Multi-configuration resource module bay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers face increased production costs and SKU proliferation due to the need for multiple distinct bay designs to accommodate various resource module configurations in computing systems, making it difficult to offer a range of configurations efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A multi-configuration bay that can be adapted into different configurations by inserting or removing an adaptor and vertical dividers, allowing for vertical or horizontal orientation of resource modules, and accommodating different sizes and form factors, enabling reconfiguration without specialized tools or additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct bay designs are used to accommodate various resource module configurations, then configuration versatility is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bay is divided into multiple compartments using removable vertical dividers that can be positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows a single bay design to accommodate different numbers and sizes of resource modules, providing configuration versatility without requiring multiple distinct bay designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The bay configuration is made dynamic through removable vertical dividers and adaptable support structures that can be repositioned or removed. This allows the bay to be reconfigured between different configurations (e.g., single wide module vs. multiple narrow modules) using the same physical bay hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct bay designs are used to accommodate various resource module configurations, then configuration versatility is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal bay design incorporates removable vertical dividers and adaptable support structures that enable it to serve multiple configuration purposes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manufacture and stock multiple distinct bay designs, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining the ability to accommodate various resource module configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical dividers and support structures are designed to be removable and reusable. When reconfiguring the bay, components are discarded from one configuration and recovered for use in another configuration, eliminating waste and reducing the need for additional parts, thereby lowering production costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed bay designs are used for different resource module configurations, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bay is segmented into multiple compartments using removable vertical dividers. This segmentation allows a single manufactured bay design to be adaptively configured for different resource module sizes and quantities, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Removable vertical dividers act as intermediary elements between the fixed bay structure and the variable resource modules. These intermediaries enable the fixed bay to adapt to different configurations without requiring the bay itself to be manufactured in multiple variants, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving adaptability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If specialized tools or additional parts are required for reconfiguration, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical dividers and support structures are designed to be installed and removed without specialized tools. The self-service design allows operators to reconfigure the bay manually, improving ease of operation while maintaining structural stability through properly engineered engagement features that ensure secure fitting during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical dividers are designed as simple, tool-free installable components that can be easily replaced if needed. This approach prioritizes ease of operation by eliminating the need for specialized tools or complex installation procedures, while structural stability is maintained through adequate engagement mechanisms designed for tool-free assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
An example multi-configuration bay for housing resource modules for a computing device. The multi-configuration bay includes a common bay and an adaptor that may be removably installed within the common bay. The common bay includes first rails on its top and bottom walls, the first rails being to hold resource modules in vertically oriented installed-positions within the common bay. The adaptor includes second rails on its side walls, the second rails being configured to hold resource modules in horizontally oriented installed-positions within the common bay (when the adaptor is installed in the common bay).