Modular Electronic Assembly With Nested Expansion and Heat Dissipation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of electronic components in electronic devices leads to space configuration and heat dissipation challenges, necessitating a solution that enhances component density and efficiency while maintaining effective heat management.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device assembly design that allows overlapping and electrical connection of multiple electronic devices, incorporating a heat dissipation module with fans and heat pipes to manage heat, and a waterproof structure to prevent ingress of external elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed structure design is used for electronic devices, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different expansion needs is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to expansion needsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device is divided into a host and multiple independent expansion components. Each expansion component can be independently selected and assembled based on specific functional needs, allowing the system to adapt to different expansion requirements without redesigning the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A universal connector design is implemented that can accommodate different types of expansion components (storage devices, communication modules, display interfaces) through a standardized interface. This allows a single host to support multiple functions by simply changing the expansion component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for different functions, then the adaptability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional adaptabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Expansion components are designed to be inserted into and nested within the host structure. The expansion component case fits into the host case, and components can be further nested within each other, creating a compact integrated assembly that reduces overall complexity despite multiple functional elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional elements are combined into integrated expansion components. For example, a storage device may combine storage media, circuit board, and connector in a single integrated unit that attaches to the host as one component, reducing the number of separate assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional assembly methods are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the positioning precision and connection reliability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Positioning structures such as positioning protrusions and positioning grooves are pre-formed during the manufacturing of expansion components and host. This preliminary positioning action ensures accurate alignment before final assembly, improving connection reliability without adding complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Connectors serve as intermediary elements between the host and expansion components. These connectors include contact pieces and contact windows that mediate the electrical connection, ensuring reliable electrical contact while accommodating manufacturing tolerances through their design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4239446B1Electronic device assembly and expansion component thereof
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 GETAC TECH CORP
  • EP4239446B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4239446B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4239446B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device assembly includes an expansion component (E1) and a host (E2). The expansion component (E1) includes a first case (H1), a first circuit board (A1), and a first connector (A2). The host (E2) includes a second case (H2), a main circuit board (A3), and a main connector (A4). The first circuit board (A1) is arranged in the first case (H1). The first connector (A2) is electrically connected to the first circuit board (A1) and is exposed from a top plate (H11) of the first case (H1). The main circuit board (A3) is arranged in the second case (H2). The main connector (A4) is electrically connected to the main circuit board (A3) and exposed from a second surface (H22) of the second case (H2). When the host (E2) is assembled to the expansion component (E1), the second surface (H22) of the second case (H2) covers the top plate (H11) of the first case (H1), and the first connector (A2) is electrically connected to the main connector (A4).