Reconfigurable Resource Module Bay for Flexible Module Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers face increased production costs and SKU proliferation due to the need for multiple distinct bays to accommodate various resource module configurations in computing systems, which limits flexibility and efficiency in producing a range of configurations.
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 orientations and accommodating various sizes and combinations of resource modules, enabling reconfiguration without specialized tools or additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct bays are used to accommodate various resource module configurations, then different configurations can be supported, but production costs increase and SKU proliferation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bay is designed as a universal multi-functional structure that can accommodate different resource module configurations through the use of an adaptor and vertical dividers. The common bay structure serves multiple purposes by supporting both vertical and horizontal orientations, and can be reconfigured to hold different numbers and sizes of resource modules, thereby eliminating the need for multiple distinct bay designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The bay structure is segmented into a common bay and a removable adaptor component. The adaptor can be inserted or removed to change the configuration, and vertical dividers within the adaptor can be adjusted to create different compartment arrangements. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration without requiring multiple complete bay designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct bays are used to accommodate various resource module configurations, then different configurations can be supported, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal bay design allows a single bay type to produce multiple configuration outcomes, streamlining manufacturing by reducing the variety of components that need to be produced and inventoried. The adaptor mechanism enables post-manufacture reconfiguration, further improving manufacturing efficiency by allowing standardization at the production stage.
3Device complexity
If a single bay is designed to accommodate multiple configurations, then production costs are reduced, but the bay structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bay is divided into a simple common bay structure and a configurable adaptor assembly. The adaptor contains the complexity of vertical dividers and orientation mechanisms, while the common bay remains structurally simple. This segmentation allows the overall system to achieve multi-configuration capability without making the entire bay structure overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration-changing elements (adaptor and vertical dividers) are extracted as separate removable components from the main bay structure. This allows the common bay to remain simple while the adaptor provides the necessary complexity for multiple configurations. The adaptor can be easily inserted or removed without affecting the basic bay structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed bays are used, then manufacturing is simple, but post-manufacture reconfiguration is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The bay transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system through the adaptor mechanism. The adaptor can be inserted or removed, and vertical dividers can be repositioned, allowing the bay to adapt its configuration after manufacture. This dynamic capability enables customers to reconfigure computing devices based on changing needs while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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).