Portable Computing System With Slidable Sled And Software Multiplexer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems and networks lack portability and flexibility, making them impractical for various field operations due to size, weight, and power constraints, and existing storage solutions require additional power and space with hardware multiplexers.
Innovation Solution
A portable computing system with a transit case and a slidably removable sled that houses computing components, including a software multiplexer directly interfacing with solid state drives, reducing power and space requirements, and providing modular, flexible computing and networking capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing computing systems include multiple components such as network switches and multiple computers, then processing and storage capabilities are improved, but portability and flexibility deteriorate due to size, weight, and power constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple computing components (CPU, SSDs, network switch, power supply) into a single integrated portable computing system housed in one unit, eliminating the need to transport multiple separate components while maintaining processing and storage capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The portable computing system integrates multiple functions including processing, storage, networking, and power management into a single multi-functional device, allowing it to replace multiple separate components and improve portability without sacrificing capabilities
2Productivity
If a hardware multiplexer is used to interface CPU with multiple SSDs, then storage capabilities are expanded, but power consumption and physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hardware multiplexer component entirely from the system, using direct CPU interfacing with multiple SSDs instead, which eliminates the additional power consumption and physical space requirements that the multiplexer would have imposed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware multiplexer with a software-based or direct hardware interfacing approach, eliminating the need for additional physical components while maintaining the ability to interface the CPU with multiple SSDs
Data Source
AI summary
A portable computing system includes a transit case for providing structure for the mobile computing system, and has a power supply for providing power to the portable computing system. The portable computing system further includes a slidably removable sled disposed inside the transit case, configured to hold a plurality of computing components and to enable access to the plurality of computing components. The slidable removable sled includes a top chamber configured to hold a first type of computing device; a bottom chamber configured to hold a second type of computing device; and a floor disposed between the top chamber and a bottom chamber. The portable computing system further includes a switch, disposed in the bottom chamber, to provide computer networking and communications functions. The portable computing system further includes a plurality of computing blades, disposed in the top chamber, to provide computing capabilities, wherein each of the plurality of computing blades comprises a central processing unit (“CPU”) comprising a software multiplexer for interfacing directly with a plurality of solid state drives (“SSDs”).