Modular Laptop Architecture for Automated Disassembly and Reuse
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face challenges in recycling and reuse due to their modular and compact design, which makes disassembly difficult and inefficient, leading to environmental impact and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A modular component architecture with automated assembly and disassembly features, combined with tracking and management systems, to optimize the reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of information handling system components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If information handling systems use modular and compact design, then portability and integration are improved, but disassembly difficulty increases making recycling inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The information handling system is divided into distinct modular components including a first module with processing components and a second module with storage components. These modules are designed to be separable through automated disassembly processes, allowing efficient recycling while maintaining compact form factor during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated disassembly system acts as an intermediary between the compact modular system and the recycling process. This intermediary system uses robotic manipulators and specialized tools to efficiently separate the tightly integrated modules without requiring manual disassembly, thus resolving the contradiction between compact design and disassembly ease.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manufacturers encourage recycling of information handling systems, then environmental impact is reduced, but smaller components remain difficult to recycle efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into standardized modular components with uniform interfaces and attachment methods, the recycling process can efficiently handle multiple small components together as organized units rather than scattered individual parts, significantly improving recycling productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with specific physical parameters such as standardized connector types, uniform mounting mechanisms, and consistent material compositions. These parameter standardizations enable automated recycling systems to process various small components using the same procedures, thereby improving overall recycling efficiency.
3Weight of moving object
If portable information handling systems are designed with minimal weight and thickness, then mobility is improved, but component disassembly becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into pre-assembled modular units that maintain minimal weight and thickness when integrated, but can be quickly separated into larger sub-assemblies for recycling. This segmentation allows the system to achieve light weight through optimized component placement while reducing disassembly time by creating natural separation points between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are pre-configured with standardized attachment mechanisms during manufacturing. This preliminary action of designing built-in separation features allows automated disassembly systems to quickly separate components without requiring complex manual operations, thus reducing disassembly time while maintaining compact design.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system modular hybrid architecture separates components between rotationally coupled housing portions to minimize cabling, connectors and materials, and to provide improved durability that supports recycling and reuse of the components. For example, a plurality of main board configurations provide selectable performance characteristics assembled behind a display in one housing portion and powered by a battery and charger in the other housing portion. A secondary board that supports the charger provides a variety of customizable secondary functions, such as audio processing supported by integrated speakers, a keyboard interfaced with an embedded controller and held by a housing cover.