Unified Chassis for All-in-One Computers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional all-in-one computers, particularly portable ones, face weight and thickness issues due to the independent design of display and computer sub-systems, which limits portability and increases material costs.

Innovation Solution

A unified chassis design that combines the structural elements of the computer and display sub-systems into a single, lightweight unified plate made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, reducing the overall weight and thickness by eliminating one structural plate and allowing joint use of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If independent chassis designs are used for computer and display sub-systems, then structural strength is maintained, but weight and thickness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the computer chassis and display chassis into a single unified chassis structure. The computer sub-system components and display sub-system components are both mounted on the same chassis plate, eliminating the need for separate chassis structures. This merging reduces the total weight and thickness while maintaining the structural strength needed to support both sub-systems independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified chassis is constructed using carbon fiber reinforced plastic, a composite material that provides high strength-to-weight ratio. This material choice enables the chassis to maintain the necessary structural strength for supporting computer and display components while significantly reducing the overall weight compared to traditional metal chassis constructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If separate structural plates are used for computer and display sub-systems, then component support is adequate, but material costs and device thickness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial costVSAvoidchassis structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the computer sub-system and display sub-system onto a single unified chassis, eliminating the need for separate chassis plates. This reduces material costs by using less material overall and simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of components that need to be produced, assembled, and finished. The unified design reduces device complexity while maintaining adequate support for all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If larger screen sizes are used, then multi-user interaction capability is improved, but portability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-user interaction capabilityVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic for the unified chassis enables the device to accommodate larger screen sizes while maintaining portability. The composite material's high strength-to-weight ratio allows the chassis to support larger displays without proportionally increasing weight, thus preserving the device's portability despite enhanced multi-user interaction capabilities provided by larger screens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the computer and display sub-systems into a single integrated unit with shared chassis, power supply, and cooling systems, the patent reduces the overall device weight and thickness. This enables larger screen sizes to be accommodated while maintaining acceptable portability characteristics for a device of this class.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The unified chassis design achieves a 12-18% weight reduction and a more streamlined form factor, enhancing portability while potentially offsetting increased design costs with reduced material usage.

Implementation Method 1

a single, lightweight unified plate made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComposite materials: Composite Materials

Data Source

PatentUS10712779B2Unified chassis construction for all in one computer
Publication Date: 2020.07.14 INTEL CORP
  • US10712779B2 patent drawing
  • US10712779B2 patent drawing
  • US10712779B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments are generally directed to a unified chassis construction for an all in one computer. An embodiment of a computer system includes a computer sub-system to provide computer operation; a display sub-system to provide display operation; a unified plate, components installed in the unified plate including at least one or more computer sub-system components and one or more display sub-system components; and a display screen coupled with the unified plate.