Abstract:
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.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Information handling devices (e.g., desktop computers, laptop computers, etc., “devices”) allow users to accomplish a variety of tasks. One such device, an All-In-One (“AIO”) computer integrates a computer system&#39;s internal components (e.g., battery, hard drive, memory processor, fan, etc.) into the same case as the display, thereby occupying a smaller space than a traditional desktop with a large hardware tower. However, AIOs are difficult to service and many users experience difficulties when attempting to access and remove a particular hardware component. This can lead to user frustration due to the time and effort it takes to remove a single component. Therefore, it would be desirable if the internal components of an AIO were easily accessible by a user. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0002]    In summary, one aspect provides an apparatus, comprising: a housing including: a compartment; said compartment having a panel and two side walls accommodating a plurality of removable computer modules; said apparatus including a movable component that slides away from the compartment to reveal an inside of the compartment; said compartment including a plurality of power and data connectors for coupling to the plurality of removable computer modules; wherein power is removed from the plurality of removable computer modules responsive to sliding away the movable component. 
         [0003]    Another aspect provides a system, comprising: a plurality of removable computer modules; and a housing including: a compartment; said compartment having a panel and two side walls accommodating the plurality of removable computer modules; said apparatus including a movable component that slides away from the compartment to reveal an inside of the compartment; said compartment including a plurality of power and data connectors for coupling to the plurality of removable computer modules; wherein power is removed from the plurality of removable computer modules responsive to sliding away the movable component. 
         [0004]    A further aspect provides an apparatus, comprising: a housing including: a fixed portion; and a movable compartment; said movable compartment having a panel and two side walls; said side walls contacting the fixed portion and permitting the movable compartment to slide away from the fixed portion; said bottom panel including a plurality of power and data connectors for coupling to a plurality of removable computer modules. 
         [0005]    The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. 
         [0006]    For a better understanding of the embodiments, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example of information handling device circuitry. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates another example of information handling device circuitry. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a display attached to an all-in-one dock. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4 (A-B) illustrates an example view of a sliding compartment of an all-in-one dock containing various modules. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5 (A-B) illustrates another example view of a sliding compartment of an all-in-one dock containing various modules. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example view of one of the modules of the sliding compartment being removed. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described example embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the example embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments, as claimed, but is merely representative of example embodiments. 
         [0014]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or the like in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0015]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, et cetera. In other instances, well known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obfuscation. 
         [0016]    One current device that assists in ease-of-use is an All-In-One (“AIO”) computer. An AIO integrates the system&#39;s internal components (e.g., battery, hard drive, memory, processor, fan, etc.) into the same case as the display, thus occupying a smaller footprint than desktops that incorporate a tower. However, these are difficult to service. Like laptops, some AIO desktop computers are characterized by an inability to customize or upgrade internal components. The systems&#39; cases do not provide convenient access to upgradable components; therefore, faults in certain aspects of the hardware may require the entire computer to be replaced, regardless of the health of its remaining components. 
         [0017]    These technical problems present difficulties for users in that exchanging a failing component or expanding the functionality, storage or other capability of an AIO. A conventional solution would be to disconnect the AIO and turn it around so that a back panel is facing the user. From this position a user can use tools to remove, upgrade, or repair an existing part. However, typically many of the components in these designs are closely packed together so it is difficult to remove and service an individual component. In addition, conventional techniques do not allow the user to service an AIO from the front. Therefore, a user may waste a great deal of time and energy trying to remove a single component. These issues are especially prevalent for those who need to frequently remove certain components as a course of business. For example, many people involved with finance are required to remove their hard drives on a daily basis. Having an AIO is not necessarily ideal because they are unable to quickly remove their hard drive without first struggling to open their computer and gain access to the hard drive module. 
         [0018]    Accordingly, an embodiment provides a device that allows for easy access to AIO computer components. In an embodiment, a user can easily access and remove a desired component without having to struggle to remove any paneling. In an embodiment, a compartment that houses internal modules is situated behind the display panel when closed. The compartment can be accessed from the front of the monitor and can be pulled down on one or more tracks to reveal the internal modules behind the screen. In an embodiment, the component access can be tool-less or a physical locking can be actuated, e.g., if required for security. 
         [0019]    The illustrated example embodiments will be best understood by reference to the figures. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain example embodiments. 
         [0020]    While various other circuits, circuitry or components may be utilized in information handling devices, with regard to smart phone and/or tablet circuitry  100 , an example illustrated in  FIG. 1  includes a system on a chip design found for example in tablet or other mobile computing platforms. Software and processor(s) are combined in a single chip  110 . Processors comprise internal arithmetic units, registers, cache memory, busses, I/O ports, etc., as is well known in the art. Internal busses and the like depend on different vendors, but essentially all the peripheral devices ( 120 ) may attach to a single chip  110 . The circuitry  100  combines the processor, memory control, and I/O controller hub all into a single chip  110 . Also, systems  100  of this type do not typically use SATA or PCI or LPC. Common interfaces, for example, include SDIO and I2C. 
         [0021]    There are power management chip(s)  130 , e.g., a battery management unit, BMU, which manage power as supplied, for example, via a rechargeable battery  140 , which may be recharged by a connection to a power source (not shown). In at least one design, a single chip, such as  110 , is used to supply BIOS like functionality and DRAM memory. 
         [0022]    System  100  typically includes one or more of a WWAN transceiver  150  and a WLAN transceiver  160  for connecting to various networks, such as telecommunications networks and wireless Internet devices, e.g., access points. Additional devices  120  are commonly included. System  100  often includes a touch screen or touch surface  170  for data input and display/rendering. System  100  also typically includes various memory devices, for example flash memory  180  and SDRAM  190 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  depicts a block diagram of another example of information handling device circuits, circuitry or components. The example depicted in  FIG. 2  may correspond to computing systems such as the THINKPAD series of personal computers sold by Lenovo (US) Inc. of Morrisville, N.C., or other devices. As is apparent from the description herein, embodiments may include other features or only some of the features of the example illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0024]    The example of  FIG. 2  includes a so-called chipset  210  (a group of integrated circuits, or chips, that work together, chipsets) with an architecture that may vary depending on manufacturer (for example, INTEL, AMD, ARM, etc.). INTEL is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries. AMD is a registered trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. in the United States and other countries. ARM is an unregistered trademark of ARM Holdings plc in the United States and other countries. The architecture of the chipset  210  includes a core and memory control group  220  and an I/O controller hub  250  that exchanges information (for example, data, signals, commands, etc.) via a direct management interface (DMI)  242  or a link controller  244 . In  FIG. 2 , the DMI  242  is a chip-to-chip interface (sometimes referred to as being a link between a “northbridge” and a “southbridge”). The core and memory control group  220  include one or more processors  222  (for example, single or multi-core) and a memory controller hub  226  that exchange information via a front side bus (FSB)  224 ; noting that components of the group  220  may be integrated in a chip that supplants the conventional “northbridge” style architecture. One or more processors  222  comprise internal arithmetic units, registers, cache memory, busses, I/O ports, etc., as is well known in the art. 
         [0025]    In  FIG. 2 , the memory controller hub  226  interfaces with memory  240  (for example, to provide support for a type of RAM that may be referred to as “system memory” or “memory”). The memory controller hub  226  further includes a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) interface  232  for a display device  292  (for example, a CRT, a flat panel, touch screen, etc.). A block  238  includes some technologies that may be supported via the LVDS interface  232  (for example, serial digital video, HDMI/DVI, display port). The memory controller hub  226  also includes a PCI-express interface (PCI-E)  234  that may support discrete graphics  236 . 
         [0026]    In  FIG. 2 , the I/O hub controller  250  includes a SATA interface  251  (for example, for HDDs, SDDs, etc.,  280 ), a PCI-E interface  252  (for example, for wireless connections  282 ), a USB interface  253  (for example, for devices  284  such as a digitizer, keyboard, mice, cameras, phones, microphones, storage, other connected devices, etc.), a network interface  254  (for example, LAN), a GPIO interface  255 , a LPC interface  270  (for ASICs  271 , a TPM  272 , a super I/O  273 , a firmware hub  274 , BIOS support  275  as well as various types of memory  276  such as ROM  277 , Flash  278 , and NVRAM  279 ), a power management interface  261 , a clock generator interface  262 , an audio interface  263  (for example, for speakers  294 ), a TCO interface  264 , a system management bus interface  265 , and SPI Flash  266 , which can include BIOS  268  and boot code  290 . The I/O hub controller  250  may include gigabit Ethernet support. 
         [0027]    The system, upon power on, may be configured to execute boot code  290  for the BIOS  268 , as stored within the SPI Flash  266 , and thereafter processes data under the control of one or more operating systems and application software (for example, stored in system memory  240 ). An operating system may be stored in any of a variety of locations and accessed, for example, according to instructions of the BIOS  268 . As described herein, a device may include fewer or more features than shown in the system of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0028]    Device circuitry, as for example outlined in  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2 , may be used in AIO devices that have been modularized. As further described herein, the circuitry outlined in  FIG. 1  and/or  FIG. 2 , or a suitable combination thereof, may be included in one or more removable modules of an AIO of an embodiment. Furthermore, device circuitry, e.g., such as that outlined in  FIG. 1 , may included in a display panel or monitor, e.g., if the display panel or monitor is formed as a tablet computing device. Alternatively, an embodiment may include a monitor that has reduced circuitry, e.g., a circuit board and a power and data connection to a dock or housing, as further described herein. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an embodiment may comprise an AIO  301  having a base  302 , an arm  313 , and a dock  304 . The base  302  may provide weighted balance for the dock  304  and is connected to the dock  304  by the arm  313 . In an embodiment, the dock  304  may contain a trough or tray  305  in which monitor screen(s) or display panel(s)  310  of varying sizes can be inserted and electrically connected to the dock  304 . The dock  304  may for example include a male power and data connector onto which a female port of a display panel is fitted. Moreover, the dock  304  may include other components, e.g., audio speakers, etc. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 (A-B), in an embodiment, the AIO  401  may include fixed portion  408  of the housing and a compartment  402  that moves with respect to the fixed portion  408 . The compartment  402  houses various computer components. In an embodiment, the computer components are built into cartridge-like casings or modules  403 . In an embodiment, the compartment  402  housing the various modules  403  may be situated behind the monitor or display panel  410 . In an embodiment, the compartment  402  may be a sliding compartment  402 , which can be easily pulled down by a user. When the sliding compartment  402  is pulled down, a user may have frontal access to the various modules  403 . The modules  403  may feature tool-less removal. The compartment  402  may slide or move along tracks provided by the fixed portion  408 , much as a drawer slides out from a housing. 
         [0031]    In an embodiment, the arm  413  is mounted to circuitry unit  406  located on the back of the AIO  401 . In an embodiment, the circuitry unit  406  includes circuitry to operatively couple the modules  403  in the compartment  402  with one another and with a display panel  410 . In an embodiment, at least one connection or contact interface  407  is located on the compartment  402  and such that the compartment  402 , in the upward or closed position, contacts a corresponding connection or contact in the bottom of the circuitry unit  406 . This permits the compartment  402  and the circuitry unit  406  to operatively engage and provide power and data connectivity to and/or between the modules  403  and other components when the compartment  402  is slid up into the connected position. When the compartment  402  is pulled down, the electrical connections disengage. Therefore, when the compartment  402  is in the disconnected (“bottom”) position, no power is being supplied to the modules  403  in the compartment  402 . 
         [0032]    In an embodiment, the display panel  410  may be removed from the dock of the AIO  401 , for example via being lifted up and away from trough or tray  305 , thus exposing the modules  403  for removal. In an embodiment, a connection, e.g., such as contact interface  407 , may be located such that removal of a display panel  410 , in addition to or in lieu of movement of the compartment  402 , acts to remove or disconnect power from the modules  403 . In an embodiment, the compartment  402  may move in addition to a removable display panel  410  to offer another mechanism to expose the modules  403 . In an embodiment, the display panel  410  may be integrated into the dock, i.e., not removable. 
         [0033]    In an embodiment, the fixed portion  408  of the AIO  401  located between the modules  403  in the compartment  402  and the back of the monitor display  410  is comprised of a shielding material, such as electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) shielding material. 
         [0034]    Shown in  FIG. 5 (A-B) is a sliding motion of a compartment  502  of the AIO  501 . In an embodiment, the compartment  502  may be positioned on nesting sliders, similar to those used in traditional pull out drawers, on which the compartment  502  is able to smoothly slide up and down. On the bottom portion of the sides of the compartment  502  are ridges  520  that the user may grab to pull the compartment  502  downward. In an embodiment, the ridges  520  may be highlighted in red or otherwise visually distinguished to be easily visible to a user.  FIG. 5A  illustrates an example configuration of a compartment  502  during the compartment&#39;s  502  downward motion to the bottom position.  FIG. 5B  illustrates an example configuration of a compartment  502  in its bottom position. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , in an embodiment, the modules  603  can be connected to a bottom panel  625  of the sliding compartment  602 . The bottom panel  625  of the sliding compartment  602  may include a daughter board that provides connectors for the modules  603 . In an embodiment, each module  603  has a designated spot on the bottom panel  625 . In the example shown in  FIG. 6 , modules  603  are ordered (from left to right) in the compartment  602  as a battery module, a hard drive module, a memory module, a processor module, and a fan module. 
         [0036]    In an embodiment, a user may easily remove a desired module  603  from the compartment  602  once the compartment  602  is slid into its bottom or downward position by lifting the module  603  upwards and away from the bottom panel  625 . Each module  603  may include a raised lip  624 , e.g., running horizontally across the bottom portion of the module  603 , so that the module  603  can be pushed up on to disconnect the module  603  from the bottom panel  625  (and circuit board connection) of the sliding compartment  602 . In an embodiment, the raised lip  624  may be highlighted (e.g., in red color or otherwise visually distinguished) in order to be easily identifiable to a user. Once the module  603  is disconnected, a user may use their fingers to reach in and pull the module  603  out from the compartment  602 . 
         [0037]    In an embodiment, referring back to  FIG. 4 , by virtue of the location of the contact or connection  407  between the circuitry unit  406  and the compartment  402 , the modules  603  cannot be removed until all power is cut off to the modules  603  (e.g., the sliding compartment  402  is in the bottom position). This is to ensure that a user does not risk damage to themselves or the modules  603  in the process of removing a module  603  that still has electricity running to it. In an embodiment, only some of the modules  603  are removable. For example, in an embodiment, only the battery and the hard drive modules  603  are removable while the other modules  603  remain fixed. In an embodiment, a power and data port  635 , e.g., a USB port, and an audio jack  636  may be located on the side of the sliding compartment  602  and operatively connected to the circuitry unit ( 406  of  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0038]    The various embodiments described herein thus represent a technical improvement to conventional AIO designs. As described herein, an embodiment provides a sliding compartment containing various removable modules. Additionally, rather than having the user struggle to remove a back paneling of an AIO, or possibly have to remove a stand or arm, to remove an individual component or module, an embodiment allows a user to easily access and remove computer components or modules while facing the front of the AIO. While leaving the AIO installed on a stand or arm, a user may even leave cables plugged into the dock, since power is cut to any exposed modules for safety. 
         [0039]    As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, various aspects may be embodied as a system, method or device program product. Accordingly, aspects may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment including software that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects may take the form of a device program product embodied in one or more device readable medium(s) having device readable program code embodied therewith. 
         [0040]    As used herein, the singular “a” and “an” may be construed as including the plural “one or more” unless clearly indicated otherwise. 
         [0041]    This disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The example embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain principles and practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
         [0042]    Thus, although illustrative example embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be understood that this description is not limiting and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.