HK1095181B - Modular computer system and components therefor - Google Patents

Description

Modular computer system and components therefor

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No.60/402,736, filed on 12/8/2002.

Background

Technical Field

The invention relates to a computer component housing system and components therefor. More particularly, the present invention relates to modular computer systems and compatible components with the ability to facilitate upgrades.

Description of the prior art

Computer systems often fail to meet the individual needs of a consumer at the time of purchase for any reasonable length of time. Therefore, it is frequently necessary to upgrade existing components and add components, such as upgrading processors, adding more memory, upgrading graphics capabilities, upgrading sound capabilities, or adding larger hard disks to existing personal computers.

For most people, adding functionality to a computer system is not an easy task and may incorrectly take advantage of the opportunity to complete the task. To add functionality to or upgrade a typical computer system, any external cables connected to the computer must be disconnected, the screws of the back panel removed from the computer to facilitate removal of the computer cover, removal of the cover (thus exposing the internal components), removal of the slot cover covering the slot in which the hardware card is to be installed, and then insertion of the hardware card into the exposed slot. When handling the hardware card, care must be taken not to touch the components of the circuit board or to avoid electrostatic damage to the memory chip. In addition, power cords, ribbon cables, and hardware switch configurations must also be addressed for hard disks or removable media hard disks. Then, to accomplish this task, the computer cover must be replaced, the screws replaced and any external cables previously disconnected reconnected.

It has been found that the addition or upgrade process of current computer systems is time consuming, cumbersome and dangerous in terms of exposing internal computer components to the ambient environment (dust, static electricity, possible liquid spills, etc.), in terms of the circuit manipulation of hardware cards, and in terms of properly completing any necessary cabling and switching configurations. Also, there is often a limit to the number of hardware cards and hard disks that can be added to a personal computer because the number of slots available on a motherboard and the number of shelves on a chassis are limited.

Current computer systems typically include a motherboard. The motherboard may be sufficiently capable and mainstream technology at the time of purchase of the computer system; however, as technology advances, processors and/or memory may become obsolete. To some extent, a computer system can be upgraded by attaching an upgrade card to the computer. However, this brings with it a limit on how much upgrade a current computer system can be made. Typically, computer systems become obsolete when they are unable to meet the needs of new software or perform work comparable to newer computer systems. The computer system is therefore considered "disposable" and needs to be replaced every few years.

In view of these problems, it is apparent that a need exists for an improved computer system that facilitates upgradeability and ease of addition of additional hardware to the system with minimal limitations. The present invention therefore seeks to provide a computer system and related components for easily and safely adding functionality, repairing, customizing, expanding, updating or upgrading the hardware of a PC that reduces the chance of damaging the circuitry on the hardware add-on device and has the ability to increase the number of hardware add-ons that can be attached to the computer.

It would be a great advantage to the computer industry if a modular computer component housing system were provided that allowed for the convenient upgrading of capable components. Other advantages of the invention will be apparent and become more readily appreciated upon reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Summary of The Invention

In accordance with the above-mentioned advantages and needs of the industry, the present invention provides an interconnectable modular computer component system that includes at least one linking module that includes at least one central data or electrical connector that can be used as an interconnection connector for at least one interchangeable hardware module for housing at least one computer component. The hardware modules include complementary connectors whereby the data or electrical connectors of the link module can receive complementary data or electrical connectors of a variety of hardware modules to create data and/or electrical communication between the computer components of the hardware modules and the link module.

By utilizing various modules of each computer assembly, such as a processor, memory, video/graphics cards, sound cards, hard disks, DVDs, and/or power supplies, they may be stacked upon one another and interconnected by a central link module to create a complete computer. In this way, when a computer needs to be upgraded or repaired, only the old module can be removed and a new replacement computer component "plugged in". The link module can be electrically and/or data connected and the computer will be upgraded or repaired immediately.

One particularly preferred embodiment has certain components, including a stackable clamshell configuration for housing a variety of computer components. These components are then all interconnected by a link module that serves as a central electrical or data connector between the various components. It is also contemplated that the connection may be made by some other method than electrical, i.e., fiber optic, radio wave, or infrared connection.

From these disclosures, it can be seen that a fully modular and interconnectable computer system can be achieved that is particularly useful for applications where civilian office or military computer installations often require upgrades or repairs. It is well known in the art that conventional computers can only be upgraded before the chassis is no longer capable of housing all of the components, or there are insufficient electrical connectors available to incorporate new components. Thus, conventional computers have inherent obsolescence. The present invention will alleviate this problem and provide a long life for the computer as it is constructed by the user.

Although the invention will be described hereinafter by way of examples of specific embodiments having certain features, it must be understood that minor modifications, which do not require practice by those of ordinary skill in the art, are also encompassed and within the scope of the invention. Additional advantages and other novel features of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows and in particular will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination or learning of the following in the practice of the invention. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is capable of many other different embodiments and that the details thereof may be modified in various respects, all without departing from the spirit of the invention. The remainder of the description is therefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a further understanding of the intended scope of the invention and the nature and advantages of various embodiments, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are given the same reference numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rear of a computer system including a link module, an expansion link module, and several hardware modules according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front exploded perspective view of a link module according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an expansion link module and hardware module according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front exploded perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another computer system according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another computer system according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a link module according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the link module shown in FIG. 7; and is

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another computer system in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like structures. Also, it should be noted that terms used herein, such as "rear," "front," "top," "bottom," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like, are only used to help describe the structure of the present invention, as illustrated. It will be apparent that the invention can be used in a number of different orientations.

As described above and below, the terms "PC," "PC system," "personal computer," "computer," and "computer system" are used interchangeably. It will become immediately apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description that the present invention pertains to all computer systems, regardless of their name, application, and size, including: desktop, workstation, enterprise-level system, server, mainframe, embedded system, notebook, laptop, mobile, handheld, palmtop, and pocket PC. The creation of computer systems that utilize other configurations, applications, and names will not impair or circumvent the spirit of the present invention.

As will be described below, the present invention relates to a user-assembled collection of enclosed hardware modules designed to implement interconnection capabilities, which results in an easily available, modular, potentially frameless or chassis-less (i.e., no chassis) computer system. Each enclosed hardware module of the present invention has the main hardware and necessary controller/connection circuitry, and is enclosed in a protective enclosure that is suitable for structural support and easy to repeatedly interconnect or have "plug-ability". Even though the computer system of the present invention may be rack-less or chassis-less, it may be desirable for a consumer or designer to retain the rack or chassis and the inclusion of the rack or chassis would not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the rear of a computer system 10, which computer system 10 includes a link module 11, various enclosed hardware modules 12-26 (even numbered reference numerals), and an expansion link module 36, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The link module 11 has a front side 38 (not visible in fig. 1), a rear side 40, a top side 41 and two vertical sides including a vertical side 42. The rear side 40 of the link module 11 has several slots (not visible in fig. 1) into which the hardware modules are inserted.

The rectangular hardware modules inserted in the link module 11 are: a processor module 12, a memory module 14, a video/graphics module 16, a sound module 18, a hard disk module 20, a DVD/read-write drive module 22, and a power supply module 24. Link module 11, processor module 12 and memory module 14 together essentially replace what is commonly used in current computer systems and referred to as a "motherboard". The link module 11 is basically a "connector board" to which the processor module and the memory module are connected. In the present invention, it is easier to upgrade the processor and/or memory of the computer system by simply replacing the processor module and/or memory module with an upgrade module. The level of upgrade is less limited than upgrading a conventional motherboard.

However, the computer systems shown in the figures are reconfigured and the elements of a standard motherboard are segregated to the extent that the motherboard is eliminated in these computer systems, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not necessary to reconfigure a standard motherboard to obtain a modular computer system that reflects the spirit of the present invention. In other words, a standard motherboard may retain its traditional form, but the added hardware may be modular in accordance with the present invention. The modular hardware will continue to provide advantages as discussed herein.

Expansion link module 36 has a top side 46, a bottom side 48, a front side 50 (not shown), and a back side 52. Bottom side 48 may be attached to top side 41 of link module 11 so that there is an electrical and data connection between link module 11 and expansion link module 36. If the slots in link module 1 do not have sufficient connections and/or the type of connection desired, expansion link module 36 and any other desired expansion link modules are provided to enable attachment of more hardware modules. For example, no slot for a modem module is available on the link module 11; however, a slot for modem module 26 is available in expansion link module 36.

The link module, expansion link module, and hardware module of the present invention are enclosed in a rigid material for protecting internal electronic components to allow for convenient handling of the module without damaging the internal components and to provide structural support to the computer system and its components. The rigid material may be, for example, plastic, composite, metal, ceramic, and/or glass, etc., and the housing (assembly) components may be held together by fasteners, or joined together as a part in the process, or held together using any other technique known in the manufacturing art.

Referring now to fig. 2, the link module 11 is shown in a front exploded perspective view having an outer housing 54, a connector housing 56, and a link circuit board 58. The outer housing 54 has a clamshell-type design and includes a front housing 60 and a rear housing 62.

Connector housing 56 houses connectors for hardware modules, namely processor module connector 64, memory module connector 66, video/graphics module connector 68, sound module connector 70, hard drive module connector 72, DVD/R/W drive module connector 74, and power supply module connector 76. The slots 44 through the front housing 60 correspond to the location of each of the various connectors.

The rear housing 62 of the link module 11 also has various connectors on the vertical side 42 for standard peripheral devices. The multi-type connector includes: a keyboard connector 78, two USB ports, a printer connector 82, and a mouse connector 84. The various connector ports are merely exemplary as the type of connector port may vary. A female connector 88 is provided at the top of connector housing 56 for attachment of expansion link module 36 shown in fig. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a rear perspective view of hardware module 26 and expansion link module 36 is shown. Hardware module 26 is shown aligned with, but not connected to, expansion link module 36.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a front exploded perspective view of hardware module 26 and expansion link module 36 is shown. Hardware module 26 includes a clamshell-style design housing having a top housing 90 and a bottom housing 92. The top housing 90 has an elongated recessed foot rail guide 94 and the bottom housing 92 has an elongated protruding foot rail 96. The foot rails and foot rail guides allow other hardware modules to slide into position above or below the hardware module 26 and help secure the hardware module in place.

Hardware module 26 also includes: top and bottom expansion spacers 98 and 100, each having a housing opening 102; a modem card 104; a standard RJ11 modem phone jack 106 and a male PCI connector 108. PCI connector 108 protrudes from the end of the housing and provides a means for inserting hardware module 26 to be inserted into expansion link module 36. Although connector 108 is shown as a PCI connector, it should be understood that the "interconnect" connector may be any type of connector or connection method, including wireless technology, consistent with any appropriate standard, both current and future developed standards (such as the upcoming PCI Express standard), so long as it meets the requirements for data transfer.

Expansion link module 36 includes a housing having a clamshell design that includes a front housing 110, a rear housing 112, a link plate 114, a female PCI-type connector 116, a male link plate connector 118, and a female link plate connector 120.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, a computer system 122, which includes a link module 11 and a variety of hardware modules 126-140 (even numbered reference numerals). The hardware modules 126-140 have a hexagonal shape (as best shown in fig. 6) rather than the generally rectangular shape of the hardware modules of fig. 1, 3 and 4. The computer system 122 illustrates the fact that the shape of the hardware modules does not affect the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the shape and order of the hardware module ports disposed on the link modules need not conform to the shape and order shown in the figures, even though the particular link modules shown are designed for connection in a particular hardware order.

In fig. 5, from bottom to top, the hardware modules are: a power module 126, a DVD read/write CD drive module 128, a hard disk module 130, a sound module 132, a video/graphics module 134, a memory module 136, a processor module 138, and an optional modem module 140. There is a space between the various hardware modules that is created by the legs 141 of the modules. The illustrated hardware modules 126-140 are "plugged" together to form a user-configurable computer system.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a computer system 142, which is another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the link module (144) is an embedded link module. Each individual hardware module (146-160) is connected internally to an embedded link module 144. In this embodiment, from bottom to top, the hardware modules are: a power module 146 with its male connector 147, a DVD read/write CD drive module 148 with its male connector 149, a hard disk module 150 with its male connector 151, a sound module 152 with its male connector 153, a video/graphics module 154 with its male connector 155, a memory module 156 with its male connector 157, a processor module 158 with its male connector 159, and a modem module 160 with its male connector 161. The link module 144 has all female internal connectors (not shown in fig. 6).

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the link module 144, and fig. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of the link module 144. The link module 144 includes: a top housing 162 with leg connectors 164 and female connectors 166, an extender connection 168, a hardware processor board 170, a ribbon cable 172, an external device port 174, and a bottom housing 176 with leg connectors 164 and male connectors 178. A ribbon cable 172 may be connected to the female connector 166 and to the male connector 172 and allow data transfer between modules. Wires 180 extend through one of the leg connectors 164 and are present to allow connection of a power source for link module 144 and hexagonal hardware modules (such as those shown in fig. 6).

FIG. 9 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention, a computer system 200. Computer system 200 is similar to computer system 142 shown in FIG. 6; however, the computer system 200 has external connections between its embedded link module (202) and the hardware modules. The external connections are provided by external wiring 204, which connects each hardware module to embedded link module 202. A unique feature of the design shown in fig. 9 is that the modules need not be stacked. Rather, the modules may be arranged in the same plane (e.g., horizontally or vertically), or some may be stacked and others not stacked. This feature is possible due to the flexible wiring that extends from the link module to the various hardware modules.

In order to use the present invention, a user who needs to assemble a computer system needs at least one link module and necessary hardware modules available for constituting the computer system. Currently, it is generally considered that the necessary hardware modules include: the device comprises a processor module, a memory module, a video/graphic module, a sound module, a hard disk module, a read-write driving module and a power supply module. The user then plugs the various hardware modules into the link module as appropriate for the particular design of the computer system. Peripheral devices such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and printers are then plugged into the link module, and the link module is then plugged into a power source (such as an electrical outlet). The computer system is then available for typical use.

However, other unique configurations may occur to those skilled in the art that incorporate some or all of the minimum module configurations described above, but may include other module configurations, such as a discrete power module, a fully integrated game module, a high-end home theater module, a remote control module, an automobile module, a mobile module, or a network module, providing the user the ability to attach to a dedicated game console, home entertainment system, television, automated home control center, automobile entertainment and GPS system, mobile device, other computer system, or another electronic device on a personal or local area network.

In a variation of the invention, the link module may include a processor and a main memory, and as such, it is similar to a motherboard. The necessary hardware modules and peripherals will then be plugged into the link module as discussed above.

To upgrade or add to the computer system discussed above, the user need only attach an expansion link module to the current link module and install additional hardware modules into the added expansion link module.

Thus, by describing the present invention, it can be seen that the present invention provides a modular computer system (and related components) for which function additions, repairs, customizations, extensions, updates, and/or upgrades to hardware can be easily and safely performed, with fewer limitations than current computer systems. With the modular computer system of the present invention, functionality addition, repair, customization, expansion, updates and/or upgrades do not require removal of computer system covers or screws, reduces the possibility of damaging the circuitry on the hardware plug-in device(s), enables proper connection of the plug-in devices without trouble and error, has the ability to increase the number of hardware devices that can be attached to the computer, and ultimately allows the computer system to better follow future technology developments. The present invention may be designed to include conventional base or rack configurations while incorporating some or all of the modular components described herein. However, the inclusion of such a frame or chassis would not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

In short, numerous advantages have been described which result from using any or all of the concepts and features of the various specific embodiments of the invention, or within the scope of the invention. The new computer system functions as a stackable and easily interchangeable computer.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings with respect to the specific embodiments. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention finds particular industrial applicability in the computer industry and is particularly useful in civilian and military office environments where computer systems with conveniently upgradeable capabilities are required.

Claims (13)

1. A modular computer component system, comprising:

at least one link module comprising at least one central data connector;

at least one interchangeable hardware module for housing at least one computer component, said hardware module including a complementary connector, whereby the at least one data connector of the link module can receive the complementary data connector of the hardware module for creating data communication between the computer component of the hardware module and the link module;

whereby said at least one linking module serves as at least a portion of a central data connector into which the at least one hardware module can be placed for communication with the linking module, whereby each hardware module can be easily interchanged and connected for upgrade and repair without undue effort, and

thus, a complete computer system is created by coupling together different interchangeable hardware modules that replace the motherboard by combining utility-specific components from the group consisting of: a processor, a hard drive, memory, a graphics card, a sound card, a power supply, and a storage device, and combinations thereof.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one link module serves as a central connector for connecting all other modules and should include a connector to accommodate a plurality of hardware modules.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the central data connector of the link module may comprise a connector selected from the group consisting of: electrical connectors, radio frequency remote connectors, infrared connectors, hard-wired connectors, ribbon cable connectors, and fiber optic telecommunications connectors.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising an expansion link module for connecting to the link module if a capacity greater than the available capacity on the link module is required.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one link module and the at least one hardware module are enclosed in a rigid material.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one link module and the at least one hardware module are physically connectable such that a fully capable computer can be constructed through interconnection of the hardware modules.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the link module further comprises a plurality of connectors for standard peripheral devices selected from the group consisting of: keyboard, USB port, printer connection, mouse connector, and other standard devices.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein each interchangeable hardware module may comprise a rigid material of a clamshell design for housing a computer component.

9. A modular computer component system, comprising:

at least one coupling module comprising a central electrical connector; and

at least one interchangeable hardware module for housing at least one computer component, said hardware module comprising complementary electrical connectors, whereby the electrical connectors of the linking module can receive the complementary electrical connectors of the hardware module to create electrical communication between the computer component of the hardware module and the linking module;

thus, a complete computer system is created by coupling together different interchangeable hardware modules that replace the motherboard by combining utility-specific components from the group consisting of: a processor, a hard drive, memory, a graphics card, a sound card, a power supply, and a storage device, and combinations thereof.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one of the link modules serves as a central electrical connector for connecting all other modules and should include an electrical connector for accommodating a plurality of hardware modules.

11. The system of claim 9, further comprising an expansion link module for electrically connecting to the link module if a capacity greater than the available capacity on the link module is required.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one link module and the at least one hardware module are enclosed in a rigid material.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one link module and the at least one hardware module are physically connectable such that a fully capable computer can be constructed through interconnection of the hardware modules.