Removable Slot Adapter for Multi-Device Information Handling Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable information handling systems face challenges in finding suitable connectors to hold components in device slots, leading to failed installations and a poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrate removable slot adapters within the internal frame of an information handling system housing, allowing these adapters to separate and adapt device slots to accommodate different types of devices, including SSDs and WWAN cards of varying footprints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses fixed device slots with specific connector types, then the installation process is simple, but the system cannot accommodate devices of varying footprints and types
Solution Approach 1:
The device slot is divided into two functional segments: a fixed slot structure in the housing and a removable adapter component. The adapter can be separated from the slot and replaced to accommodate different device types and footprints, allowing the system to maintain simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device slot is designed with universal adaptability through the use of adapters that can interface with multiple device types (SSD, WWAN, etc.) and footprint sizes. A single slot structure can support various devices by simply changing the adapter, making the slot multi-functional without increasing structural complexity.
2Reliability
If the system includes multiple dedicated connectors for different device types, then each device can be installed reliably, but the system becomes complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple dedicated connectors for different device types, the system uses a single universal adapter interface that can accommodate various device types. The adapter is designed with the necessary connectors and mounting features to reliably install different devices while maintaining a simple, unified interface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the fixed slot structure and the device being installed. It provides the necessary connectors and mechanical interface to reliably attach different device types to the standardized slot, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable installation.
3Ease of operation
If the correct connector is not available when needed, then installation can proceed with existing components, but the installation fails when the required connector is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The correct adapter is prepared in advance and stored in the adapter garage within the housing before the installation process begins. When a device needs to be installed, the user simply retrieves the appropriate pre-prepared adapter from the garage, ensuring the correct connector is always available when needed without adding complexity to the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system housing includes an interior frame that integrates removeable slot adapters and a garage to hold the slot adapters once separate from the frame. In one example embodiment, a slot adapter has plural support structures and screw openings with an offset bottom surface alignment pin so that insertion into openings in different device slots will support different types of devices, such as solid state drives (SSDs) and wireless network interface controllers.