Modular Computer System in Outlet Receptacle with Expandable Bus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems in residential and commercial settings fail to dynamically share hardware and software resources efficiently, leading to suboptimal utilization and requiring user intervention for management, especially in environments with multiple devices for entertainment, climate, and security.
Innovation Solution
A modular computer system integrated within existing outlet receptacles, featuring a mechanically extendable expansion bus for modular modules, enabling dynamic resource sharing through both wired and wireless data transfer, and utilizing existing electrical infrastructure for power and data coupling, allowing intuitive multi-function interfaces and minimizing the need for duplicate hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional computer systems are used in residential and commercial settings, then basic computing functions are provided, but dynamic resource sharing among devices fails to occur efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the computing environment into autonomous modular units that can independently function while also collaborating through dynamic resource sharing. Each device segments its resources (CPU, memory, storage, I/O) into shareable components that can be dynamically allocated to other devices in the network, enabling efficient multi-device resource utilization without requiring a centralized computer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal resource sharing platform that enables diverse devices (entertainment systems, climate controls, security systems, computers) to participate in a common resource sharing ecosystem. The architecture provides universal interfaces and protocols that allow different device types to share resources seamlessly, making the resource sharing capability applicable across all device categories in residential and commercial environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent devices are deployed for entertainment, climate, and security functions, then device functionality is provided, but hardware and software resources are not shared dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges previously separate hardware and software resources into a unified shared pool that serves multiple devices. Resources such as processing power, memory, storage, and I/O capabilities are combined into a communal resource pool that all devices can access dynamically, eliminating the need for each device to have its own dedicated resources and reducing overall hardware duplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to automatically discover, request, and allocate resources from the shared pool without human intervention. The resource allocation occurs dynamically through automated negotiation and management protocols, allowing devices to self-service their resource needs based on current operational requirements, thereby optimizing resource utilization across the entire system.
3Ease of operation
If conventional systems are used, then basic operations are performed, but user intervention is required for resource management
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms that monitor resource usage, device needs, and system state in real-time. This feedback information is used by the automated resource management protocols to dynamically adjust resource allocation, optimize performance, and balance loads across devices without requiring user input. The feedback loop enables the system to adapt automatically to changing conditions while maintaining optimal resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system empowers devices and the resource management infrastructure to handle all resource allocation, monitoring, and optimization tasks autonomously. User intervention is eliminated as the system self-manages resource distribution, conflict resolution, and performance tuning through automated protocols that continuously adapt to system conditions, thereby achieving both ease of operation and high automation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If all-in-one systems are implemented to enable resource sharing, then resource sharing is attempted, but basic reliable functionality and intuitive interfaces are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains reliability by segmenting functionality into independent modular devices that each retain their core, proven functions. Rather than consolidating all functions into a single complex system, each device (entertainment, climate, security, computing) operates as a reliable independent unit while simultaneously participating in resource sharing through standardized interfaces, thereby preserving basic functionality reliability while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves resource sharing through universal communication protocols and interfaces that work across all device types without compromising individual device reliability. Each device maintains its specialized functionality and reliability characteristics while gaining access to shared resources through the universal platform, allowing devices to be both reliable in their core functions and versatile in their resource sharing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a modular computer system for use in residential, recreational, and commercial regions. The system is a computer system disposed within an existing outlet receptacle housing. The receptacle includes a conventional NEMA standard OS1 and OS2 type electrical housing and electrical line designed to accommodate a residential or commercial light switch, electrical outlet, etc. The computer system is electrically coupled to the electrical line disposed within the housing of the receptacle and includes a mechanically extendable expansion bus configured to mechanically support and data inter-couple a set of modules for providing computer functionality. The expansion bus can be extended to access the modules or collapsed within the receptacle so as to be externally visually obscured by an interface module or cover. The computer system is configured to dynamically detect and data couple with other modular computer systems in a particular region.