U.S. patent application number 13/697320 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-11 for flexible and scalable method of designing a computing device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hugh Brogan, George Hines. Invention is credited to Hugh Brogan, George Hines.
Application Number | 20130174401 13/697320 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42471636 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130174401 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brogan; Hugh ; et
al. |
July 11, 2013 |
FLEXIBLE AND SCALABLE METHOD OF DESIGNING A COMPUTING DEVICE
Abstract
A system architecture for a computing device is flexible and
scalable to be used for a variety of types, form factors, models
and sizes of device. One or more chassis which may be of a
monocoque design provide structural support and component placement
positions. Components are placed in defined positions predetermined
for their system function and for end user benefits. Components may
be common or substantially similar across any number of different
device types, form factors, models and sizes.
Inventors: |
Brogan; Hugh; (Isle of Man,
GB) ; Hines; George; (Berkhamsted, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brogan; Hugh
Hines; George |
Isle of Man
Berkhamsted |
|
GB
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
42471636 |
Appl. No.: |
13/697320 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
May 11, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2011/050908 |
371 Date: |
March 28, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1633 20130101;
G06F 1/1618 20130101; G06F 1/1601 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
G06F 1/1637 20130101; G06F 1/1616 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/428 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 11, 2010 |
GB |
1009952.1 |
Claims
1. A method of designing a computing device that is flexible and
scalable, to be used for a variety of types, form factors, models
and sizes of device; in which one or more chassis provide
structural support and component placement positions, in which
components are mounted in defined positions predetermined for their
system function, manufacturability and/or end user benefit, and in
which components may be common or substantially similar across any
number of different device types, form factors, models and
sizes.
2. A method according to claim 1 in which the chassis is a
monocoque design incorporating one of the external or internal
covers.
3. A method according to claim 1 for a clamshell design, in which
the top of the display assembly closes behind and in plane with the
top of the palmrests.
4. A method according to claim 1 in which some components together
or individually are mounted in separate carriers, which are
themselves affixed to the chassis.
5. A method according to claim 1 in which some components are
affixed directly to the chassis in common positions across a
plurality of different computing device models.
6. A method according to claim 1 in which cosmetic mechanical
elements are affixed directly to the chassis.
7. A method according to claim 1 in which the chassis includes
integral routing channels which facilitate the correct fixation and
routing of electrical cables.
8. A method according to claim 1 in which portable system power
elements (e.g., batteries) are placed under the palmrests.
9. A method according to claim 1 in which batteries are insertable
through the front of the device.
10. A method according to claim 1 in which batteries are insertable
from underneath the device.
11. A method according to claim 1 in which batteries are insertable
from either side of the device.
12. A method according to claim 1 in which batteries are insertable
from the top of the device.
13. A method according to claim 1 in which portable system power
elements (e.g., batteries) have a design architecture that is
common across a plurality of different computing device models all
designed according to any of the preceding claims.
14. A method according to claim 1 in which the battery capacity
increase by means of x-, y- or z-axis cell size increases as larger
device models are designed, while maintaining a common design
architecture.
15. A method according to claim 1 in which the thermal solution is
located away from and exhausts away from areas of usual user
contact, such at rear side of the device away from the palmrest and
the keyboard.
16. A method according to claim 1 in which the design of the
thermal solution is common and scalable across a plurality of power
classes (e.g., as measured in Watts of power consumed) of computing
device, each designed according to any of the preceding claims.
17. A method according to claim 1 in which the keyboard design and
fixation method are common and scalable across a plurality of
different computing device models, each designed according to any
of the preceding claims.
18. A method according to claim 1 in which the keyboard engine may
be common across a plurality of different computing device models
and is adjustable and customizable for the various models, each
designed according to any of the preceding claims.
19. A method according to claim 1 in which components such as
storage, memory, electronic circuit boards, integrated circuits,
input systems, output systems, antennas, speakers, microphones,
hinges, input/output ports, cameras, indicators, connectors,
latches, displays, sensors and/or other electrical,
electromechanical, and/or mechanical components are common or are
designed in common, scalable configurations across a plurality of
different computing device models, each designed according to any
of the preceding claims.
20. A method according to claim 1 in which components such as
storage, memory, electronic circuit boards, integrated circuits,
input systems, output systems, antennas, speakers, microphones,
hinges, input/output ports, cameras, indicators, connectors,
latches, displays, sensors and/or other electrical,
electromechanical, and/or mechanical components are located and/or
mounted in a common manner across a plurality of different
computing device models, each designed according to any of the
preceding claims.
21.-32. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to the design, subsystems and
components together comprising a flexible architecture for
computing devices which enables realisation of a plurality of
different computing device models, sizes and form factors using
common or similar subsystems, layout schemes, components, and/or
designs thereof. The invention further enables common or similar
manufacturing; assembly and test methods; processes; and/or
apparatuses.
[0003] The invention may be applicable to many types of computing
devices, which may include but are not limited to laptop/notebook
computers, netbook computers, tablet computers, convertible (dual
notebook-style and tablet-style) computers, and/or all-in-one
(where the display and computing engine are combined in a single
unit) or desktop computers. The invention may be further applicable
to certain form factors of mobile telephones, portable media
players, satellite navigation devices, or similar devices.
[0004] The invention addresses common problems arising in the
design and manufacture of such computing devices, especially
portable computing devices, which include restrictions on size,
thickness and weight; heat dissipation; time to market reduction;
quality and reliability; and logistical and manufacturing
complexity.
[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0006] Several computing device trends have exposed the limitations
of commonly employed methods of device design and manufacture:
[0007] Vendors are expected to field an ever wider variety of
device types and models, and to get those devices to market more
quickly than in the past. [0008] Smaller size and weight--and
especially thinness--are becoming prerequisites at most product
price tiers as opposed to just as the highest design or luxury
tiers. [0009] Consumers are rejecting negative performance impacts
in order to achieve smaller size and weight goals. [0010] Battery
performance improvements have been outpaced by processor, display
and other components' power requirements and miniaturization,
resulting in batteries accounting for an ever greater proportion of
overall system size. [0011] As processor speed and performance
increase, thermal solutions to assist with heat dissipation have an
ever greater impact on the overall system design. [0012] The
competitive imperative to offer devices with ever more additional
capabilities, such as sensors, cameras, touchscreens, media
readers, multimedia connectors, and peripheral connectors increases
design and manufacturing complexity, and puts further pressure on
size and weight goals. [0013] As new form factors, such as tablets
and convertible computers, have emerged, existing design paradigms
struggle to adapt. [0014] Vendors are more likely than ever to
outsource, often to multiple suppliers in parallel, various aspects
of computing device design, manufacturing and distribution.
[0015] While they may look similar externally and may share some
components, different models and sizes of computing device today
are generally designed with little or no internal similarity, and
wholly or largely new designs are necessary when vendors wish to
introduce new model types or sizes.
[0016] The lack of commonality among computing device designs
extends to major components and subsystems. For example, it is not
uncommon for a major computing device vendor to have dozens of
different laptop battery part numbers across their ranges. For
example, the Acer UK website listed 35 current laptop batteries
when checked, while the HP US website listed 24.
[0017] Even in the cases where battery cells themselves are shared
across a number of laptop models, the complete battery
subassemblies are often different due to such factors as structural
elements, cosmetic elements or differently placed connectors.
[0018] Efforts to reduce device thinness in a cost effective and
scalable manner have proven especially lacking. Laptop models such
as the Apple Macbook Air and the Dell Adamo are essentially "one
off" designs that are both expensive and difficult to manufacture.
With the MacBook Air especially, the designers have achieved
thinness in part by exclusion of commonly expected device
capabilities.
[0019] Deficiencies are also apparent in current attempts to
minimize thickness in other form factors, such as tablets. For
example, the Apple iPad and iPad 2 are widely criticized for
omitting industry standard USB ports.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The invention is a method of designing a computing device
that is flexible and scalable, to be used for a variety of types,
form factors, models and sizes of device; in which one or more
chassis provide structural support and component placement
positions, in which components are mounted in defined positions
predetermined for their system function, manufacturability and/or
end user benefit, and in which components may be common or
substantially similar across any number of different device types,
form factors, models and sizes.
[0021] The invention includes, in one implementation, a computing
device architecture comprising: [0022] A flexible and scalable
internal substructure or chassis that is common or similar among a
plurality of device models, sizes and form factors. [0023]
Provision for common and/or similar major components and
subsystems, such as batteries, keyboard engines, thermal solutions,
input/output connectors, wireless modules, PCBs, fixed/removable
storage devices, displays, antennas, cable assemblies, to be held
within the various internal chassis. [0024] Provision for common or
similar cosmetic mechanical elements to be attached in turn to the
outside of the chassis. [0025] Locations of the various major
components or subsystems which are common or similar across the
plurality of device models, sizes and form factors.
[0026] The overall system architecture, the chassis, the major
components, and the locations of those components within the
chassis alleviate, together and separately, the common problems
associated with the design and manufacture of computing devices,
including restrictions on size, thickness and weight; heat
dissipation; time to market reduction; quality and reliability; and
logistical and manufacturing complexity.
[0027] Variations of the invention enable laptop, notebook, netbook
and/or convertible computing device vendors to prioritize
minimization of either thickness (z-dimension) or length and width
(x- and y-dimensions).
[0028] The invention may be applicable to many types of computing
devices, which may include but are not limited to laptop/notebook
computers, netbook computers, tablet computers, convertible (dual
notebook-style and tablet-style) computers, and/or all-in-one or
desktop computers. The invention may be further applicable to
certain form factors of mobile telephones, portable media players,
satellite navigation devices, or similar devices.
[0029] Other aspects of the invention include:
[0030] A computing device designed according to the methods defined
above.
[0031] A computing device with one or more rechargeable batteries
placed under the palmrest. One battery pack may be positioned under
the left hand palmrest and another battery pack, identical in shape
and dimensions to the first battery pack but inverted, is then
positioned under the right hand palmrest.
[0032] A computing device with a first battery pack and another
battery pack, identical in shape and dimensions to the first
battery pack, but inverted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The invention will be described with reference to the
following drawings:
[0034] FIG. 1 Generic Portable Computing Device--Detail
[0035] FIG. 2 Possible Concept Architecture--Base Assembly (1)
[0036] FIG. 3 Possible Concept Architecture--Base Assembly (2)
[0037] FIG. 4 Possible Concept Architecture--Display assembly
(1)
[0038] FIG. 5 Possible Concept Architecture--Display assembly
(2)
[0039] FIG. 6 Possible Concept Architecture--Convertible Computer
Alternative
[0040] FIG. 7 Flush Design vs Stack Design--Closed View
[0041] FIG. 8 Concept Scalability Example--Flush Design
[0042] FIG. 9 Concept Scalability Example--Stack Design
[0043] FIG. 10 Possible Internal Component Layout (1)
[0044] FIG. 11 Possible Internal Component Layout (2)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] The invention is described with reference to the included
drawings.
[0046] FIG. 1 shows commonly used terms, which will be used
throughout, for some parts of a typical laptop-style computing
device. Illustrated and related terms are: [0047] A Cover--The
large top surface of the laptop clamshell when closed. The A Cover
may include the wordmark or logo of the vendor [0048] B Cover--The
upper inside surface of the laptop clamshell when open. The B Cover
typically surrounds the main display panel. [0049] C Cover--The
lower inside surface of the laptop clamshell when open. The C Cover
typically surrounds the keyboard and (In the stack design) or other
pointing device. [0050] D Cover--The large bottom surface of the
laptop clamshell when closed. The D Cover is often features a
registration plate and typically also has removable access panels
for various components. [0051] Front, back or side panels (not
shown separately)--Front back and side cosmetic and or structural
panels on the upper or base sections of the laptop clamshell may be
incorporated into one or more of the four main panels or may be
separate parts. [0052] Display, keyboard and trackpad (shown); and
camera, microphone, speakers, etc. (not shown)--User interface
elements, generally exposed through a cover. [0053] Portable
computing device are often grouped by similar display size,
typically measured diagonally in inches across the screen. See FIG.
8 and FIG. 9 for examples of various screen sizes. [0054]
Palmrests--Areas on which to rest the hands while typing, typically
between the front edge of the device and keyboard, incorporated
into the C Cover on the stack design and in the A prime cover on
the flush design and often separated by a trackpad or other
pointing device. [0055] Hinge(s)--A hinge or hinges typically
connect the upper/display part of the clamshell with lower/keyboard
part of the clamshell. Hinges may be bidirectional or
multidirectional and may take a variety of forms. Hinges also
typically include provision for a cable or cable for connections
among components in the upper and lower parts of the clamshell.
[0056] I/O ports--Any of the many possible connecter ports
typically found on a computing device, such as USB ports, display
ports of various standards, power connectors and other ports. They
may be located on any surface but are typically found in the base
rear or side panels. It is best practice to locate the I/O ports as
close as possible to the computing engine in order to minimize the
potential for electromagnetic interference. However, they may also
be located away from the computing engine as shown in some of the
included drawings.
[0057] Although the description given and figures shown reference
primarily a laptop-style form factor device, all relevant parts of
the invention are also applicable to other form factors. Certain
elements may not be present in all form factors. For example, a
typical tablet-style computing device will not have hinges,
although an otherwise similar typical convertible device often
would.
[0058] The invention is a computing device architecture comprising:
[0059] 1. Main Base Chassis (See FIG. 2 and FIG. 3)--A
(figuratively) flexible and scalable internal and/or external
substructure or chassis that is common or similar among a plurality
of device models, sizes and form factors. The Main Base Chassis
may: [0060] a. Provide rigidity to the computing device base and
resist/absorb torsional or other forces [0061] b. Provide a frame
on which other cosmetic or functional mechanical elements, e.g.,
the C Cover and D Cover, may be mounted. It may also incorporate
some of those cosmetic or functional elements, such as serving as
the C Cover and/or a D Cover, or the A and B cover in a tablet
design. [0062] c. Provide a frame on or into which electronic and
electromechanical parts or components, e.g., I/O ports and
motherboard, may be mounted and/or protected [0063] d. Determine
the placement of major parts of the system architecture, e.g., the
batteries, the keyboard and the trackpad [0064] e. Connect to the
Main Display Chassis by means of a hinge or hinges [0065] f. Offer
these benefits when configured as per the invention: [0066] i.
Support a variety of device sizes and styles with a single Main
Base Chassis, allowing interchangeable visible parts such as the C
Cover, the D Cover and the keyboard to be attached to the Main Base
Chassis in order to differentiate various device models [0067] ii.
Provide for scalability of the Main Base Chassis to larger or
smaller implementations of the same basic design, e.g. the use of
the same fixation methods component placement locations reducing
the risks associated electronic interference, and EMC, etc.,
reducing design and testing cycle time, design risk, and time to
market. And facilitating the use of the same components between
models) [0068] iii. Provide for reduction in logistical and
assembly complexity, resulting in lower inventory cost/risk, lower
conversion/assembly cost, and higher repeatability and, therefore,
quality and reliability [0069] 2. Main Display Chassis/Display
Front (See FIG. 4. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6)--A (figuratively) flexible
and scalable internal and/or external substructure or chassis that
is common or similar among a plurality of device models, sizes and
form factors. When the Main Display Chassis also forms all or part
of the B Cover, it may also be referred to as the Main Display
Front, as in FIG. 4. The Main Display Chassis may. [0070] a.
Provide rigidity to the computing device upper part and
resist/absorb torsional or other forces, especially offering
protection to the display panel [0071] b. Provide a frame on which
other cosmetic or functional mechanical elements, e.g., the A Cover
and B Cover, may be mounted. It may also incorporate some of those
cosmetic or functional elements, such as serving as the B Cover
and/or A cover, as mentioned above. [0072] c. Provide a frame on or
into which electronic and electromechanical parts or components,
e.g., display panel and camera, may be mounted and/or protected
[0073] d. Determine the placement of major parts of the system
architecture, e.g., the display panel [0074] e. Connect to the Main
Base Chassis by means of a hinge or hinges [0075] f. Be included in
some embodiments in the display assembly of a convertible computer
display part. (See FIG. 6) [0076] g. Offer these benefits when
configured as per the invention: [0077] i. Support a variety of
device sizes and styles with a single Main Display Chassis,
allowing interchangeable visible parts such as the A Cover, the B
Cover and the display to be attached to the Main Display Chassis in
order to differentiate various device models [0078] ii. Provide for
scalability of the Main Display Chassis to larger or smaller
implementations of the same basic design, e.g., the same display
mounting methods etc., reducing design and testing cycle time,
design risk, and time to market [0079] iii. Provide for reduction
in logistical and assembly complexity, resulting in lower inventory
cost/risk, lower manufacturing conversion/assembly cost, and higher
repeatability and, therefore, quality and reliability [0080] 3.
Common/Similar Components (See component examples in FIG. 2, FIG.
3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11)--Provision for common
and/or similar major components and subsystems, such as batteries,
keyboard engines, thermal solutions, input/output connectors,
wireless modules, PCBs, fixed/removable storage devices, displays,
antennas, cable assemblies, to be held within the various internal
chassis, providing the following benefits: [0081] a. Reduction in
logistical and assembly complexity, resulting in lower inventory
cost/risk, lower conversion/assembly cost, and higher repeatability
and, therefore, quality and reliability [0082] b. Scalability of
the system architecture to larger or smaller implementations of the
same basic design, e.g. the same cable routing methods and
component fixation methods etc., reducing design and testing cycle
time, design risk, and time to market [0083] c. Examples of
common/similar component implementations include: [0084] i.
Keyboards--A common keyboard engine could mate to specific keycaps,
markings (perhaps applied during device manufacturing/assembly)
and/or layouts to enable: [0085] 1. Localized keyboards with a
maximum of common components [0086] 2. Different keyboard styles,
e.g., typewriter or chiclet style keys [0087] ii. Batteries--A
minimum number of scalable battery packs to cover many different
device models and sizes [0088] 1. Common battery cells which could
be coupled together like building blocks to provide for different
battery capacities [0089] 2. Either cylindrical or prismatic
battery cells to fit with different device thickness goals [0090]
3. Common connector and "flippable" battery design that could
enable the same battery pack design to be used in opposite
orientation on opposite sides of the device, simultaneously
providing increased battery capacity whilst reducing the number of
battery types. [0091] iii. Thermal solution--Common thermal
solution across many different sizes, models and processor
configurations [0092] iv. Hinges--A standardized hinge type that
could be adjustable in width and torque in order to accommodate
various display sizes and weights [0093] 4. "Stack" and "Flush"
Design Variations--In addition to enabling a very wide variety of
styles and form factors, sizes, models, decorations and device
type, the invention includes the provision for prioritising of
either: [0094] a. Flush design--The thickness/depth/z-dimension
(i.e., the measure between the top of the A Cover and the bottom of
the D Cover of a closed clamshell), where the top of the A Cover is
in plane with the top of the C Cover palmrests when the laptop is
closed. In this way, sections of the C Cover, including the
palmrest and outer side strips are visible around the edges of A
Cover rather than being fully covered by the A Cover as in more
traditional laptop designs. [0095] i. Removes the combined
contribution of the battery and display part thickness to the
overall device thickness by separating them into two different
stacks [0096] ii. Allows for maximum battery thickness/capacity
whilst achieving a very thin design. With currently typical
alternative implementations, relatively thick/high capacity
batteries are result in a relatively thick overall device. Or
[0097] b. Stack design--The length/y-dimension (i.e., the measure
front the front to the back of the closed clamshell with the
display in the usual landscape orientation), where the
upper/display part of the laptop sits over the top of the C Cover
and palmrests when the laptop is closed. [0098] i. Gives a more
traditional appearance to the device, albeit at the expense of
thickness compared to the Flush design [0099] ii. Allows for larger
displays while maintaining the smallest possible y-dimension [0100]
See FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. The same basic computing device base
design could be used for either Flush or Stack design models.
[0101] 5. Beneficial component/subassembly placement--Locations of
the various major components or subsystems may be common or similar
across the plurality of device models, sizes and form factors,
offering substantial benefits in design simplification, quality,
reliability, economies of scale, manufacturing and assembly. Major
component placements are shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG.
10. Components may be mounted directly to one of the chassis or
covers, or they may be mounted by means of a set of carriers which
attach to or contain the various components and which themselves
are mounted to a chassis or cover, which the benefit of keeping the
relatively larger and more costly chassis and covers common while
the carriers might be specially adapted for particular components.
Examples of component placement include: [0102] a. Batteries [0103]
i. Placed under the palmrests to the left and right of the trackpad
or other pointing device [0104] ii. Could be user replaceable with
insertion from below, from the front, or from the sides [0105] iii.
Could be cylindrical or prismatic [0106] iv. Could employ a
"flippable" design enabling the same battery pack design to be used
either on the right or the left with the device-side connectors in
opposite orientation [0107] v. Area for battery capacity increases
as display sizes grow. [0108] vi. Allows for a "hot swappable"
configuration allowing the user to change one battery whist power
is provided by the other. [0109] vii. In addition to flexibility in
device design and capacity noted earlier, placement of the
batteries has a number of other benefits: [0110] 1. Placement at
the front of the device acts as a counterweight to the display,
encouraging stability when the clamshell is open. [0111] 2. Having
the same components in the same configuration under each palmrest
promotes similar heat transfer through the palmrest, addressing
consumer dissatisfaction issue with varied heat transfer from the
two most contacted areas of the device. (Tests show that consumers
are disturbed more by uneven heat transfer than by heat transfer
itself.) [0112] 3. As only the Z dimension of the battery is
altered between batteries of different capacities, it allows the
creation of extended battery packs that are common to all products,
regardless of form factor. The increase in Z-dimension of the
device increases both fan cooling efficiency and battery capacity
disproportionately to x- and y-increases, thus this battery/power
source mounting method harmonizes the two major constraints within
a typical mobile computing device design. [0113] b. Thermal
solution--Is typically one of the most design constrained and
custom part of any electronic device. By creating a series of
tested and common thermal solutions the design of the product is
greatly simplified. [0114] i. Placed at the back of the device base
with exhaust porting to the back or side [0115] ii. Could be a
scalable by power class, e.g., 2-5 W, 5-8 W, 8-10 W, 10-12 W, 12-15
W, 15-18 W, 18-25 W and 25-35 W [0116] iii. Could allow for common
placement of CPU, I/O blocks such as Northbridge and Southbridge,
GPU and memory. [0117] iv. Could have a common exhaust scheme to
allow predictable thermal performance across devices. [0118] v.
This placement has a number of benefits: [0119] 1. Hot air is
directed away from the user in any of a laptop-, tablet-, or
convertible-style form factor [0120] 2. Scalability reduces design
complexity, risk and time to market, and increases quality and
economies of scale [0121] c. Speakers [0122] i. Speakers may be
placed in the base [0123] ii. May be front- or side-firing [0124]
iii. Design allows for substantial acoustic free space around
speakers [0125] iv. The placement has a number of benefits: [0126]
1. Speaker output may be directed toward the user [0127] 2. Usable
space for speaker and acoustic chambers is proportional to display
size, supporting the consumer expectation for "better" sound as
display sizes increase [0128] 3. Placing the speakers in the front
adjacent to the batteries moves the speakers which are susceptible
to electromagnetic interference away for electronics which could
cause such interference.
* * * * *