Modular Information Handling Assembly for Automated Component Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
The recycling and reuse of components in portable information handling systems are challenging due to their compact design, which makes disassembly difficult and time-consuming, and the varied usage models that affect system life and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A modular component architecture is introduced that allows for automated assembly and disassembly of information handling systems, enabling efficient tracking of component useful life and automated refurbishment and recycling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If compact design is used for portable information handling systems, then portability and miniaturization are improved, but disassembly difficulty and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components (display assembly, keyboard assembly, battery, main board) that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows automated disassembly by robots without requiring manual precision work, resolving the contradiction between compact design and disassembly efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Screws and fasteners are pre-positioned in standardized locations, and components are designed with predetermined removal sequences. This preliminary structuring of the assembly enables automated systems to efficiently disassemble compact devices without time-consuming manual inspection and manipulation.
2Productivity
If modular component architecture is implemented, then automated assembly and disassembly efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms are designed to be universal across different component types. The same screw locations, connector types, and mounting patterns are used throughout the system, allowing a single automated assembly/disassembly system to handle multiple components without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
All components follow homogeneous design standards with consistent interface types, mounting methods, and identification markers. This homogeneity simplifies the automated system's task planning and execution, as the robot uses the same procedures for all components rather than requiring complex conditional logic for different component types.
3Measurement precision
If component tracking and performance monitoring are implemented, then automated disposition accuracy is improved, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Components contain embedded identifiers (QR codes, RFID tags) and sensors that automatically report their own status, location, and performance metrics. This self-reporting mechanism eliminates the need for complex external tracking infrastructure, as components essentially track themselves and provide data to the disposition system.
Solution Approach 2:
Performance metrics and usage data are continuously monitored and fed back to the disposition system, which uses this information to make automated decisions about component reuse, refurbishment, or recycling. This feedback loop enables accurate disposition decisions without requiring complex manual assessment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
End users subscribe to use information handling systems having a selected of available performance characteristics defined by plural components selected to build the information handling systems. A manufacturer meets subscriptions with information handling systems built from an inventory of new components, deployed components of information handling system is use by subscribers, and separated components taken from returned information handling systems and re-used. End user subscriptions are met in part by building information handling systems with separated components having a useful life remaining that aligns with end user usage patterns tracked over time.