Sliding Compartment for Tool-less AIO Module Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
All-In-One (AIO) computers integrate internal components into a single case, making them difficult to service and upgrade, as users face challenges accessing and removing individual components, leading to frustration and potential unnecessary replacement of entire systems.
Innovation Solution
A sliding compartment design that allows frontal access to internal modules, with power and data connectors, enabling tool-less removal of components while ensuring safety by disconnecting power when accessing modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If internal components are integrated into a single case to reduce space occupation, then the device occupies smaller space compared to traditional desktops, but the components become difficult to access and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated case into a stationary housing and a movable compartment that can be independently accessed. The movable compartment contains the removable modules and can be pulled out from the front, allowing users to access components without disassembling the entire device. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining the compact integrated form factor while providing easy access to internal components through the separable movable compartment.
2Reliability
If power remains connected during component removal, then data transfer can occur, but users risk damage from handling live components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an automatic power disconnection mechanism that cuts power to the removable modules when the movable compartment is pulled out from the stationary housing. This preliminary action of disconnecting power before component removal allows users to safely handle live components during the transition period, while still enabling data transfer to complete before the physical separation occurs.
3Ease of operation
If a sliding mechanism is added to provide access to components, then component accessibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple sliding mechanism where the movable compartment can be easily pulled out and pushed back into the stationary housing. This dynamic design allows the compartment to transition between locked and unlocked positions using basic mechanical guides and springs, providing smooth component accessibility without requiring complex actuators, motors, or control systems. The simplicity of the sliding action minimizes added complexity while maximizing user access to internal components.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides an apparatus, including: a housing including: a compartment; the compartment having a panel and two side walls accommodating removable computer modules; the apparatus including a movable component that slides away from the compartment to reveal an inside of the compartment; the compartment including power and data connectors for coupling to the removable computer modules; where power is removed from the removable computer modules responsive to sliding away the movable component. Other aspects are described and claimed.