Modular Computing Device AC Power Transfer Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices, including video game consoles, become obsolete quickly due to limited upgrade options, leading to frequent replacements rather than upgrades, as manufacturers minimize power supply capabilities, resulting in insufficient power for intended upgrades and consumer frustration with rapid console releases and backward compatibility concerns.
Innovation Solution
A modular computing device and gaming console design featuring a base unit with a system board, an expansion dock, and an AC power transfer unit that allows for removable expansion units with performance-enhancing components, enabling users to upgrade specific components without requiring specialized knowledge, using AC power transfer and rectification to DC power within the base and expansion units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers minimize power supply capabilities in computing devices, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the device cannot support intended upgrades and becomes obsolete quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device is divided into modular components that can be independently upgraded. The expansion dock and expansion units allow specific components to be replaced or enhanced without replacing the entire device, thereby extending device lifespan while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base power supply unit is designed to universally power both the base unit and various expansion units through the AC power transfer unit. This multi-functional power distribution system supports different upgrade configurations without requiring additional power supplies, enabling long-term adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If computing devices are designed as integrated units, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but upgrade options are limited and technical knowledge is required for modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a base unit and removable expansion units that connect through a standardized expansion dock. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity for each module while enabling flexible upgrades through simple connection and disconnection of expansion units without requiring technical knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
Expansion units are designed to be inserted into the expansion dock of the base unit, creating a nested configuration. This allows the expansion units to be seamlessly integrated into the existing device structure, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing upgradeability through simple insertion and removal of nested components.
3Power
If AC power is transferred from base unit to expansion unit, then power availability for upgrades is sufficient, but power transfer complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AC power transfer unit acts as an intermediary between the base power supply and expansion units. It receives AC power from the base unit and provides it to expansion units through the expansion dock, enabling sufficient power availability while keeping the power transfer system relatively simple through a dedicated intermediate component.
Solution Approach 2:
The base power supply and AC power transfer unit are designed to universally support multiple expansion units with different power requirements. This multi-functional power distribution capability provides sufficient power for various upgrades without increasing system complexity, as the same power transfer infrastructure serves multiple purposes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to extend the life of computing devices by allowing component upgrades, reducing electronic waste, and providing a flexible, user-friendly method to enhance performance without the need for frequent replacements, while ensuring safe and efficient power transfer and data connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
a base power supply that rectifies the received AC power to DC power to power the base unit
Implementation Method 2
an expansion power supply that receives AC power from the AC power transfer unit and rectifies the received AC power to DC power to power the removable expansion unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a modular computing device that provides a user options to upgrade an existing computing device as improved expansion units become available without rendering the underlying base unit obsolete. The base unit of the modular computing device receives high-voltage AC power and one or more power supplies within the base unit converts the AC power to low-voltage DC power that is consumed within the base unit. An AC power transfer unit transfers AC power from the base unit to an expansion unit installed within an expansion dock of the base unit. One or more power supplies within the expansion unit convert the received AC power to low-voltage DC power that is consumed within the expansion unit.