Scalable data collection and computing apparatus
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsEmray Rein Goossen, Charles Boyd Anderson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for collecting and distributing information to and from a computing element that is quickly scalable at the installation to varying types and numbers of signals. Standard sized modules containing a generalized set of; computation, discrete I/O, analog I/O, serial I/O, adaptable I/O, etc. or any combination thereof, provide the building blocks that can be attached to each other to provide the desired combination of functions. These modular components are mated to each other through a simple serial interface providing the inter-module communication interface and local power requirements. The modules are quickly stacked together and snapped in place in a manner supporting severe environmental conditions.
Claims34
A computer apparatus comprising a plurality of stackable modules, each module comprising a predetermined function, wherein said stackable modules comprise at least a power supply module and a controller module the computer apparatus comprising:
- means to affix said computer apparatus to a vehicle, said computer apparatus configured to support the vehicle's vibration, thermal and electromagnet environmental conditions, comprising;
- said stackable modules comprising guide pins for alignment and
- stabilization and quick disconnect clamps for holding the modules in place;
- said each module comprising a stacking connector inserted internally into a next module further comprising an EMI seal and an I/O connector;
- and
- each stackable module comprises two layer encapsulated module comprising components embedded in a thermally conductive material and embedded in an electrically conductive material.
A method for quick disassembly and replacement of computer modules in a computer apparatus on a vehicle, the modules comprising a plurality of stackable modules, each module comprising a predetermined function, wherein said stackable modules comprise at least a power supply module and a controller module, the method comprising the steps of:
- affixing the computer apparatus to the vehicle;
- configuring the computer apparatus to support the vehicle's vibration, thermal and electromagnetic environmental conditions comprising:
- encapsulating the each module comprising a two layer encapsulation comprising embedding components comprising each module in a thermally conductive material an and embedding the components in an electrically conductive material;
- aligning and stabilizing a module in any location in the stack of modules using guide pins;
- inserting a stacking connector inserted internally into a next module;
- and
- holding the module in place with quick disconnect clamps.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.