Chassisless Computing Device With Flexible Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices require a rigid chassis for structural support, limiting flexibility and reconfiguration, especially in miniaturized systems where components need to be easily added or removed without interrupting the system's operation.
Innovation Solution
A chassisless computing device design featuring flexible connectors and power units, allowing for hot-plugging and hot-unplugging of computing nodes without rebooting, using a flexible enclosure structure and a power unit that filters signals and manages power distribution, enabling reconfiguration within a running program.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid chassis is used for structural support, then stability and strength are improved, but flexibility and reconfiguration capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rigid chassis with a flexible enclosure structure made of flexible materials. This flexible enclosure can accommodate computing nodes, connectors, and power units while allowing for easy reconfiguration and hot-plugging of components without requiring a rigid frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device is divided into separate modular components including computing nodes, connectors, and power units that can be independently connected and disconnected. This segmentation enables reconfiguration of the system by adding or removing modules without affecting the entire system structure.
2Weight of moving object
If components are miniaturized, then device size and weight are reduced, but structural support and mechanical stability become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible enclosure structure provides mechanical support for miniaturized components through its flexible material properties, maintaining structural integrity without requiring a heavy rigid chassis. The flexible materials can conform to component arrangements while providing necessary support and protection.
3Productivity
If hot-plugging is enabled without rebooting, then system availability and productivity are improved, but complexity of power management and signal filtering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power unit acts as an intermediary between the external power source and the computing nodes, providing power filtering and management capabilities. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by handling the complexity of power distribution during hot-plugging events, ensuring stable power supply without requiring complex control logic throughout the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device having a unique form factor and adapted for connecting to an external device is described. The computing device includes external connector(s), computing node(s), a power unit, and a flexible enclosure structure encasing them. The enclosure structure is made of flexible materials so that the computing device forms a physically integrated unit free of a rigid frame and can be mechanically supported by its external connectors without a chassis. At least one computing node has a computing state machine and programs that controls the behavior of the computing nodes at least during a connection event and a disconnection event. The computing device can be hot-swapped and function properly between these events. Also described is a reconfigurable computing system that includes one or more computing devices described above and one or more host computers, as well as programming techniques for accomplishing hot swapping of the computing devices.