Modular Computer Expansion for PCIe-Constrained AI Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing industrial computers face limitations in expanding functionalities for AI image processing and cloud computing due to the limited number of PCIe expansion cards allowed by rack size, necessitating additional storage devices and power supply upgrades, which are not flexible or intuitive to manage.

Innovation Solution

A modularized and expandable computer system comprising a host electronic device, first, second, and third expansion electronic devices, allowing for flexible addition, removal, or repair of storage modules, expansion card modules, and power supply units through guided interfaces and screw holes for modular integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If expansion cards are added to extend industrial computer functionality, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and rack space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the computer system into modular components: host device, storage expansion device, graphics expansion device, and power supply expansion device. Each module can be independently configured and connected via standardized interfaces, allowing functionality to be extended without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The host device and expansion devices utilize universal transmission interfaces that can connect multiple device types. A single host device can support various storage devices, graphics devices, and power supply units through standardized connections, enhancing versatility without requiring custom interfaces for each device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If multiple expansion cards are added for AI image processing, then processing capability is improved, but the number of PCIe slots required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidPCIe slot requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a single-plane PCIe expansion architecture to a multi-dimensional modular architecture. Expansion devices connect to the host through standardized transmission interfaces, allowing multiple graphics cards and storage devices to be added without consuming additional PCIe slots on the motherboard, effectively adding capacity in a new dimensional space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If storage devices and power supply are integrated into the industrial computer, then system functionality is improved, but flexibility for addition, removal, and repair is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidflexibility for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Storage devices, graphics devices, and power supply units are segmented into separate, independently replaceable modules. Each module connects to the host through standardized transmission interfaces, allowing users to add, remove, or repair individual components without affecting other parts of the system, thereby maintaining high operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs standardized transmission interface parameters that remain constant across different device types. This standardization allows modules to be freely interchanged and reconfigured, enabling flexible system customization while maintaining consistent connection protocols and interface specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Area of stationary object

If rack size is limited to 1U, 2U, or 4U, then space efficiency is improved, but the number of expandable components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack space efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of expandable components

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular expansion devices are designed to nest efficiently within the host device's form factor. Storage devices, graphics cards, and power supply units are compactly arranged in standardized bays, allowing multiple components to be packed into 1U, 2U, or 4U rack spaces while maintaining full functionality and expandability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250251761A1Modularized and expandable computer system

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 LANNER ELECTRONIC INC

AI summary

A modularized and expandable computer system is disclosed, which comprises a host electronic device, a first expansion electronic device, a second expansion electronic device, and a third expansion electronic device, wherein the first expansion electronic device has a plurality of storage modules, the second expansion electronic device has a plurality of expansion card modules, and the third expansion electronic device has a plurality of power supply units (PSUs). Moreover, the host electronic device is in communication with the first expansion electronic device and the second expansion electronic device, and the third expansion electronic device generates electric power that is further transmitted to the second expansion electronic device, and then the second expansion electronic device further transmits the electric power to the host electronic device, thereby making the first expansion electronic device receive the electric power thorough the host electronic device.