Modular Docking Case for On-Demand Computing Resource Upgrades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laptops and tablets face challenges in upgrading computing resources due to their compact design, leading to inadequate performance over time, and temperature issues arise when using auxiliary devices, causing overheating and potential device failure.

Innovation Solution

A modular docking case with a computer socket, electrical bus system, auxiliary hardware, and a temperature-controlled fan that connects to a computing device, allowing for on-demand resource upgrades and temperature management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If laptops and tablets are designed to be thinner and lighter for portability, then ease of carrying is improved, but computing power and upgradeability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice weightVSAvoidupgradeability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the computing device into two segments: the original portable device (laptop or tablet) and an external docking case. The docking case houses upgradeable components including additional ports, storage devices, and processing resources. This segmentation allows the portable device to remain thin and light while the docking case provides enhanced functionality and upgradeability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking case acts as an intermediary between the portable device and external peripherals or additional computing resources. It connects to the portable device via an I/O port and provides expanded capabilities including multiple USB ports, storage options, and potential processing power, effectively mediating between the limited built-in resources and the user's growing computing needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary hardware is connected to extend computing resources, then adaptability is improved, but temperature control and reliability worsen due to heat buildup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputing resourcesVSAvoiddevice stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The docking case extracts heat-generating components from the original portable device and houses them in a separate enclosure with dedicated cooling capabilities. This includes placing storage devices, additional processing units, and multiple port interfaces in the docking case, which has its own cooling system independent of the portable device's thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful effect of heat generation into a beneficial separation strategy. By identifying which components generate the most heat and placing them in the docking case with dedicated cooling, the design uses thermal management needs as the rationale for the external docking architecture, thereby protecting the original portable device from overheating while maintaining expanded functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple peripherals are connected to limited ports, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to port conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperipheral connectivityVSAvoidperipheral management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The docking case provides a universal interface that consolidates multiple connection types and functions in a single docking connection. Rather than requiring separate connections for each peripheral, the docking case offers multiple USB ports, storage interfaces, and other connections all accessible through one standardized docking interface, enabling multi-functionality without increasing connection complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 flexible and convenient upgrading of computing resources without modifying the device, while maintaining optimal temperature levels to prevent overheating, thus extending device usability and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a fan mounted to the case frame; a temperature sensor connected to the fan, wherein the fan is triggered to vent hot air from the case frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor connected to the fan, wherein the fan is triggered to vent hot air from the case frame in response to the temperature sensor detecting an ambient temperature in the case frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal detection: Temperature Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10788858B1Modular case for on demand auxiliary computing device resources

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 VELASCO DODGE SEAN PAUL

AI summary

A case for computing devices includes an interface which provides connection to a plurality of auxiliary hardware resources. The plurality of auxiliary hardware resources may be mounted in the case. The case may also include space to accommodate the computing device in the case frame. As computing demands increase for the computing device, the computing device may be connected to the case frame's interface, which via an electrical bus, connects the computing device to one or more of the auxiliary hardware resources in the case. In some embodiments, the auxiliary hardware resources may be accessed by the user on-demand. In some embodiments, a cooling fan may cool the ambient temperature of the case and/or individual auxiliary pieces of hardware.