interconnected with each other.

[0026] According to various embodiments, the housing 110 of the electronic device 100 may include (e.g. further include) an opening 1 12 at an outer face (e.g. wall, or side wall, etc.) of the housing 110. In other words, according to various embodiments, the housing 110 of the electronic device 100 may include (e.g. further include) at least one outer face (e.g. at least one wall) with an opening 112.

[0027] According to various embodiments, with the mainboard 120 disposed within the internal space 111 of the housing 110, the inner connector 121 of the mainboard120 may be spaced apart from (e.g. inwardly away or apart from) the opening 112 at the outer face of the housing 1 10, to define a module-accommodation space (or bay) 113 extending between the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 and the opening 112 at the outer face, within the internal space 111 of the housing 110. In other words, according to various embodiments, the mainboard 120 may be disposed within the internal space 111 of the housing 110 in a manner such that the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 may be spaced apart from the opening 112 at the outer face of the housing 110, thereby defining (e.g. forming or creating) the module-accommodation space 113 within the internal space 111 of the housing 110, between the inner connector121 of the mainboard 120 and the opening 112 at the outer face.

[0028] According to various embodiments, the module- accommodation space 113 may correspond to (e.g. may resemble, or may serve or function as, or may be configured as) a “direct-access passageway” within the internal space 111 of the housing 110. According to various embodiments, the opening 112 and the moduleaccommodation space 113 (e.g. direct-access passageway) may be configured (e.g. dimensioned, sized and / or shaped) to receive the portable storage module 140 therein. For instance, a cross-sectional area or profile (or size and / or shape) of the opening 112 and the module-accommodation space 113 may be larger than or substantially equal (e.g. similar or identical) to that of the portable storage module 140 (or its casing 150, described later). Specifically, according to various embodiments, the opening 112 and the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100 may be configured (or adapted) to receive an “insertable portion” of a casing 150 of theportable storage module 140 therein. According to various embodiments, the opening 112 and the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100 may provide access to the portable storage module 140, for the portable storage module 140 to directly interconnect with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100 (i.e. which is located internally of the housing 1 10 of the electronic device 100). That is, according to various embodiments, the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 may serve as a passageway for the portable storage module 140 to travel along, from the opening 112 at the outer face of the housing 110 to the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 that is located internally of the housing 110. Accordingly, in various embodiments, with the “insertable portion” of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 inserted into the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100, via the opening 1 12 atthe outer face of the housing 1 10, a connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 may interconnect (e.g. directly interconnect) with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100.[000291 According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1A, the moduleaccommodation space 113 (e.g. direct-access passageway) may be extending (e.g. inwardly) between (or from) the opening 112 at the outer face of the housing 110 and (or to) the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 within the internal space 111 of the housing 110. Specifically, according to various embodiments, the moduleaccommodation space 113 (e.g. direct-access passageway) may extend (e.g. linearly) inwardly from the opening 112 at the outer face of the housing 110, across the peripheral edge portion I l la (e.g. across an entire width of the peripheral edge portion 11 la) of the internal space 111 of the housing 110, and into the central portion 11 lb of the internal space 111 of the housing 110.

[0030] Hence, as depicted in FIG. 1A, the opening 112 may be at one end of the module-accommodation space 1 13, while the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 may be at another, opposite end of the module-accommodation space 113. In this manner, according to various embodiments, the opening 112, the moduleaccommodation space 113 (e.g. direct-access passageway), and the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100 may all be aligned (e.g. along a longitudinal axis 113a of the module-accommodation space 113).

[0031] Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 may be oriented to face outwards, towards the opening 112 at the outer face of the housing 110. In other words, according to various embodiments, the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 may be directed towards the opening 112 of the housing 110, from inside of the housing 110.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the module-accommodation space 1 13 (e.g. direct-access passageway) of the housing 110 may be elongated in shape (or form). That is, a length of the module-accommodation space 113 (measured along its longitudinal axis 113a) may be larger than a width of the module- accommodation space 113 (e.g. measured perpendicularly to its length or the longitudinal axis 113a). For example, the module-accommodation space 113 may have a width of at least between approximately 18 mm and approximately 25 mm (e.g. at least approximately 22 mm), in other words, may be at least approximately 18 mm or approximately 25 mm or wider. Further, the module-accommodation space 113 may have a length of at least between approximately 25 mm and approximately 120 mm (e.g. at least approximately 30 mm, or at least approximately 42 mm, or at least approximately 60 mm, or at least approximately 80 mm, or at least approximately 110 mm), in other words, may be at least approximately 25 mm or approximately 120 mm or longer. Nevertheless, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the module-accommodation space 113 may have any other suitable width and / or length. For instance, in various other embodiments, the module-accommodation space 113 may have a width other than (e.g. smaller than) at least between approximately 18 mm and approximately 25 mm and / or a length other than (e.g. smaller than) at least between approximately 25 mm and approximately 120 mm. According to various embodiments, a length of the moduleaccommodation space 113 may be longer than a length of the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 (e.g. measured along the longitudinal axis 113a). As an example, according to various embodiments, the length of the module-accommodation space 1 13 may be at least 1.5 times the length of the inner connector 121. Specifically, according to various embodiments, the length of the module-accommodation space 113 may be at least twice the length of the inner connector 121. Additionally, according to various embodiments, the module-accommodation space 113 may be a straight or linear module-accommodation space 113. In particular, according to various embodiments, the module-accommodation space 113 may define a straight and hollow path for theportable storage module 140 to move (e.g. slide) therealong. Accordingly, according to various embodiments, the module-accommodation space 113 may correspond to (or may resemble) a hollow channel, tunnel, bore, slot, passage, etc., configured to receive the portable storage module 140 (e.g. its casing 150) therein.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the module-accommodation space 113 may be unobstructed. Tn other words, the module-accommodation space 1 13 (e.g. the entire module-accommodation space 113) may be free or devoid of any fixed and / or immovable structure or component and / or any protrusions or partitions or separators or abutting member or extending member (e.g. along the entire length of the moduleaccommodation space 113) which would inhibit or prevent insertion (and sliding) of the portable storage module 140 into (and along) the module-accommodation space 113, to the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120.

[0034] However, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments (not shown), the housing 110 may include a movable dust cap (e.g. situated at the opening 112) of the housing 110. According to various other embodiments, such a dust cap may be vented (e.g. having air vent(s), or including a mesh, etc., which allows airflow thcrcacross). According to various other embodiments, the movable dust cap may be pivotably coupled to the housing 110 and may be biased towards a closed position, covering the opening 112.

[0035] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, there may be provided the portable storage module 140. According to various embodiments, the portable storage module 140 may include or may be a portable storage / memory device, for example, an external and / or portable Solid State Drive (SSD).

[0036] According to various embodiments, the portable storage module 140 may be configured to be insertable into the module-accommodation space 113 (e.g. direct- access passageway) of the housing 1 10 of the electronic device 100, to interconnect (e.g. directly interconnect) with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100.

[0037] To illustrate, with reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, the portable storage module 140 may include a casing 150 (e.g. an outer casing, housing, etc.). According to various embodiments, this casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be configured to be insertable into (and / or along) the module-accommodation space 113(e.g. the entire module-accommodation space or direct-access passageway 113) of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100. Particularly, according to various embodiments, at least a portion (herein referred to as an “insertable portion”) of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be insertable (or configured or adapted to be insertable) into the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100. According to various embodiments, this insertable portion of the casing 150 may include at least a first end segment (e.g. front end segment) of the casing 150 (e.g. where a connector 161, described later, may be disposed) as well as at least a portion of a segment (e.g. an intermediate segment) of the casing 150 between the first end segment and an opposite second end segment (e.g. rear end segment) of the casing 150.

[0038] As an illustration, according to various embodiments, the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may include a “side face” or side wall (e.g. a plurality of adjoining side panels or walls, or a continuous curved panel or wall, etc., of the casing 150), which extends between the pair of opposite end segments (e.g. front end segment and rear end segment) or a pair of opposite end faces (e.g. a front panel / wall and a rear panel / wall) of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140. According to various embodiments, each of the end faces (e.g. the front panel and / or the rear panel) of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be planar or non-planar (e.g. curved).

[0039] Further, as an illustration / non-limiting example, according to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a portion (e.g. inner portion) or an inner surface of the housing 110, or may include an inner component or structure, which may define or give physical form to the module- accommodation space 113 (e.g. at least the sides of the module-accommodation space 113).

[0040] According to various embodiments, the side face or side wall - in particular an outer surface of the side face or side wall - of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be configured (or adapted) to interact (e.g. engage, interface, etc.) and / or cooperate with the housing 110 of the electronic device 100, in particular with an inner surface or portion of the housing 110 (or an inner component or structure) of the electronic device 100 which may define or give physical form to the moduleaccommodation space 113 (e.g. when the housing 110 includes such an inner surface or portion, or component or structure, for defining the module-accommodation space 113). According to various embodiments, this interaction and / or cooperation mayfacilitate sliding motion of the portable storage module 140 along an insertion axis 113b (e.g. a linear insertion axis) of the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100. Specifically, the side face of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 and the module-accommodation space 113 of the electronic device 100 may cooperate (e.g. inter-engage, interface, etc., with each other) such that the entire portable storage module 140 may slide as a whole (e.g. as a single piece, entity, or body), along (e.g. along only) the insertion axis 113b (e.g. a lineal' insertion axis) of the module- accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100.

[0041] In particular, as an illustration, according to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include an alignment and / or sliding engagement element 116 (herein referred to as “engagement element 116”, for ease of description) on (e.g. formed on) the inner surface or portion of the housing 1 10 (or an inner component or structure) of the electronic device 100 defining the module-accommodation space 113, while the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may include a corresponding alignment and / or sliding engagement element 156 (herein referred to as “engagement element 156”, for ease of description) at the “insertable portion” of the casing 150 and / or on (e.g. formed on) an outer surface of the side face or side wall of the casing 150. According to various embodiments, the engagement element 116 of the electronic device 100 and the corresponding engagement element 156 of the portable storage module 140 may be configured to slidably engage with each other, when (or as) the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 is inserted into the moduleaccommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100 (i.e. to interconnect the portable storage module 140 with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100). As some examples, according to various embodiments, the engagement element 116 of the electronic device 100 and the corresponding engagement element 156 of the portable storage module 140 may include or may be inter-engageable engagement elements, such as tongue and groove, tab and slot, keyway and key, or form-fit or form-lock elements (e.g. based on corresponding or matching shapes and / or sizes and / or contours of the moduleaccommodation space 113 and the casing 150).

[0042] Additionally, according to various embodiments, to facilitate sliding (or gliding) movement of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 relative to (e.g.against) the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100, the outer surface of the casing 150 and / or the inner surface or portion of the housing 110 (or an inner component or structure) of the electronic device 100 defining the module-accommodation space 113 may include or may be smooth, nonstick (e.g. non-stick coated, Teflon-coated, etc.), lubricated, polished, slippery, low- friction, or slick, etc. As an example, according to various embodiments, the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 and / or the inner surface or portion of the housing 110 (or an inner component or structure) of the electronic device 100 defining the module-accommodation space 113 may include or may be composed of a polymer material (e.g. plastic), glass, ceramic, or any other suitable material (or material composite) with low-friction properties.

[0043] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, the portable storage module 140 may include a connector (e.g. an interface, a connector end, a connector interface, etc.) 161. According to various embodiments, this connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 may be configured to be compatible for direct and detachable interconnection with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100.

[0044] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, the connector 161 may be disposed (or situated) at a first end segment (e.g. front end segment) of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 and may be a discrete component from the casing 150. For example, according to various embodiments, the connector 161 may be disposed at a first end face (e.g. at the front panel) of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 and may be directed (or facing) outwar dly (i.e. away from the first end face). Specifically, according to various embodiments, the connector (e.g. entire connector) 161 may be situated at a single face (e.g. first end face) of the casing 150 and may be facing a single direction (e.g. a single, forward direction) from that face (e.g. first end face) of the casing 150. In this manner, as depicted in FIG. 1A, when the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 is inserted into the moduleaccommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100, with the engagement element 156 of the portable storage module 140 slidably engaged with the engagement clement 116 of the electronic device 100, the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 may be directed or facing (e.g. directly facing and / or aligned with) the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 may be configured (or adapted) to interconnect or interface (e.g. directly interconnect or directly interface) with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100. In other words, the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 may be compatible and fittingly interconnected (i.e. in a detachable manner) with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100. According to various embodiments, this direct interconnection (i.e. between the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 and the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120) may enable direct electrical communication (e.g. signal transfer, data transfer, etc.) between the portable storage module 140 and the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100.

[0046] FIG. 1C schematically depicts the portable storage module 140 having a male connector, according to various embodiments.

[0047] As an illustration, with reference to FIG. 1C, according to various embodiments, the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 may be a male connector (e.g. a head, plug, etc.) that protrudes outwardly from the first end face of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140.

[0048] Conversely, in this example, according to various embodiments, the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100 may be a female connector.

[0049] Consequently, the male connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 may be inscrtablc into the female connector of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100, thereby directly interconnecting the portable storage module 140 and the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100.

[0050] FIG. ID schematically depicts the portable storage module 140 having a female connector, according to various embodiments.

[0051] As another illustration, according to various other embodiments, with reference to FIG. ID, the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 may be a female connector (e.g. a recessed socket, receptacle, etc.) that is recessed into the first end face of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140.

[0052] Conversely, according to various other embodiments, the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100 may be a male connector which may be interconnectable with this female connector of the portable storage module 140.

[0053] According to various embodiments, as some examples, with reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 and the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 may include or may be intcrconncctablc connectors, such as interconnectable USB connectors, Thunderbolt connectors, Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) connectors, M.2 connectors, etc., or any other suitable directly interconnectable connectors. Specifically, according to various embodiments, the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 and the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 may include or may be intcrconncctablc and / or compact-sized and / or reversible connectors, such as USB-C connectors. For instance, the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 may be a female USB-C connector, while the inner connector 121 of the main board may be a male USB-C connector, or vice versa. Nevertheless, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 and the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 may include or may be any other type (or standard or form) of compact-sized and / or symmetrically-shaped connectors (e.g. having bilateral / two-fold symmetry, or quadrilateral / four-fold symmetry). According to various embodiments, such symmetrically-shaped connectors may be (or may correspond to or may be referred to as) reversible connectors.

[0054] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be elongated in shape. That is, the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be longer in length (measured along a longitudinal axis 140a thereof, e.g. parallel to and / or coinciding with the insertion axis 113b of the module-accommodation space 113, shown in FIG. 1A, i.e. when the portable storage module 140 is inserted into the module-accommodation space 113) than width thereof (e.g. measured perpendicularly to the length). For example, the casing 150 may have a width of at least between approximately 18 mm and approximately 25 mm (e.g. at least approximately 22 mm), in other words, may be at least approximately 18 mm or approximately 25 mm or wider. Further, the casing 150 may have a length of at least between approximately 25 mm and approximately 120 mm (e.g. at least approximately 30 mm, or at least approximately 42 mm, or at least approximately 60 mm, or at least approximately 80 mm, or at least approximately 110 mm), in other words, may be at least approximately 25 mm or approximately 120 mm or longer. Nevertheless, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, thecasing 150 may have any other suitable width and / or length. For instance, in various other embodiments, the casing 150 may have a width other than (e.g. smaller than) at least between approximately 18 mm and approximately 25 mm and / or a length other than (e.g. smaller than) at least between approximately 25 mm and approximately 120 mm. According to various embodiments, a length of the entire portable storage module 140 (which includes the casing 150 and the connector 161 ) may be longer than a length of the connector 161 itself. According to various embodiments, a length of the casing 150 itself may also be longer than a length of the connector 161 itself, ft is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments (not shown), the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may have a shorter length compared to its width.

[0055] Additionally, with reference to FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, according to various embodiments, a diameter or a width (e.g. average diameter, average width, or a widest width) of the casing 150 may be larger than that of the connector 161 (e.g. head, plug, or port, receptacle, socket, etc., or male or female connector) of the portable storage module 140 (i.e. which is interconnectable with the inner connector 121 of mainboard 120). In these embodiments, the longitudinal axis 140a of the portable storage module 140 may be extending lengthwise of the casing 150. The side face or side wall of the casing 150 may surround or encircle the longitudinal axis 140a, while the connector 161 may be aligned with or positioned along the longitudinal axis 140a. According to various embodiments, the longitudinal axis 140a may be, but not necessarily, centrally located within the portable storage module 140 (or the casing 150).

[0056] Nevertheless, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments (not shown), the side face (e.g. the outer surface of the side face or side wall) of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be flush or level (e.g. substantially flush or level) with an outer side surface of the connector 161 (e.g. head, plug, or port, receptacle, socket, etc., or male or female connector) of the portable storage module 140 (i.e. which is interconnectable with the inner connector 121 of mainboard 120). That is, in various other embodiments (not shown), a diameter or width (e.g. average diameter, average width, or a widest width) of the casing 150 may be similar or identical to that of the connector 161.

[0057] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, the portable storage module 140 (or the casing 150) may be composed of (or divided into) a plurality of reference segments. Specifically, referring to FIG. 1C and FIG. ID,the portable storage module 140 may include a first end segment 150a (e.g. a front end segment) and a second end segment 150c (e.g. a rear end segment) opposite the first end segment 150a. The portable storage module 140 may further include an intermediate segment 150b, located between and adjoining the first end segment 150a and the second end segment 150c. According to various embodiments, the first end segment 150a, the intermediate segment 150b, and the second end segment 150c may be discrete and / or non-overlapping segments of the portable storage module 140. As an illustration, with reference to FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, the intermediate segment 150b may be longer than the first end segment 150a and / or second end segment 150c (e.g. measured along the longitudinal axis 140a of the portable storage module 140). Nevertheless, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, each of the first end segment 150a and / or the second end segment 150c may be longer than the intermediate segment 150b of the casing 150.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the engagement element 156 of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be discrete and / or distinct from the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140.

[0059] For instance, with reference to FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 may be situated (e.g. entirely situated or disposed) within the first end segment 150a of the portable storage module 140 (or the casing 150). On the other hand, at least a segment (or portion) of the engagement element 156 of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be at, at least, one or more scgmcnt(s) of the portable storage module 140 (or the casing 150) other than the first end segment 150a (i.e. where the connector 161 may be situated). In particular, according to various embodiments, the engagement clement 156 may be at the “insertable portion” of the casing 150. As an example, depicted in FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, according to various embodiments, at least a segment (or portion) of the engagement element 156 of the portable storage module 140 may be at the intermediate segment 150b of the portable storage module 140 (or the casing 150). Nevertheless, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the engagement element 156 of the portable storage module 140 may be at the second end segment 150c, or may on at least both the intermediate segment 150b and the second end segment 150c, or may be on at least both the intermediate segment 150b and the first end segment 150a.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the above configuration may facilitate secure and stable interconnection between the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 and the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100. Specifically, such a configuration of the engagement element 156 of the portable storage module 140 may result in the engagement element 156 of the portable storage module 140 being slidably engaged with (and, hence, guided by) the engagement element 116 of the electronic device 100, as the portable storage module 140 is slid along the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100 towards the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100.

[0061] Referring back to FIG. 1 A, according to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 and the portable storage module 140 may be configured such that when (or as) the portable storage module 140 is inserted into and / or slidably engaged with the module-accommodation space 1 13 of the housing 1 10 of the electronic device 100, the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 may be aligned (e.g. immediately aligned) with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100. hr particular, a coupling element (e.g. receptacle, or plug) of the connector 161 may be aligned (e.g. linearly and / or horizontally aligned) with a corresponding (e.g. connectable) coupling element (e.g. plug, or receptacle) of the inner connector 121. For example, according to various embodiments, the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 may be positioned along the longitudinal axis 140a of the portable storage module 140, while the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 may be positioned along the insertion axis 113b of the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100. Consequently, during insertion of the portable storage module 140 into the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100, the longitudinal axis 140a of the portable storage module 140 may align (e.g. coincide) with the insertion axis 113b of the module-accommodation space 1 13 of the housing 1 10 of the electronic device 100, ensuring alignment of the connector 161 and inner connector 121.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include (e.g. further include) a heat-dissipation assembly (or arrangement) disposed within the internal space 111 of the housing 110. According to various embodiments, this heatdissipation assembly may function as a “cooling system” or “thermal management system” configured to dissipate heat generated by one or more internal components(herein referred to as “heat-generating components) of the electronic device 100. According to various embodiments, these heat-generating components may be disposed in the internal space 111 of the housing 110 (i.c. along with the heat-dissipation assembly). According to various embodiments, any one or more of the heat-generating components may process information and / or perform operation(s), and generate heat as a result. As some examples, the heat-generating components may include any one or more of a controller, a motherboard (i.e. the mainboard 120), a CPU and / or a GPU (e.g. on a Printed Circuit Board), etc., and / or any other electronic or electrical component (e.g. such as an internal battery) of the electronic device 100. According to various embodiments, the heat-dissipation assembly may be configured to regulate (e.g. control, maintain, or cool, etc.) a temperature of the heat-generating components as well as the internal space 111 of the housing 110. As some examples, the heat-dissipation assembly may include any one or more (e.g. a combination, arrangement, etc.) of at least one fan unit 131 (e.g. at least one fan, cooling fan, CPU fan, GPU fan, etc.), at least one heat sink (e.g. configured to adsorb and dissipate heat), thermal duct(s), and / or heat pipe(s), etc., and / or any other suitable thermal management mechanism or component.

[0063] In particular, according to various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, the heat-dissipation assembly of the electronic device 100 may include a fan unit 131 (or fan) fluidly connected to or in fluidic communication with the moduleaccommodation space 113 in the housing 110.

[0064] In this manner, the fan unit 131 may be configured to and / or capable of expelling air into the module-accommodation space 113. This air may then travel along the module-accommodation space 113 and exit the housing 110 via the opening 112 of the housing 110.

[0065] It is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the fan unit 131 may be configured to draw (e.g. suck) in ambient air from outside of the housing 110 into the internal space 1 1 1 of the housing 1 10 via the module-accommodation space 1 13 and the opening 112 of the housing 110.

[0066] According to various embodiments, referring to FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may include at least one air inlet port 152 (for air to enter the casing 150) and at least one air outlet port 154 (for air to exit the casing 150). According to various embodiments, the air inlet port 152 and the air outlet port 154 may serve (or function) as ventilation ports (or openings) at the casing150 of the portable storage module 140. In particular, these ventilation ports may be distinct and / or discrete (e.g. separate) from an opening (e.g. at a front panel) of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 where the connector 161 may be situated. [000671 According to various embodiments, the air inlet port 152 and the air outlet port 154 of the casing 150 may be fluidly connected to one another (e.g. via an airflow path or passage, described in detail later). Accordingly, air that enters the casing 150 through the air inlet port 152 may flow along the airflow path and exit via the ah' outlet port 154 of the casing 150.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, according to various embodiments, the air inlet port 152 of the casing 150 may be located proximally to the connector 161, while the air outlet port 154 may be located distally from the connector. Specifically, according to various embodiments, the air inlet port 152 may be at a segment of the portable storage module 140 (or of the casing 150) that is proximal (or nearer or closer) to the connector 161, while the air outlet port 154 may be at another segment of the portable storage module 140 (or of the casing 150) that is distal (or further) from the connector 161. It is envisaged that, in various embodiments, the air inlet port 152 may be at a same segment of the portable storage module 140 as the connector 161, or at a different segment of the portable storage module 140 from the connector 161.

[0069] In particular, as depicted in FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, according to various embodiments, the air inlet port 152 may be at a side face or side wall of the casing 150 (e.g. with a hole axis thereof being non-parallel or perpendicular' to the longitudinal axis 140a of the portable storage module 140). As an example, the air inlet port 152 may be at the intermediate segment 150b of the portable storage module 140 (or of the casing 150). It is also envisaged, that, in various other embodiments (not shown), the air inlet port 152 may be at any other suitable segment (e.g. at the first end segment 150a) of the portable storage module 140 (or of the casing 150). Specifically, according to various embodiments, the air inlet port 152 may be situated at a region or portion or segment of the side face of the casing 150 which would be located (or housed or contained or embedded) within the internal space 111 of the housing 110 (specifically, within the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110) of the electronic device 100, when the portable storage module 140 is inserted (i.e. “completely” inserted) into the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 in a manner such that the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 is interconnected (i.e. completelyinterconnected) with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100 (as depicted in FIG. IB). More specifically, according to various embodiments, the air inlet port 152 may be situated within the “insertable portion” of the casing 150.

[0070] According to various embodiments, referring back to FIG. IB, the fan unit 131 of the heat-dissipation assembly of the electronic device 100 and / or the air inlet port 152 of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be configured (e.g. positioned, oriented, connected, etc.) such that, with the portable storage module 140 completely inserted into the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100 (i.c. with the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 interconnected with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100), the fan unit 131 may be fluidly connected to (or in fluidic communication with) the air inlet port 152 of the portable storage module 140. For example, with the portable storage module 140 completely inserted into the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100 (i.e. with the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 interconnected with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100), as depicted in FIG. IB, the fan unit 131 and the air inlet port 152 may be aligned with each other and / or may be fluidly connected to each other (e.g. via an intermediate air duct, not shown in FIG. IB). In this manner, according to various embodiments, fluid (e.g. air) may flow freely between (or from) the fan unit 131 and (or to / into) the air inlet port 152 of the portable storage module 140. In particular, according to various embodiments, in this arrangement, the fan unit 131 may be configured to move (e.g. expel or push) air into the ah' inlet port 152 of the portable storage module 140.

[0071] Consequently, according to various embodiments, the air that enters the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 (i.e. via the air inlet port 152) may exit via the air outlet port 154 of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140.

[0072] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. IB, the air outlet port 154 of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be situated at a second end face (e.g. a rear panel) of the casing 150, opposite the first end face (e.g. front panel) of the portable storage module 140. As such, a hole axis (not shown) of the air outlet port 154 may be parallel (e.g. substantially parallel) to the longitudinal axis 140a of the portable storage module 140. According to various embodiments, with thisconfiguration, air may exit the air outlet port 154 of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 in a direction away from the housing 110 of the electronic device 100 (i.c. when the portable storage module 140 is interconnected with the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100).

[0073] It is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments (not shown), the portable storage module 140 may be configured (e.g. dimensioned) such that, with the portable storage module 140 completely inserted into the module-accommodation space 113 (i.c. in a manner such that the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 is completely interconnected with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120), at least a segment (c.g. a second end segment 150c) of the portable storage module 140 (e.g. its casing 150) may be situated outside of the housing 110 (in other words, protruding outwardly from the outer face of the housing 110) of the electronic device 100. In this example, according to various other embodiments, the air outlet port 154 may be located at the side face of the casing 150, particularly, at the aforesaid segment of the casing 150 that is situated outside of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100. Consequently, air may exit the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 via the air outlet port 154 at the segment of the casing 150 that is situated outside of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, according to various embodiments, the portable storage module 140 may define an airflow path between (or from) the air inlet port 152 and (or to) the air outlet port 154. In particular, the airflow path may be a conduit (c.g. a hollow or a substantially hollow conduit) that directs airflow from the air inlet port 152 to the air outlet port 154 of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140.

[0075] To illustrate, according to various embodiments, an inner surface (or the inner surfaces) of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may bound or may serve as boundaries of the aforementioned airflow path. According to various embodiments, to mitigate turbulent airflow within the casing 150, the walls (or panels) of the casing 150 may be devoid of any sharp or pointed corners or edges. In particular, according to various embodiments, any one or more or all corners and / or edges (e.g. internal corners and / or internal edges) of the casing 150 may have a rounded or curved profile.

[0076] As another illustration, according to various embodiments, the portable storage module 140 may include a plurality of baffles (or guide vanes) (see, for example, reference 280 in FIG. 3H) disposed and / or arranged within the casing 150 (c.g. within an internal space 111 of the casing 150). According to various embodiments, the plurality of baffles may be configured and / or capable of directing air that enters the casing 150 via the air inlet port 152 towards the air outlet port 154 of the casing 150. As an example, according to various embodiments, this plurality of baffles may be at or on (c.g. extending from or coupled to) the inner surface of the casing 150. According to various embodiments, the plurality of baffles may be, but is not limited to being, perpendicular to the inner surface of the casing 150. Additionally, according to various embodiments, at least one of the plurality of baffles may be an elongate and / or a continuous baffle that extends (or runs) (e.g. in a substantially uninterrupted manner) from the air inlet port 152 to the air outlet port 154 of the casing 150 and / or between opposing inner surfaces of the casing 150 (e.g. between or from an inner surface of a base portion of the casing 150 and or to an inner surface of an opposite ceiling portion of the casing 150). According to various embodiments, a pair of elongate and / or continuous baffles may run alongside and / or parallel each other, while being spaced apart, to define a respective airflow path therebetween. Specifically, such a pair of elongate and / or continuous baffles may be immediately adjacent to each other without any intervening structure or component (e.g. without any intervening baffles or guide vanes), or they may be spaced apart from each other with one or more intervening baffles or guide vanes (c.g. shorter and / or non-continuous baffles or guide vanes) between them. According to various embodiments, when a pah- of elongate and / or continuous baffles arc spaced apart from each other with one or more intervening baffles or guide vanes disposed between them, the pair of elongate and / or continuous baffles may be positioned at the outermost side edges of an airflow path, thereby defining (or establishing) the side boundaries of that airflow path.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the portable storage module 140 may include (e.g. further include) a memory component (see, for example, reference 272 in FIG. 3H) disposed within the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140. According to various embodiments, this memory component may be configured to store and retain data. Specifically, the memory component may include or may be a memory storage medium (e.g. non-volatile memory storage medium) which may retain data regardless(or independently) of a power source, and may be electrically erased, programmed, or reprogrammed by a user. As an example, the memory component may include or may be memory chip(s). Specifically, according to various embodiments, the portable storage module 140 may be a SSD (or a SSD device) and the memory component of the portable storage module 140 may include or may be a solid-state memory, such as NAND flash memory chip(s).

[0078] According to various embodiments, the portable storage module 140 may include (c.g. further include) a controller (sec, for example, reference 273 in FIG. 3H) configured to manage various function(s), such as data read and data write operations, error correction, etc. According to various embodiments, the controller of the portable storage module 140 may communicate with the memory component (e.g. memory chip(s)) of the portable storage module 140, via electrical path way (s) (e.g. wired connection(s)) and / or interface(s) to perform its functions. That is, the controller may be electrically connected to the memory component.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the portable storage module 140 may be configured to regulate (e.g. cool) a temperature of at least the memory component and / or the controller during operation or use. In particular, the memory component and / or the controller may be disposed along the aforementioned airflow path defined by the portable storage module 140.

[0080] As an illustration, according to various embodiments, the memory component and / or the controller may be disposed within a space between a pair of adjacent and spaced apart baffles defining an airflow path. In this manner, air that flows between the pair adjacent and spaced apart baffles may interact (e.g. flow pass and come into contact) with the exposed outer surfacc(s) of the memory' component and / or the controller.

[0081] As another illustration, according to various embodiments, the memory component and / or the controller may be disposed (e.g. positioned and / or oriented) in a manner such that an outer surface of the memory component and / or the controller may bound a (e.g. one) side of an airflow path. In this configuration, air flowing through the airflow path would interact (e.g. flow pass and come into contact) with the aforesaid outer surface of the memory component and / or the controller (described in detail later, with reference to FIG. 3H).

[0082] In the above manner, according to various embodiments, heat generated by the memory component and / or the controller may be dissipated out the air outlet port 154 of the casing 150 (c.g. as the air absorbs heat from the memory component and / or the controller before exiting the air outlet port 154 of the casing 150).

[0083] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, the electronic device 100 and the portable storage module 140 may together form, or be part of a system (or an assembly) 1000.

[0084] According to various embodiments, within the system 1000, the portable storage module 140 may serve as a modular storage (or memory) device, which may enhance overall storage capacity and functionality of the electronic device 100.

[0085] Particularly, within the system 1000, the insertable portion of the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be insertable into the module-accommodation space 1 13 within the internal space 1 1 1 of the housing 1 10 via the opening 1 12 at the outer face (e.g. wall) of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100, to interconnect the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100.

[0086] More particularly, according to various embodiments, when the portable storage module 140 includes the engagement element 156 and when the electronic device 100 includes the corresponding engagement element 116, the casing 150 of the portable storage module 140 may be insertable into the hollow module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100 via the opening 112 of the housing 110, with the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 directed towards the inner connector 121 of the mainboar d 120 and with the engagement element 156 of the portable storage module 140 slidably engaged with the engagement clement 116 of the electronic device 100, to interconnect the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 with the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the above arrangement may enable direct connection between the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 and the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100, enabling efficient data transfer within the system 1000.

[0088] Additionally, according to various embodiments, the system 1000 may include an ejection mechanism (not shown) configured to detach and / or eject the portable storage module 140 from the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of theelectronic device 100. For example, the ejection mechanism may include a Push-Pull lever or a Push-Push mechanism. As an illustration, the ejection mechanism (e.g. Push- Push mechanism) may be configured such that an initial or first push of the portable storage module 140 into the module-accommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100 may engage and interconnect the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 and the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100. A subsequent or second push (i.e. immediately after the first push) of the portable storage module 140 in a same direction (c.g. inward of the moduleaccommodation space 113 of the housing 110 of the electronic device 100) may disengage and / or eject (c.g. with the aid of a biasing member) the portable storage module 140 away from the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100. As another illustration, according to various other embodiments, the ejection mechanism may include a locking or latching element (or member) which may be configured to prevent accidental disconnection between the connector 161 of the portable storage module 140 and the inner connector 121 of the mainboard 120 of the electronic device 100. According to various embodiments, a user may disengage the locking element (c.g. by performing a second push of portable storage module 140) to remove the portable storage module 140 from the housing 110.

[0089] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of an electronic device in the form of a laptop 200, with a portable storage module 240 interconnected with a motherboard 220 of the laptop 200, according to various embodiments.

[0090] According to various embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device, such as the laptop 200 shown in FIG. 2.

[0091] According to various embodiments, the laptop 200 (i.e. electronic device) may contain any one or more or all the features and / or limitations of the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1A and FIG. IB. In the following, the laptop 200 is described with like reference characters generally referring to the same or corresponding parts / features of the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1A and FIG. IB. The description of the parts / features made with respect to the laptop 200 may also be applicable with respect to the electronic device 100, and vice versa.

[0092] According to various embodiments, the laptop 200 may, similar to the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, include a housing 210 (e.g. corresponding to a bottom part of the laptop 200) as well as a display assembly (notshown) (e.g. corresponding to a top part or a lid of the laptop 200). According to various embodiments, the display assembly (not shown) may be coupled (e.g. pivotably coupled) to the housing 210 (c.g. bottom part) of the laptop 200.[000931 According to various embodiments, the housing 210 of the laptop 200 may define an internal space 211 for containing or accommodating various components (e.g. a mainboard 220, fan unit 231 , etc.) of the laptop 200.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the housing 210 of the laptop 200 may further include an opening 212 at an outer face (c.g. wall) of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 as well as a module-accommodation space 213 (e.g. direct-access passageway) extending inwardly from the opening 212 at the outer face of the housing 210 into the internal space 211 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200. According to various embodiments, the opening 212 at the outer face may open or lead directly to the module-accommodation space 213 within the housing 210 of the laptop 200. According to various embodiments, a cross-sectional area (or size and / or shape) of the opening 212 may be, but is not limited to being, equal (e.g. substantially equal) to a cross-sectional area (or size and / or shape) of the module- accommodation space 213. As an example, shown in FIG. 2, according to various embodiments, the opening 212 may be located (e.g. formed) at a side wall of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 (e.g. a left side wall of the housing 210 of the laptop 200, when the laptop 200 is viewed in an opposite direction from what is shown on FIG. 2). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, the module-accommodation space 213 (e.g. direct-access passageway) may be extending inwardly from the side wall (c.g. left side wall) of the housing 210. Nevertheless, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments (not shown), the opening 212 may be located at any other outer face (c.g. a front wall, or a rear wall) of the housing 210 of the laptop 200, with the module-accommodation space 213 extending inwardly therefrom.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the module-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 may be configured (e.g. sized and / or shaped) to receive and accommodate a (external) portable storage module 240 (e.g. which may be similar or identical to the portable storage module 140 of FIG. 1C and FIG. ID). In particular, according to various embodiments, the module-accommodation space 213 may serve as a passageway for the portable storage module 240 to travel (e.g. slide) from the opening 212 at the outer face of the housing 210 to an inner connector 221 ofa mainboard 220 of the laptop 200 which may be disposed internally of the housing 210 of the laptop 200. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, according to various embodiments, the portable storage module 240 may be inscrtablc into the modulc-accommodation space 213, via the opening 212, of the housing 210 of the laptop 200, along an insertion axis 213b of the module- accommodation space 213, to directly interconnect with the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200 which may be disposed internally of the housing 210 of the laptop 200.

[0096] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 2, the modulc- accommodation space 213 (e.g. direct-access passageway) of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 may include or may be a hollow (or empty) and / or continuous space or area or region of the internal space 211 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200. In particular, according to various embodiments, this may be an area or region or portion of the internal space 21 1 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 which may be designated for receiving and accommodating the portable storage module 240.

[0097] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 (e.g. an inner edge or portion of the side wall of the housing 210 which may define the opening 212, or any other inner portion of the housing 210) may give physical form to the module-accommodation space 213. In particular, such a physical portion of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 may serve as an “inner surface” (e.g. a physical inner surface) defining the module-accommodation space 213.

[0098] According to various embodiments, one or more other components of the laptop 200 (e.g. physical and / or discrete, mechanical or electrical, components of the laptop 200) may (e.g. optionally and / or additionally) serve as an “inner surface” defining the modulc-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200. For instance, these components may be strategically positioned and / or arranged within the internal space 211 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 for this purpose. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, according to various embodiments, an edge of a fan chassis of a fan unit 231 (or an edge of an air duct) of a heat-dissipation assembly of the laptop 200 may be positioned at a side edge or at a side boundary of the moduleaccommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200. Consequently, this edge of the fan chassis (or of the air duct) of the laptop 200 may serve as the inner surface defining the module-accommodation space 213 and, additionally, as an engagement element on the inner surface that is configured to guide the portable storagemodule 240 into proper alignment with the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200.

[0099] Accordingly, any of the abovementioned physical features of the laptop 200 may serve or function as an engagement element on the inner surface defining the module-accommodation space 213, which may be configured to slidably engage with a corresponding engagement element on an outer surface of a side face or side wall of a casing 250 of the portable storage module 240. According to various embodiments, this engagement clement of the laptop 200 may be discrete and / or distinct from the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 itself. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the engagement clement on the inner surface, or the inner surface itself, may be non-conductive (e.g. may be electrically insulating) and / or may not form any electrical connection with the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 upon engagement therewith.[000100] According to various embodiments, the laptop 200 may, similar to the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, include the mainboard 220 disposed within the internal space 211 of the housing 210. Specifically, according to various embodiments, the mainboard 220 may include or may be a motherboard.[000101] According to various embodiments, the mainboard 220 (e.g. motherboard) may include at least one inner connector 221 and may further include at least one outer connector 222. As an example, shown in FIG. 2, according to various embodiments, the inner connector 221 may differ (e.g. in form factor, dimension, standard, specification, etc.) from the outer connector 222. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, the inner connector 221 may be a USB-C (or USB Type-C) connector, while the outer connector 222 may be a USB-A (or USB Typc-A) connector. Nevertheless, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the inner connector 221 may be identical (e.g. in form factor, dimension, standard, specification, etc.) to the outer connector 222. [000102] Specifically, according to various embodiments, the inner connector 221 may be a female USB-C connector. Nevertheless, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the inner connector 221 may be a male USB-C connector.[000103] According to various embodiments, the inner connector 221 may be directly interfaced with (e.g. directly mounted on, directly electrically connected to, etc.) an element of the mainboard 220. Specifically, according to various embodiments, theinner connector 221 may be directly electrically connected to a chipset, bridge chip, or a storage interface controller of the mainboard 220 itself.[000104] According to various embodiments, the mainboard 220 may be coupled (c.g. detachably fastened, fixedly or immovably coupled, secured, etc.) to the housing 210 of the laptop 200. According to various embodiments, when coupled to the housing 210, the entire mainboard 220 may be seated or stowed within the internal space 21 1 of the housing 210. In particular', according to various embodiments, the outer connector 222 of the mainboard 220 may be positioned proximal to an outer face (c.g. a side wall) of the housing 210, while the inner connector 221 may be located further from the aforesaid outer face (c.g. side wall) of the housing 210. As shown, the outer connector 222 of the mainboard 220 may be at or within a peripheral edge portion 211a of the internal space 211 of the housing 210, while the inner connector 221 of the mainboard220 may be at or within a central or core portion 21 lb of the internal space 21 1 of the housing 210 which may be surrounded by the peripheral edge portion 21 la. Specifically, according to various other embodiments, the laptop 200 may include a keyboard 235 (e.g. a physical keyboard disposed at an upper side of the housing 210) (denoted in phantom lines in FIG. 2). According to various other embodiments, the inner connector221 of the mainboard 220 may be aligned (e.g. vertically aligned with) and / or beneath (e.g. directly beneath) the keyboard 235 (or one or more keys / physical keys of the keyboard). On the other hand, according to various other embodiments, the outer connector 222 may be offset from the keyboard 235 and / or situated away or outside of a border (or periphery) of the keyboard 235.[000105] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 2, the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 may be aligned with the opening 212 at the outer face of the housing 210. In particular, according to various embodiments, the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 may be situated along the insertion axis 213b of the module-accommodation space 213, while the insertion axis 213b of the moduleaccommodation space 213 may be parallel and / or coinciding with a hole axis of the opening 212. In other words, according to various embodiments, the insertion axis 213b of the module-accommodation space 213 may intersect both the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 and the opening 212 at the outer face of the housing 210.[000106] Additionally, according to various embodiments, the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 may be oriented outwardly towards the opening 212 at the outerface of the housing 210, thereby facing the opening 212 from within the housing 210. Specifically, according to various embodiments, the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 may be facing a single direction (c.g. a single, outward direction) from inside of the housing 210.[000107] According to various embodiments, the module-accommodation space 213 may terminate at the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220. In other words, according to various embodiments, the inner connector 221 of the mainboar d 220 may be located at an inner end of the module-accommodation space 213 (c.g. direct- access passageway). Accordingly, the module-accommodation space 213 (e.g. any inner surfaces defining the module-accommodation space 213) together with the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 (or at least a portion of the motherboard where the inner connector 221 is situated) may correspond to (e.g. may be shaped, resemble, etc.) a “receptacle” or “bay” for receiving and accommodating the portable storage module 240 (e.g. an “insertable portion” of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240) therein.[000108] According to various embodiments, the housing 210 of the laptop 200 may include an outer receptacle at and / or within the peripheral edge portion 211a of the internal space 211 of the housing 210 for accommodating each outer connector 222 of the mainboard 220. According to various embodiments, each of this outer receptacle may be smaller (e.g. may be at least shorter in length) than the module-accommodation space 213.[000109] According to various embodiments, to maintain optimal performance and / or prevent overheating, the laptop 200 may, similar to the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, include (c.g. further include) a heat-dissipation assembly disposed within the internal space 211 of the housing 210. According to various embodiments, the heat-dissipation assembly may include at least one fan unit 231. Specifically, as an example, shown in FIG. 2, the heat-dissipation assembly may include two fan units 231.[000110] According to various embodiments, at least one fan unit 231 (e.g. of the two fan units 231) of the heat-dissipation assembly of the laptop 200 may be fluidly connected to and / or in fluidic communication with the module-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210. According to various embodiments, any one or more other remaining fan unit(s) 231 of the heat-dissipation assembly of the laptop 200 may beassigned or configured for other purposes (e.g. other than being fluidly connected to and / or in fluidic communication with the module-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210).[0001111 According to various embodiments, the fan unit 231 that is fluidly connected to and / or in fluidic communication with the module-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 may be configured to expel air into the module-accommodation space 213. For example, according to various embodiments, an exhaust outlet of this fan unit 231 may be directed towards (c.g. directly facing) the module-accommodation space 213 (e.g. a side of the module-accommodation space 213 having an opening, ah' vent, port, etc.).[000112] As a further example, according to various embodiments, the heatdissipation assembly of the laptop 200 may include (e.g. optionally and / or further include) an air duct configured to guide airflow from the aforesaid fan unit 231 to the module-accommodation space 213. Specifically, according to various embodiments, this air duct may be disposed and extending between the fan unit 231 (e.g. the exhaust outlet of this fan unit 231) and the module- accommodation space 213 (e.g. an opening, air vent, port, etc., of the module-accommodation space 213, for example, at a side of the module- accommodation space 213), to fluidly connect the fan unit 231 (e.g. the exhaust outlet of the fan unit 231) and the module-accommodation space 213.[000113] While various embodiments have been described and / or illustrated with reference to the laptop 200 of FIG. 2 having a mainboard 220 with a single inner connector 221, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments (not shown), the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200 may include one or more further / additional inner conncctor(s). Correspondingly, in these other embodiments, the housing 210 of the laptop 200 may include one or more further / additional module-accommodation space(s) (e.g. direct-access passageway(s)) as well as opening(s) to enable one or more further / additional portable storage modules to be respectively interconnected to the further / additional inner connector(s). It is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, at least two module-accommodation space(s) (e.g. direct-access passageway(s)) may be of different lengths from one another.[000114] According to various embodiments, the laptop 200 and the portable storage module 240 may together form, or be part of a system (or an assembly) 2000.Accordingly, the system 2000 may include any one or more features of the laptop 200 and any one or more features of the portable storage module 240.[000115] According to various embodiments, the system 2000 may be similar or identical to the system 1000 of FIG. 1A and FIG. IB. Accordingly, according to various embodiments, the system 2000 may include any one or more feature(s) similar or identical to the system 1000 of FIG. 1 A and FIG. 1B.[000116] FIG. 3A shows a plan view of a portable storage module 240 for the laptop 200 of FIG. 2, according to various embodiments.[000117] FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C show respective side views of the portable storage module 240 of FIG. 3 A, according to various embodiments.[000118] FIG. 3D shows a front view of the portable storage module 240 of FIG. 3A, according to various embodiments.[000119] FIG. 3E shows a rear view of the portable storage module 240 of FIG. 3 A, according to various embodiments.[000120] FIG. 3F and FIG. 3G show various perspective views of the portable storage module 240 of FIG. 3 A, according to various embodiments.[000121] According to various embodiments, there may be provided the portable storage module 240.[000122] According to various embodiments, the portable storage module 240 may contain any one or more or all the features and / or limitations of the portable storage module 140 of FIG. 1C and FIG. ID. In the following, the portable storage module 240 is described with like reference characters generally referring to the same or corresponding parts / features of the portable storage module 140 of FIG. 1C and FIG. ID. The description of the parts / fcaturcs made with respect to the portable storage module 240 may also be applicable with respect to the portable storage module 140, and vice versa.[000123] According to various embodiments, the portable storage module 240 may, similar to the portable storage module 140 of FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, include a casing 250. According to various embodiments, the casing 250 may be an external or outer casing 250 which may give physical form and / or shape to the portable storage module 240. According to various embodiments, the casing 250 may further define an internal space 211 (e.g. a hollow internal space or an enclosure) for accommodating (e.g.housing, containing, encasing, enclosing, etc.) one or more other components (e.g. internal electronics 270) of the portable storage module 240.[000124] According to various embodiments, the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may also serve as a medium or carrier for transportation of the internal electronics 270 of the portable storage module 240 to inside of the housing 210 of the laptop 200, allowing for direct interconnection of the internal electronics 270 of the portable storage module 240 with the mainboard 220 (e.g. motherboard) of the laptop 200 of FIG. 2.[000125] Specifically, according to various embodiments, the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may be configured (e.g. dimensioned, shaped, and / or sized) to fit into and reach across an entire length of the module-accommodation space 213 (e.g. direct-access passageway) of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 of FIG. 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 A to FIG. 3C, the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may be elongated and / or streamlined in shape. Specifically, the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may have a length (measured along a longitudinal axis 240a of the portable storage module 240 or its casing 250) which may be longer than its width (e.g. measured perpendicularly to the length). Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may have a uniform (e.g. substantially uniform) cross-sectional profile or area. As an example, shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3G, according to various embodiments, the casing 250 may have a rectangular' shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3G, the edges (or corners) of a rectangular-shaped casing 250 may be pointed (in other words, may be nonrounded, or may be angular-, sharp, etc.).[000126] According to various other embodiments, as some other examples (not shown), the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may have an elongated cylindrical shape, tubular shape, oval shape, elliptical shape, etc., or any other suitable elongated shape which enables the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 to be inserted (or slid) into the module-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 (e.g. across the entire length of the module-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200). It is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, one or more or all edges (or corners) of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may be rounded or bevelled.[000127] According to various embodiments, a shape and / or size (or cross-sectional area or profile) and / or one or more edges (or corners) of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may serve as an engagement clement (i.c. for engaging with a corresponding engagement element of the module-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 of FIG. 2). In particular, according to various embodiments, the engagement element of the casing 250 may include a contour of an outer surface of a side face or side wall of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240. Correspondingly, according to various embodiments, the corresponding engagement element of the module-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 may include a corresponding contour of the inner surface defining the module-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200.[000128] According to various embodiments, to facilitate sliding movement of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 within and / or along the moduleaccommodation space 213 of the laptop 200, an outer surface of a side face or side wall of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may be configured in a manner which minimizes resistance during insertion of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 into the module-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200. For example, according to various embodiments, the outer surface of the side face or side wall of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may include (e.g. may be coated with) or may be composed of a low-friction material configured to minimize or reduce resistance during insertion of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 into the module- accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200.[000129] Specifically, according to various embodiments, the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may include an “inscrtablc portion” (or segment) which would be embedded (or housed) inside (or within) the housing 210 (e.g. along the module-accommodation space 213 in the internal space 211 of the housing 210) of the laptop 200 (i.e. when the portable storage module 240 is interconnected with the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200). According to various embodiments, this “insertable portion” of the casing 250 may include a first end segment of the casing 250 (i.e. with the connector 261) and at least a portion of a segment of the casing 250 between the first end segment and an opposite, second end segment of the casing 250. According to various embodiments, a remaining portion of the casing 250 may correspond to a “protruding portion” (or segment) (e.g. next to andadjoining the insertable portion) which may be protruding outwardly and / or situated outside of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 (i.e. when the portable storage module 240 is interconnected with the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200). According to various embodiments, at least the insertable portion of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may include or may be composed of the low-friction material to facilitate gliding and / or sliding of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 with respect to the housing 210 of the laptop 200. Hence, in various embodiments, the outer surface of at least the inscrtablc portion of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may serve as a “gliding” or “sliding” surface (or surface segment) of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240.[000130] Additionally, according to various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C, at least the gliding surface of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may be a continuous and / or uninterrupted surface. In particular, according to various embodiments, at least the gliding surface, or one or more (e.g. top-side and / or bottom-side surface(s)) or all outer surface(s), or at least a pair of opposite side surfaces, of the casing 250 may be devoid of any protrusions, abutting member, etc., extending member extending outwardly from the casing 250. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, at least the gliding surface, or at least one or more or all outer surface(s), of the casing 250 may be devoid of any breaks, gaps, grooves, ridges, etc., which may resemble a gripping texture or which may create additional grip (e.g. by being arranged in a non-parallel or perpendicular manner to the longitudinal axis 240a of the portable storage module 240).[000131] Additionally, according to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C, at least the gripping surface, or at least one or more or all outer surfacc(s), or at least a pair of opposite side surfaces (e.g. of at least at the insertable portion), of the casing 250 may be a flush, level, and / or flat (e.g. at least substantially flat).[000132] Furthermore, according to various embodiments, at least one pair or more or all pair(s) of opposite side surfaces (e.g. at least the pair of top-side surface and bottom-side surface) of the casing 250 may be parallel (e.g. substantially parallel) to each other and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis 240a of the portable storage module 240.[000133] According to various embodiments, any of the abovementioned physical feature(s) of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may serve or functionas an engagement element on the outer surface of the side face or side wall of the casing 250, which may be configured to slidably engage with a corresponding engagement element on the inner surface defining the modulc-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200.[000134] FIG. 3H shows an exploded perspective view of the portable storage module 240 of FIG. 3 A, according to various embodiments.[000135] As shown in FIG. 3H, according to various embodiments, the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may include a base portion 251a (c.g. base or bottom cover) and a ceiling portion 251b (e.g. top or upper cover). According to various embodiments, the base portion 251a and the ceiling portion 251b may be assembled (e.g. joined, coupled, secured, affixed, etc.) together to form the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240.[000136] According to various embodiments, the portable storage module 240 may, similar to the portable storage module 140 of FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, include a connector 261. As shown in FIG. 3F to FIG. 3H, the connector 261 may be a USB-C connector. Specifically, as shown, the connector 261 may be a male USB-C connector (e.g. USB- C head, USB-C plug, etc.). Nevertheless, it is envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the connector 261 may be a female USB-C connector (e.g. USB-C receptacle, USB-C socket, etc.).[000137] Referring to FIG. 3H, according to various embodiments, the connector 261 may be part of a connector assembly 260 of the portable storage module 240. Specifically, the connector assembly 260 may include the connector 261 (c.g. a male USB-C connector) as well as an inner body 262 (e.g. inner housing, shell, etc.). According to various embodiments, the inner body 262 of the connector assembly 260 may include contacts (e.g. electrical contacts) for electrical coupling or connecting to internal electronics I components 270 (e.g. a memory component 272, circuit board 271 , etc.) of the portable storage module 240, which may be housed within the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240. As shown, the connector 261 may be coupled to and / or extending from a front end of the inner body 262 of the connector assembly 260. In other words, the inner body 262 of the connector assembly 260 may be at (e.g. coupled or attached to) a rear end of the connector 261 of the connector assembly 260. [000138] According to various embodiments, the inner body 262 of the connector assembly 260 may be disposed (e.g. housed) within a front portion (or first end portionor segment) of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 3F and FIG. 3H, when the connector 261 of the connector assembly 260 is a male connector, the male connector may protrude outwardly from an opening at a front panel (or first end face) of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240. It is envisaged that, in various other embodiments, when the connector 261 of the connector assembly 260 is a female connector, the female connector may be recessed inwardly of the casing 250. Specifically, the female connector (e.g. its tip or outer end) may be substantially flushed or level with the front panel of the casing 250.[000139] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3H, the portable storage module 240 may include (e.g. further include) a memory component 272. According to various embodiments, the memory component 272 may be disposed within the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240. According to various embodiments, the memory component 272 may include or may be a memory storage medium (e.g. non-volatile memory storage medium). Specifically, according to various embodiments, the memory component 272 may include or may be memory chip(s) (e.g. flash memory chip(s), NAND flash memory chip(s), etc.) of the portable storage module 240.[000140] According to various embodiments, the connector assembly 260 (or its connector 261) may be connected (e.g. electrically connected) to the memory component 272 of the portable storage module 240. As an illustration, with reference to FIG. 3H, the portable storage module 240 may include a circuit board 271 (e.g. a printed circuit board) which may function as an interface that establishes electrical connection between the connector 261 and the memory component 272. Specifically, the connector 261 (or the connector assembly 260) may be soldered onto (i.c. electrically connected to) the circuit board 271, while the memory component 272 may be mounted onto (i.e. electrically connected to) the circuit board 271. In turn, the circuit board 271 may establish electrical pathway(s) for communication and data transfer between the connector 261 and the memory component 272.[000141] According to various embodiments, the portable storage module 240 may include (e.g. further include) a controller 273 (e.g. controller chip). According to various embodiments, the controller 273 may be mounted onto the circuit board 271, and may be configured to manage signal I data flow between the connector 261 and the memory component 272. For instance, the controller 273 may be configured to processsignals received from the connector 261, which may then be translated into read / write commands for the memory component 272 of the portable storage module 240. According to various embodiments, the connector 261 of the portable storage module 240 may be electrically connected to the controller 273 of the portable storage module 240 (e.g. via the circuit board 271).[000142] According to various embodiments, the internal electronics 270 of the portable storage module 240, such as the memory component 272, controller 273, etc., of the portable storage module 240, may generate heat when powered or in use. According to various embodiments, to manage the heat generated by these internal electronics 270, the portable storage module 240 may include a thermal-regulation assembly (or arrangement).[000143] To illustrate, referring to FIG. 3H, according to various embodiments, the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may include at least one air inlet port 252. According to various embodiments, the air inlet port 252 may be an opening at the casing 250 for allowing air to enter the casing 250. According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3H, the casing 250 may include at least one air inlet port 252 at a side face of the casing 250. Specifically, as an example, shown in FIG. 3H, the casing 250 may include a first air inlet port 252a at a right side face (e.g. a right wall or panel) of the casing 250 as well as a second (or “auxiliary”) air inlet port 252b at a left side face (e.g. left wall or panel) of the casing 250 opposite the right side face. In particular, according to various embodiments, the first ah' inlet port 252a may be directly opposite the second air inlet port 252b. In other words, according to various embodiments, the first air inlet port 252a and the second air inlet port 252b may be aligned along a lineal' reference axis (not shown) which may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 240a of the portable storage module 240. Further, as shown, according to various embodiments, the first air inlet port 252a and the second air inlet port 252b may be identical in shape and / or size to each other. Additionally, as shown, according to various embodiments, each of the first air inlet port 252a and / or the second air inlet port 252b may have a symmetrical shape (e.g. at least about an axis of symmetry which may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 240a).[000144] According to various embodiments, each of the first air inlet port 252a and / or the second air inlet port 252b may be positioned at the “insertable portion” (or segment) of the casing 250 (i.e. which would be embedded inside the housing 210 ofthe laptop 200, when the portable storage module 240 is interconnected with the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200). Specifically, each of the first air inlet port 252a and / or the second air inlet port 252b may positioned in a manner such that, with the portable storage module 240 interconnected with the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200, each of the first air inlet port 252a and / or the second air inlet port 252b may be aligned with an opening (or an air vent, port, etc.) of the module-accommodation space 213 (e.g. direct-access passageway) of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 (e.g. at a side of the module-accommodation space 213) and / or aligned with a fan unit 231 (e.g. with an exhaust outlet of the fan unit 231) or an air duct of the heat-dissipation assembly of the laptop 200. In particular, in this setup, at least one of the first air inlet port 252a or the second air inlet port 252b may be facing (e.g. directly facing) and / or fluidly connected to and / or in fluidic communication with the opening of the module-accommodation space 213 and / or the fan unit 231 or air duct of the laptop 200.[000145] FIG. 31 shows a perspective see-through view of the portable storage module 240 of FIG. 3 A interconnected with the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200 of FIG. 2, according to various embodiments.[000146] In the above manner, according to various embodiments, when the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 has a symmetrical shape or symmetrical cross- sectional profile (e.g. at least about an axis of symmetry which may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 250a of the casing 250 and / or extending across the first air inlet port 252a and the second air inlet port 252b), cither the first air inlet port 252a or the second air inlet port 252b may be functional to intake air from the laptop 200 (e.g. from the fan unit 231 of the laptop 200), as shown in FIG. 31. According to various embodiments, this symmetrical configuration of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may enable flexibility and ease of use while enabling airflow and heat to be efficiently managed regardless of an orientation of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240. In particular, the aforesaid configuration may be facilitated by a symmetrical (e.g. reversible) connector 261 (e.g. USB-C connector), allowing the portable storage module 240 to be inserted into the module-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200 in cither orientation while maintaining proper airflow through the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240.[000147] Nevertheless, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the casing 250 may include at least one air inlet port at only a single, respective side face (c.g. a single, respective side panel or wall), hi these other embodiments, the other remaining side face(s) (e.g. side panel(s) or wall(s)) of the casing 250 may be fluidly sealed or may be covered (e.g. with a detachable and / or movable or slidable cover) to prevent fluid flow across those other face(s) of the casing 250.[000148] As an illustration, referring back to FIG. 3H, according to various embodiments, the portable storage module 240 may include (c.g. further include) one or more dust cover(s) 255 for each ah inlet port 252. According to various embodiments, each dust cover 255 may be movably (c.g. slidably) coupled to the casing 250 so as to be movable (e.g. slidable) between a closed position in which the dust cover 255 covers the air inlet port 252 and an opened position in which the dust cover 255 uncovers the air inlet port 252. According to various embodiments, in the closed position of each dust cover 255, that dust cover 255 may additionally be configured to inhibit or prevent airflow across a corresponding air inlet port 252, by being configured to seal (e.g. fluidly seal) the corresponding air inlet port 252 in the closed position thereof. As an example, according to various embodiments, each dust cover 255 may be slidably received within a respective slot or channel 257 (see FIG. 3K) defined by the casing 250. Accordingly, the dust cover 255 may be slidable along the respective slot or channel 257 defined by the casing 250. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3G, according to various embodiments, each dust cover 255 may be disposed within the casing 250.[000149] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3H, the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may include (e.g. further include) at least one air outlet port 254. Specifically, the air outlet port 254 may be another opening at the casing 250 (i.e. other than the air inlet port 252) which allows air to exit or be vented out of the casing 250. As an example, shown in FIG. 3H, the casing 250 may include at least one air outlet port 254 at a rear panel (or a second end face) of the casing 250. [000150] According to various embodiments, each air inlet port 252 of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 may be fluidly connected to at least one air outlet port 254 of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3H, both the first air inlet port 252a and the second air inlet port 252b may be fluidly connected to the air outlet port 254 at the rear panel of the casing 250. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3H, the first air inlet port 252a may be fluidly connectedto a first portion of the ah outlet port 254, while the second air inlet port 252b may be fluidly connected to another (e.g. discrete and / or non-overlapping), portion of the air outlet port 254.10001511 With reference to FIG. 3H, according to various embodiments, the portable storage module 240 may include a plurality of baffles 280 disposed within the casing 250. According to various embodiments, the plurality of baffles 280 may fluidly connect the air inlet port 252 (or a respective air inlet port) to the air outlet port 254 (or a respective air outlet port 254), by directing or guiding air that enters the casing 250 via the air inlet port 252 to (or towards) the air outlet port 254.[000152] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3H, at least one or more or all (or each) of the plurality of baffles 280 may be elongated from the air inlet port 252 (or a respective air inlet port) to the air outlet port 254 (or a respective air outlet port 254). Further, as shown in FIG. 3H, according to various embodiments, at least one or more or all (or each) of the plurality of baffles 280 may be a single and / or continuous and / or uninterrupted baffle 280 (e.g. without any breaks, gaps, or openings along the baffle 280).[000153] Accordingly, according to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3H, the plurality of baffles 280 may define an airflow path (or a plurality of airflow paths) between the air inlet port 252 and the air outlet port 254. Herein, the terms “airflow path” and “airflow paths” may be used interchangeably. Specifically, multiple “airflow paths” which travel along a same general trajectory may be referred to as an “airflow path” for simplicity. In particular, according to various embodiments, a pair of baffles 280 (e.g. a pah- of immediately adjacent and spaced apart baffles 280), extending from a respective air inlet port 252 to a respective air outlet port 254, may define a respective airflow path therebetween. According to various embodiments, a respective baffle and an inner surface of the casing 250 (e.g. adjacent and spaced apart from said respective baffle 280) may also define a respective airflow path therebetween. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3H, the plurality of baffles 280 may define at least a first airflow path from the first air inlet port 252a to the air outlet port 254 (e.g. to a portion of the air outlet port 254), and at least a second airflow path from the second air inlet port 252b to the air outlet port 254 (e.g. to another portion of the air outlet port 254). In particular, the first and second airflow paths may be a mirror image of one another (e.g. about a lateral / horizontal reference plane along a central axis and / or the longitudinal axis 240aof the portable storage module 240). It is envisaged that, in various other embodiments (not shown), in which the casing 250 may be devoid of the second air inlet port 252b opposite the first air inlet port 252a, the plurality of baffles 280 may be configured to define an airflow path from (e.g. from only) the first air inlet port 252a to the air outlet port 254. For instance, in various other embodiments, the portable storage module 240 may include a plurality (e.g. six) baffles 280 which may all extend from the first air inlet port 252a to the air outlet port 254, or may include a plurality (e.g. less than six) baffles 280 which may all extend from the first air inlet port 252a to the air outlet port 254 but which may be spaced further apart from one another than the baffles 280 illustrated in FIG. 3H. In other words, in various other embodiments (not shown), the entire air first air inlet port 252a may be fluidly connected to the entire air outlet port 254.[000154] According to various embodiments, the first airflow path may be distinct and / or discrete from the second airflow path. That is, according to various embodiments, the first air inlet port 252a may be isolated (e.g. at least substantially fluidly isolated) from the second air inlet port 252b. Nevertheless, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments, the first airflow path may be fluidly connected to the second airflow path. In other words, in various other embodiments, the first air inlet port 252a may be fluidly connected to the second air inlet port 252b. For instance, as a nonlimiting example, with reference to FIG. 3J and FIG. 3K, according to various other embodiments, at least one baffle 280 between the first airflow path and the second airflow path may be a segmented baffle 280, which may be divided (i.c. segmented) into discrete segments with a gap or spacing between neighboring segments (e.g. between immediately adjacent segments along a same trajectory as the first airflow path and / or the second airflow path). In other words, such a baffle 280 may be a discontinuous (or perforated) baffle 280, with (intermittent) break(s) or gap(s) in the baffle structure which may allow air to pass through these break(s) or gap(s). Accordingly, such a discontinuous arrangement may resemble a series of spaced-apart partitions, where the discontinuous baffle 280 may have opening(s) (i.e. break(s) or gap(s)). According to various other embodiments, such opening(s) may be strategically positioned to direct airflow through the opcning(s), facilitating fluid distribution and cooling. It is also envisaged that, in various embodiments, one or more airflow path(s) from the first air inlet port 252a to the air outlet port 254, and / or from the second airinlet port 252b to the air outlet port 254, may be defined by at least one or more discontinuous baffle(s) 280.[000155] According to various embodiments, to mitigate turbulent airflow, the plurality of baffles 280 may be devoid of any sharp or pointed corners. In particular, any or all corner(s) along each of the plurality of baffles 280 may a curved comer. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3H, according to various embodiments, at least one or more or all (or each) of the plurality of baffles 280 may include at least one lineal' segment and / or may include at least one curved segment. Specifically, as an example, shown in FIG. 3H, at least one or more or all (or each) of the plurality of baffles 280 may include a first linear segment extending inwardly from the air inlet port 252 (c.g. in a manner parallel to a hole axis of the air inlet port 252), a second linear segment extending inwardly from the air outlet port 254 (e.g. in a manner parallel to a hole axis of the air outlet port 254), and a curved segment between and adjoining the first linear segment and the second linear segment.[000156] According to various embodiments, to securely accommodate internal electronics 270 (e.g. memory component 272, circuit board 271, etc.) of the portable storage module 240 within the casing 250 while still providing or allowing airflow within the casing 250, the plurality of baffles 280 may be positioned in a manner to define a component-accommodation space (or bay) for accommodating (e.g. disposing, placing, etc.) the internal electronics 270 (e.g. memory component 272, circuit board 271 , etc.) of the portable storage module 240 and / or accommodating the inner body 262 of the connector assembly 260 of the portable storage module 240.[000157] FIG. 3J shows a plan view of a set of baffles 280b on the ceiling portion 251b of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 of FIG. 3 A, according to various embodiments.[000158] FIG. 3K shows a plan view of another set of baffles 280a on the base portion 251 a of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 of FIG. 3 A, according to various embodiments.[000159] To illustrate, with reference to FIG. 3J and FIG. 3K, the plurality of baffles 280 may include a first subset of baffles 280a (e.g. two or more baffles) at or on the base portion 251a of the casing 250 and a second, other subset of baffles 280 (c.g. two or more other discrete and / or distinct baffles) at or on the ceiling portion 251b of the casing 250, opposite the base portion 251a. In particular, according to variousembodiments, the first subset of baffles 280a and the second subset of baffles 280b may, respectively, be disposed on opposite inner surfaces of the casing 250. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 J and FIG. 3K the first subset of baffles 280a may be at or on an inner surface of the bottom side face (or panel) of the base portion 251a, while the second subset of baffles 280b may be at or on an inner surface of the top side face (or panel) of the ceiling portion 251b. According to various embodiments, the first subset of baffles 280a may be, but is not limited to being, opposite and / or opposing (e.g. directly opposite and / or directly facing) the second subset of baffles 280b. Thus, according to various embodiments, the first subset of baffles 280a may include a same number of baffles 280 as the second subset of baffles 280b and / or may be a mirror image (in other words, may mirror a number, configuration, arrangement, shape, etc.) of the second subset of baffles 280b.[000160] According to various embodiments, the first subset of baffles 280a and the second subset of baffles 280b may be spaced apart from one another to define or form the component-accommodation space between them. It is envisaged that, in this configuration, according to various embodiments, the first subset of baffles 280a and the second subset of baffles 280b may be of a same height, or may be of different heights (e.g. the first subset of baffles 280a may be shorter or taller than the second subset of baffles 280b). Furthermore, a height of the first subset of baffles 280a and / or the subset of baffles 280b may be regular or irregular (e.g. to match a contour of the internal electronics 270). In this configuration, according to various embodiments, the component-accommodation space may be between (or bounded by) the free ends or tips (e.g. baffle tips) of the first subset of baffles 280a and the second subset of baffles 280b, which arc spaced apart from one another. Accordingly, according to various embodiments, the internal electronics 270 of the portable storage module 240 (e.g. the memory component 272, circuit board 271, etc.) and / or the inner body 262 of the connector assembly 260 of the portable storage module 240 may be interposed between the free ends or tips (e.g. baffle tips) of the first subset of baffles 280a and the second subset of baffles 280b (e.g. with these baffle tips in engagement with the internal electronics 270, for instance, opposite surfaces of the internal electronics 270, to hold the internal electronics 270 securely in place within the casing 250).[000161] As an example, according to various embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3H, with the internal electronics 270 of the portable storage module 240 disposed withinthe component-accommodation space within the casing 250, between the first subset of baffles 280a and the second subset of baffles 280b, air that flows along the airflow path (or airflow paths) respectively defined by the first subset of baffles 280a and the second subset of baffles 280b may interact with the internal electronics 270 (e.g. the memory component 272, the circuit board 271, etc.) of the portable storage module 240. In particular, air that flows along the airflow path (or airflow paths) defined by the first subset of baffles 280a may interact (or come into contact with) an underside of the internal electronics 270 (e.g. the memory component 272, the circuit board 271, etc.) of the portable storage module 240, while air that flows along the airflow path (or airflow paths) defined by the second subset of baffles 280b may interact (or come into contact with) a topside of the internal electronics 270 (e.g. the memory component 272, the circuit board 271, etc.) of the portable storage module 240.[000162] In the above manner, according to various embodiments, heat generated by internal electronics 270 (e.g. the memory component 272, the circuit board 271, etc.) of the portable storage module 240 may be dissipated via the air that flow along the airflow path (or airflow paths) from the air inlet port 252 to the air outlet port 254.[000163] Accordingly, according to various embodiments, the arrangement of the plurality of baffles 280, particularly the first subset of baffles 280a and the second subset of baffles 280b (i.e. which may be spaced apart and / or directed towards one another to define the component-accommodation space between them), may facilitate secure placement of the internal electronics 270 of the portable storage module 240 within the casing 250 (e.g. such that the internal electronics 270 may be immovably held, e.g. in a central portion of the internal space 211 of the casing 250) of the portable storage module 240, while ensuring that these internal electronics 270 of the portable storage module 240 are able to directly interact with airflow for effective cooling.[000164] While various embodiments have been described with reference to a first subset (or plurality) of baffles 280a and a second subset (or plurality) of baffles 280b extending inwardly from opposite inner surfaces of the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240, as shown in FIG. 3H to FIG. 3K, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments (not shown), the portable storage module 240 may include a plurality (or a single set) of baffles 280 extending inwardly from only a single inner surface of the casing 250. In such a configuration, according to various other embodiments, a height of the plurality (or single set) of baffles 280 may be shorter thana height of the internal space 211 of the casing 250, so as to form or def ine a componentaccommodation space between the free ends or tips (e.g. baffle tips) of the plurality (or single set) of baffles 280 and an opposing inner surface of the casing 250 which is spaced from the baffle tips.[000165] It is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments (not shown), at least one baffle may be extending between opposite inner surfaces of the casing 250 (e.g. resembling a partition wall). In such a configuration, according to various other embodiments (not shown), this baffle (i.c. resembling a partition wall) may include one or more apertures or openings for wired connection(s) (e.g. between the connector assembly 260 and one or more other internal electronics 270 of the portable storage module 240). In particular, in such a configuration, according to various other embodiments, the one or more apertures or openings may be sealed (e.g. fluidly sealed) by the wired connection(s) extending therethrough. Thus, it is envisaged that, in various embodiments, the inner body 262 of the connector assembly 260 may (e.g. optionally) be situated within the casing 250, outside of the airflow path.[000166] FIG. 3L shows a perspective view of the portable storage module 240 of FIG. 3A, having a fan assembly 290, according to various embodiments.[000167] FIG. 3M is a partial exploded view of FIG. 3L, revealing a fan unit 291 of the fan assembly 290, according to various embodiments.[000168] According to various embodiments, the portable storage module 240 may include a fan assembly 290. According to various embodiments, the fan assembly 290 may be configured to draw air into the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 (i.e. via the ah inlet port(s) 252 of the casing 250) and / or to move (e.g. expel or draw) air out of the casing 250 (i.c. via the air outlet port(s) 254 of the casing 250).[000169] As an example, with reference to FIG. 3L and 3M, according to various embodiments, the fan assembly 290 may be configured to move or draw air out the air outlet port 254 of the casing 250. To illustrate, as shown in FIG. 3M, the fan assembly290 may include a fan unit 291 which may be fluidly connected to the air outlet port 254 of the casing 250. In particular, an intake vent of the fan unit 291 may be fluidly connected or coupled to the air outlet port 254 of the casing 250 (e.g. with the fan unit291 being downstream of the air outlet port 254 of the casing 250 and / or at a rear of the casing 250 where the air outlet port 254 may be situated). In this manner, according to various embodiments, the fan unit 291 may be configured to draw or suck air out of theair outlet port 254 of the casing 250. Particularly, according to various embodiments, the fan unit 291 may also cause air to flow across and within the casing 250 from the air inlet port 252 to the air outlet port 254, as a result of the suction at the air outlet port 254. According to various embodiments, an exhaust outlet of the fan unit 291 may direct air away from the casing 250, in particular, the exhaust outlet of the fan unit 291 may face a direction other than towards the air outlet port 254 of the casing 250. For instance, the exhaust outlet of the fan unit 291 may be facing a direction away from the air outlet port 254 (c.g. in a same rearward direction as the air outlet port 254), or the exhaust outlet may be facing a direction perpendicular' to the air outlet port 254 of the casing 250.[000170] According to various other embodiments (not shown), the fan unit 291 may be disposed within the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240, between the air inlet port 252 and the air outlet port 254 of the casing 250. Particularly, according to various other embodiments, the intake vent of the fan unit 291 may be downstream of and in fluidic connection with the air inlet port 252 of the casing 250, while the exhaust outlet of the fan unit 291 may be downstream of the intake vent of the fan unit 291. The air outlet port 254 of the casing 250 may, in turn, be downstream of the exhaust outlet of the fan unit 291 and in fluidic connection with the exhaust outlet of the fan unit 291. In this manner, according to various other embodiments, the fan unit 291 may draw air into the casing 250 via the air inlet port 252 and expel air towards and out of the air outlet port 254 of the casing 250.[000171] As shown in FIG. 3L and FIG. 3M, according to various embodiments, the fan assembly 290 may include a fan chassis 292 for housing the fan unit 291 of the fan assembly 290. Accordingly, according to various embodiments, the fan chassis 292 may include an intake vent corresponding to (e.g. functioning as an extension of, e.g. fluidly connected to, aligned with, etc.) the intake vent of the fan unit 291, and an exhaust outlet 294 corresponding to (e.g. functioning as an extension of, e.g. fluidly connected to, aligned with, etc.) the exhaust outlet of the fan unit 291. Thus, the intake vent of the fan chassis 292 may be fluidly connected to the exhaust outlet 294 of the fan chassis 292. When the fan unit 291 is operated, the intake vent of the fan chassis 292 may draw in air, while the exhaust outlet 294 of the fan chassis 292 may expel the drawn air. As an example, shown in FIG. 3L, according to various embodiments, the intake vent of the fan chassis 292 may be fluidly connected and coupled to the outletport of the casing 250. In particular, according to various embodiments, the fan chassis 292 may be detachably attached or coupled to the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240. In this manner, according to various embodiments, the fan assembly 290 may correspond to (e.g. function as, or resemble) a modular unit (or sub-unit) which may (e.g. optionally) be detachably attached or coupled to the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 to enhance airflow across the casing 250.[000172] According to various embodiments, the fan unit 291 of the fan assembly290 may be electrically coupled (e.g. via detachable electrical connections) to the connector 261 of the portable storage module 240. Thus, according to various embodiments, the fan unit 291 may be powered (e.g. electrically powered) by the laptop 200 (i.e. electronic device) when the portable storage module 240 is interconnected to the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200.[000173] According to various embodiments, a user may configure (e.g. program) the portable storage module 240 (e.g. its fan unit 291), via the laptop 200, when the portable storage module 240 is interconnected to the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200. For instance, according to various embodiments, the portable storage module 240 may be configured (e.g. programmed) to (automatically and / or continuously) power (or run or operate) the fan unit 291 when (or once) the portable storage module 240 is interconnected to the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200 (i.e. when the portable storage module 240 is equipped with the fan unit 291).[000174] According to various embodiments, the fan unit 291 of the portable storage module 240 may be, or may be configured to be, synchronized with the fan unit 231 of the laptop 200, to ensure a constant airflow rate across the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 (i.e. from the air inlet port 252 to the air outlet port 254) when the portable storage module 240 is inserted into the laptop 200. In other words, the fan unit291 of the portable storage module 240 may be synchronized with the fan unit 231 of the laptop 200 to maintain a constant or consistent volume of air moving through the casing 250 of the portable storage module 240 (e.g. measured in m3 / s), from the air inlet port 252 to the air outlet port 254 of the casing 250, when the portable storage module 240 is interconnected with the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200. Thus, according to various embodiments, the fan unit 291 of the portable storage module 240 and the fan unit 231 of the laptop 200 may operate in a coordinated manner(e.g. by driving air at a similar or identical rate) to regulate airflow across the casing250 of the portable storage module 240 effectively.[000175] FIG. 3N is a closc-up view of an exemplary fan unit 291 for the fan assembly 290 of FIG. 3L, according to various embodiments.[000176] As an example, with reference to FIG. 3N, the fan unit 291 may be a “miniature” “micro”, or “mini” (in other words, compact-sized) fan unit 291. Specifically, according to various embodiments, the fan unit 291 may be a “mini blower” having a small or compact form factor.[000177] For instance, as shown in FIG. 3N, the fan unit 291 may have a thin profile, with a height thereof being shorter than a length and / or width thereof. Further, the length and / or the width of the fan unit 291 may be, but is not limited to being, substantially equal. Thus, in various other embodiments (not shown), the length of the fan unit 291 may be longer than its width.[000178] FIG. 30 shows a perspective see-through view of the portable storage module 240 of FIG. 3L interconnected with the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200 of FIG. 2, according to various embodiments.[000179] As shown in FIG. 30, according to various embodiments, with the portable storage module 240 interconnected with the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200, via the module-accommodation space 213 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200, the fan assembly 290 (or the fan unit 291 thereof) may be situated outside of the housing 210 of the laptop 200. Nevertheless, it is also envisaged that, in various other embodiments (not shown), the fan unit 291 may be situated within the internal space 211 of the housing 210 of the laptop 200, when the portable storage module 240 is interconnected with the inner connector 221 of the mainboard 220 of the laptop 200. [000180] According to various embodiments, the electronic device and the portable storage module 240 may together form, or be part of the system 2000. Accordingly, the system 2000 may include any one or more features of the laptop 200 and any one or more features of the portable storage module 240.[000181] Various embodiments have thus described an electronic device, a portable storage module, and a system which addresses the common challenges associated with traditional storage solutions, while offering a sleek, integrated solution that maintains the portability and aesthetic appeal of modern electronic devices.[000182] With the electronic device, the portable storage module, and the system described herein, users can enjoy enhanced performance and greater flexibility in managing their data storage needs.[000183] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modification, variation in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system comprising: a portable storage module; and an electronic device; wherein the portable storage module comprises: a casing comprising a pair of opposite end segments, a connector disposed at a first end segment of the pair of opposite end segments of the casing, wherein the casing comprises an insertable portion, wherein the insertable portion comprises the first end segment and at least a portion of a segment of the casing between the pair of opposite end segments of the casing; wherein the electronic device comprises: a housing defining an internal space, wherein the housing comprises at least one wall with an opening, a mainboard comprising an inner connector, wherein the mainboard is disposed within the internal space of the housing in a manner such that the inner connector of the mainboard is spaced apart from the opening at the wall of the housing to define a module- accommodation space extending between the inner connector and the opening at the wall of the housing, within the internal space of the housing; wherein the insertable portion of the casing of the portable storage module is inscrtablc into the module-accommodation space within the internal space of the housing via the opening at the wall of the housing of the electronic device, to interconnect the connector of the portable storage module with the inner connector of the mainboard of the electronic device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device further comprises: a heat-dissipation assembly disposed within the internal space of the housing, wherein the heat-dissipation assembly comprises a fan unit that is in fluidic communication with the module- accommodation space of the housing,wherein the fan unit is configured to expel air into the module-accommodation space.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the casing of the portable storage module comprises an air inlet port that is located proximal to the connector and an air outlet port that is located distal from the connector, and wherein the air inlet port is fluidly connected to the air outlet port.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the casing of the portable storage module comprises a pair of end faces and a side wall extending between the pair of end faces, wherein the connector is disposed at a first end face of the pair of end faces, wherein the air inlet port is at the side wall of the casing, and wherein the air outlet port is at a second end face of the casing opposite the first end face.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the casing of the portable storage module further comprises an auxiliary air inlet port opposite the air inlet port, wherein both the air inlet port and the auxiliary ah' inlet port are fluidly connected to the air outlet port.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the casing of the portable storage module comprises a plurality of baffles disposed within the casing, the plurality of baffles configured to direct air that enters the casing, from the air inlet port, to the air outlet port.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein a first subset of the plurality of baffles is on a base portion of the casing of the portable storage module, and wherein a second subset of the plurality of baffles is on a ceiling portion of the casing, wherein the ceiling portion is opposite the base portion,wherein the first subset of the plurality of baffles are spaced apart from the second subset of the plurality of baffles to define a component-accommodation space between the first subset of the plurality of baffles and the second subset of the plurality of baffles.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the portable storage module further comprises a memory component disposed within the component- accommodation space, between the first subset of the plurality of baffles and the second subset of the plurality of baffles, within the casing.

9. The system of claim 3, wherein the portable storage module further comprises: a fan assembly with a fan unit configured to move air out of the air outlet port of the casing of the portable storage module.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the casing of the portable storage module comprises a sliding engagement element at the insertable portion of the casing, wherein the electronic device comprises a corresponding shding engagement element along the module- accommodation space configured to slidably engage with the sliding engagement element of the casing of the portable storage module when the inscrtablc portion of the casing of the portable storage module is inserted into the module-accommodation space.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the inner connector of the mainboard of the electronic device comprises a reversible connector, wherein the connector of the portable storage module comprises a corresponding reversible connector configured to interconnect with the reversible connector of the mainboard.

12. An electronic device comprising:a housing defining an internal space, wherein the housing comprises at least one wall with an opening, a mainboard comprising an inner connector, wherein the mainboard is disposed within the internal space of the housing in a manner such that the inner connector of the mainboard is spaced apart from the opening at the wall of the housing to define a module-accommodation space extending between the inner connector and the opening at the wall of the housing, within the internal space of the housing, wherein the opening at the wall of the housing and the moduleaccommodation space arc configured to receive an inscrtablc portion of a casing of an external portable storage module therein for interconnecting a connector of the external portable storage module with the inner connector of the mainboard of the electronic device.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, further comprising: a heat-dissipation assembly disposed within the internal space of the housing, wherein the heat-dissipation assembly comprises a fan unit that is in fluidic communication with the module- accommodation space, wherein the fan unit is configured to expel air into the module-accommodation space.

14. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the mainboard further comprises at least one outer connector disposed within a peripheral region of the internal space of the housing, wherein the inner connector of the mainboard is within a central region of the internal space of the housing, wherein the central region is surrounded by the peripheral region, and wherein the module-accommodation space extends across the peripheral region into the central region of the internal space of the housing.

15. A portable storage module comprising: a casing comprising a pair of opposite end segments,a connector disposed at a first end segment of the pair of opposite end segments of the casing, wherein the casing comprises an inscrtablc portion, wherein the inscrtablc portion comprises the first end segment and at least a portion of a segment between the pair of opposite end segments of the casing, and wherein the insertable portion is configured to be insertable into a housing of an electronic device.

16. The portable storage module of claim 15, wherein the casing of the portable storage module comprises an air inlet port that is located proximal to the connector and an air outlet port that is located distal from the connector, and wherein the air inlet port is fluidly connected to the air outlet port.

17. The portable storage module of claim 15, wherein the casing comprises a plurality of baffles disposed within the casing, the plurality of baffles configured to direct air that enters the casing, from the air inlet port, to the air outlet port.

18. The portable storage module of claim 15, wherein the portable storage module further comprises: a memory component disposed within the casing, wherein the memory component comprises a solid-state memory.

19. The portable storage module of claim 15, wherein the connector of the portable storage module comprises a reversible connector.

20. The portable storage module of claim 16, further comprising: a fan unit configured to move air out of the air outlet port.

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