Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-06
2001-11-13
Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S724000, C248S917000, C345S905000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06317316
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates in general to the field of computers, and more particularly to a method and system for integrating personal computer components.
BACKGROUND
Ever since and even before the origination of Moore's Law, the personal computer industry has struggled to put an increased amount of computing power into a personal computer with a decreased footprint. Personal computers with smaller footprints leave greater space on desktops for the personal computer's user. However, as a personal computer's size decreases, the size of components included in the personal computer tend to decrease, leading to decreased functionality and robustness.
For instance, laptop computers are designed with portability as the central objective. However, top-of-the-line laptop computers generally have slower processors, less random access memory and smaller hard drives than do top-of-the-line personal computers. In addition, laptop computer components generally have less strength and are thus more prone to break. One example of reduced robustness is the CDROM drives typically found on laptops. Laptop CDROM drives are generally manufactured with less robust parts, such as doors, than conventional CDROM parts in order to reduce the overall size of the CDROM drive. When pressure is placed on the door, as often happens when a CDROM is placed in or removed from the door, the door may snap off or is otherwise rendered non-functional, generally requiring replacement of the CDROM drive.
Another factor that effects the footprint size of a personal computer is the option of upgrading the personal computer at a future date with additional internal components. For instance, personal computers constructed as a “tower” are too large to reside on a desktop, but generally have a relatively large amount of internal space for components, including aftermarket components, for expanding the personal computer's functionality. By comparison, “desktop” personal computers have reduced footprint to allow a user to rest the personal computer on a desktop, but have relatively less room for aftermarket expansion. In contrast, laptop computers have minimal footprints for ease of use in any location, but are designed for minimal user interaction with internal components.
In addition to increased footprint, a number of other significant tradeoffs occur as a personal computer's footprint changes in size. For instance, as footprint size decreases, electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by the personal computer becomes more difficult to control to desired specifications. Thus, a personal computer with a generally large footprint allows a greater degree of flexibility in the design of its shape and appearance. In contrast, personal computer's designed with generally smaller footprints tend to have a more utilitarian appearance, in part to comply with EMI requirements. One example of a utilitarian design is the design typically employed on laptop personal computers. The internal components of laptops are tightly packed in a restricted space with EMI a major consideration in the arrangement of internal components. The result is a utilitarian box with little flexibility for modification of internal components or appearance.
As another example of a tradeoff that arises with changes in a personal computer's size, cable connections tend to become more complicated as footprint increases. For instance, personal computers with large footprints generally have a greater distance between essential external components, such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse and printer, than do personal computers with smaller footprints. Longer cables are more difficult to manage and also increase EMI output from the personal computer system.
One recent and significant advance towards reducing the footprint of personal computer systems is the introduction of commercially-available flat panel displays (FPDs). FPDs are considerably smaller than conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, but also less robust and more susceptible to damage. For instance, FPDs tend to be so light in weight that they can easily be tipped over or otherwise disturbed, resulting in damage to the FPD. Thus, in order to minimize the risk of damage to the FPD, a large support is typically used, effectively eliminating the advantage presented by an FPD's reduced footprint.
SUMMARY
Therefore, a need has arisen for a method and system which integrates the components of a personal computer to support increased computing resources in a reduced footprint.
A further need exists for a method and system which integrates a FPD as a personal computer system component to take advantage of the reduced footprint of the FPD while also supporting the FPD in a robust manner.
A further need exists for a method and system which effectively manages EMI without substantially reducing the options for appearance designs of the personal computer for a given personal computer footprint.
A further need exists for a method and system which effectively manages cables that interface the personal computer system's various components.
A further need exists for a method and system which improves the robustness of CDROM components associated with a personal computer.
In accordance with the present disclosure, a method and system is provided that substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with previously developed personal computer systems. The method and system integrate personal computer system components in a compact and efficient manner to reduce the personal computer system's footprint while enhancing the efficiency of the usage of available space for personal computer components.
In one embodiment, the method and system for integrating personal computer components enhances the support of a FPD associated with a personal computer by using the weight of the personal computer to stabilize a base structure associated with the FPD. The base structure rests in contact with a desktop or other suitable surface. A support adapted to couple to the FPD extends upward from the base structure. A recess formed in the base structure substantially conforms to the shape of the bottom of the personal computer so that the personal computer rests securely within the recess when placed on top of the support. In one alternative embodiment, the FPD support is formed as a housing that provides a cavity aligned with the cables of the personal computer. The cavity provides a convenient arrangement for managing cables communicating between the personal computer and the FPD or other external components.
In another embodiment, the shape of the exterior casing of the personal computer is more effectively managed without significant impact on EMI by using inner and outer casings for the personal computer. The outer casing provides a shape that conforms to the base structure or that is otherwise aesthetically pleasing. The inner casing provides for manufacture of a personal computer to desired size and EMI specifications.
The inner casing has a motherboard segment coupled by a hinge to a housing segment. The mother board segment swings open and shut, acting as a door relative to the housing segment. The mother board of the personal computer is coupled to the inside of the mother board segment so that the mother board is easily accessible when the mother board segment is swung open. The housing segment provides a cavity of adequate volume to accept and store inside it such conventional personal computer components as the power supply, hard drive and cooling equipment. When hinged together, the mother board and housing segments provide for EMI within desired specifications. When hinged open, computer system upgrades and maintenance are available. In one embodiment, the hinge and cable connections between the mother board and housing segments are removable to allow separation of the mother board for maintenance or replacement. For instance, a pin and sleeve arrangement allow separation of the motherboard and housing segments by simply sliding t
Bentley Thomas L.
Lenart Christopher N.
Ozias Orin M.
Penate Ricardo
Sedmak, Jr. Jon
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Dell USA L.P.
Duong Hung Van
Picard Leo P.
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