Modular Computing Node With Twisting Watertight Seals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor computing devices face challenges due to environmental ruggedness and power self-sufficiency requirements, leading to high costs and limited functionality, as they often need to sacrifice user interfaces and ports to maintain durability and power autonomy.
Innovation Solution
A modular computing node design that includes a central processing unit, solar panel, battery, and user interfaces, with a tubular solar panel for efficient energy harvesting and a modular expansion system allowing customization, forming a watertight seal with twisting motion interfaces for easy expansion and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If environmental ruggedness is improved by integrating user interfaces and protecting ports, then durability is enhanced, but cost increases and functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a sealed housing containing electronics and a separate removable faceplate containing user interfaces. This segmentation allows the sealed housing to maintain environmental ruggedness while the interchangeable faceplates provide functional versatility. Different faceplates can be attached based on specific application needs without compromising the sealed enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface configuration is made dynamic through interchangeable faceplates rather than being fixed. This allows the functionality to adapt to different requirements while the sealed housing remains static and maintains its protective properties. The system transitions from a static, limited interface to a dynamic, customizable interface solution.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If battery-powered computing devices are used to achieve power self-sufficiency, then portability is improved, but maintenance costs increase due to regular battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel integrated into the faceplate enables the device to generate its own power, making it self-sufficient. The solar panel works in conjunction with the battery to recharge the device automatically when exposed to light, eliminating the need for external charging and reducing maintenance requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are installed with proper mounting equipment and specialized knowledge, then power generation efficiency is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is merged with the faceplate as an integrated component rather than being a separate installation. This combination eliminates the need for specialized mounting equipment and complex installation procedures. The solar panel is positioned optimally on the faceplate to capture light while maintaining a simple, unified structure that is easier to install and maintain.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular design is used to reduce cost and improve functionality, then adaptability is enhanced, but environmental ruggedness may be compromised due to exposed ports
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a sealed housing and a removable faceplate. The sealed housing contains all electronic components and ports, protecting them from environmental factors. The faceplate with user interfaces can be attached or removed without exposing the sealed enclosure, maintaining environmental ruggedness while enabling modular functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interfaces are extracted from the sealed housing and placed on removable faceplates. This extraction allows the main housing to remain fully sealed and environmentally protected, while the interfaces can be customized and replaced without compromising the sealed enclosure's integrity.
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
The modular design reduces ownership costs, enhances functionality, and maintains environmental ruggedness and power self-sufficiency while allowing for customization and efficient energy harvesting, addressing the limitations of traditional outdoor computing devices.
Implementation Method 1
A modular computing node includes one or more units. A first unit includes at least a central processing unit (CPU). In some example embodiments, the first unit further includes one or more antennas, a modem, a radio, a battery, a solar panel, a display, a wireless receiver, and/or an accelerometer.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques related to a modular computing node are disclosed. The modular computing node includes at least a first unit. The first unit includes a memory and one or more processors that execute instructions stored in the memory. The one or more processors are powered by electricity that is converted from solar energy captured by a tubular solar panel. A first interface of the first unit includes one or more first electrical contacts. The first interface forms a watertight seal with a second interface of a second unit based on a twisting motion. Furthermore, a signal bus is formed based on the twisting motion based on aligning the one or more first electrical contacts with one or more second electrical contacts of the second interface.