External Graphics Module via USB for Thin Notebook Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a graphics card or graphics chip on a notebook computer's mainboard increases size, weight, power consumption, and heat generation, contradicting the trend of lightweight, thin, and portable electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
An external device with a signal transmission module and power module, connected via connectors, allows for the external connection of a processing unit that can switch between transmitting non-USB signals like PCIE and USB 3.1 signals, effectively replacing the internal graphics card or chip, enabling a lighter and thinner design by eliminating the need for internal graphics components and providing power through the same connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a graphics card or graphics chip is integrated on the mainboard, then the graphics processing capability is improved, but the size and weight of the notebook computer are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The graphics processing function is segmented from the mainboard and placed in an external device connected via USB interface. The external device contains the graphics card or graphics chip, while the notebook computer only needs a USB connector, separating the heavy graphics components from the portable computer body.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphics card or graphics chip is extracted from the internal mainboard configuration and moved to an external device. This extraction removes the weight burden from the notebook computer while preserving the graphics processing capability through external connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a graphics card or graphics chip is integrated on the mainboard, then the graphics processing capability is improved, but the power consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The power-consuming graphics processing function is segmented into an external device that draws power independently through the USB interface's power delivery capability, separating the power consumption from the notebook computer's internal power supply.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a graphics card or graphics chip is integrated on the mainboard, then the graphics processing capability is improved, but the heat generation is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-generating graphics card or graphics chip is extracted from the notebook computer and placed in an external device. The heat dissipation responsibility is transferred to the external device's cooling system, eliminating the heat burden from the portable computer.
4Temperature
If the size of the heat dissipation module is increased to meet heat dissipation requirements, then the heat dissipation capability is improved, but the size of the notebook computer is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation module is extracted from the notebook computer and relocated to the external device. This allows the heat dissipation system to be sized appropriately for the graphics processing load without constraining the portable computer's compact dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
An external device including at least a first connector, a signal transmission module and a power module is provided. The signal transmission module is electrically connected to the first connector. The power module is electrically connected to the first connector and outputs power via the first connector. The signal transmission module of the external device is a pluggable external graphics card. A graphics card or a graphics chip in the electronic device connected to the external device can be replaced via the external graphics card. Consequently, the graphics card or the graphics chip in the electronic device can be eliminated and thus the electronic device can be made light and thin.