Actuator USB Interface Switching Host Device Modes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Actuators used in valve operations require multiple USB interfaces for different modes, leading to increased complexity and vulnerability in harsh environments due to multiple openings, which complicates parameterization, monitoring, and data transfer without a PC intermediary.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with a dual-function USB interface that can switch between USB host and device modes, allowing direct data transfer between actuators without a PC, using an electronic circuit integrated with a microcontroller and detection device to automatically adapt to connected USB subscribers, reducing the need for multiple openings and enhancing sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple USB interfaces are provided for different modes (host and device), then the actuator can support both USB host and USB device connections, but the number of openings in the housing increases, complicating sealing and increasing vulnerability in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator implements a single USB interface that can operate in both USB host mode and USB device mode through an electronic circuit that switches between modes. This multi-functional design allows the same physical interface to serve multiple purposes: connecting to USB devices (stick, mass storage) as a host, and connecting to USB hosts (PC) as a device for parameterization and data reading, thereby eliminating the need for separate openings for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple USB interfaces (host and device modes) into a single physical USB interface on the actuator housing. The electronic circuit integrates both USB host and USB device capabilities, allowing one opening to accommodate both connection types through mode switching, thus reducing the total number of openings and simplifying the sealing requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple USB interfaces are provided for different modes, then both USB host and USB device connections are supported, but the housing opening complexity and sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single USB interface is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between USB host mode and USB device mode electronically. The same physical opening and connector serve both connection types, eliminating the need for separate openings for host and device modes, thus simplifying the housing structure and sealing requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a USB interface is provided for data exchange, then parameterization and monitoring are enabled, but the actuator requires openings that compromise sealing in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The single USB interface provides comprehensive data exchange functionality for parameterization, monitoring, and firmware updates while maintaining environmental sealing. By consolidating all data exchange operations through one interface that supports both host and device modes, the actuator minimizes the number of openings required, thereby reducing vulnerability to environmental factors while preserving full data communication capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
For an actuator (1) it is proposed to design a switchable electronic circuit (6) with which a USB host (9) and a USB device (10) can be optionally implemented on a USB interface (2) (Fig. 2).