Adapter Device Switching Between Contactless and Mechanical Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices are limited to communicating data according to specific protocols associated with their connectors, such as USB, which restricts the ability to communicate using alternative protocols and requires mechanical connectors, limiting flexibility and compatibility.

Innovation Solution

An adapter device with an adapter memory component, connectors for establishing communications links, and a host subsystem that can switch between different communication paths, enabling communication using various protocols over contactless Extremely High Frequency (EHF) links, eliminating the need for mechanical connectors and supporting multiple data transfer protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connectors are used for data transfer, then mechanical connection is established, but device complexity and lack of protocol flexibility increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmechanical connector requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connectors with electromagnetic field-based wireless communication. The adapter device establishes data transfer links through RF communication without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear and connection complexity while maintaining reliable data transmission between devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If single-protocol connectors are used, then connection simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different protocols decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector simplicityVSAvoidprotocol compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter device incorporates multiple communication protocol capabilities within a single device. It can simultaneously support different wireless protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) and wired connections, allowing one adapter to interface with multiple types of devices using various protocols, thereby achieving universal compatibility without requiring multiple specialized connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter device dynamically switches between different communication protocols and connection modes based on the requirements of the connected devices. It can adaptively select the appropriate protocol (wireless or wired) and adjust communication parameters in real-time, providing versatile protocol support while maintaining a single unified interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If mechanical connectors are required, then physical connection is established, but ease of operation and flexibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidconnection convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical connectors by using wireless electromagnetic field communication. Users can establish data transfer links simply by bringing devices into proximity, without the need for plugging or unplugging physical connectors. This significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining connection reliability through stable RF communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If protocol-specific connectors are used, then connection specificity is maintained, but adaptability to alternative protocols decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidalternative protocol support

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter device serves as a universal interface that supports multiple protocols simultaneously. It can maintain protocol-specific reliability by implementing proper protocol handshaking and error handling for each protocol type, while also providing adaptability to alternative protocols through its multi-protocol capability, allowing seamless switching between different communication standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10375221B2Adapter devices for enhancing the functionality of other devices

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 MOLEX INC

AI summary

An adapter may facilitate easy and swift data transfer amongst two previously incompatible electronic devices. Such an adapter may be operative to communicate data with a first of the two electronic devices using a contactless communication link and a first communication protocol and to communicate data with a second of the two electronic devices using a mechanical communication link and/or using a second communication protocol that is different than the first communication protocol, such that data may be transferred between the first and second electronic devices via the adapter. The adapter may be communicatively coupled to both the first electronic device and the second electronic device at the same time. The adapter may rapidly transition between communicating data with the first device and communicating data with the second device (e.g., without altering a physical connection between the adapter and one of the first and second devices during such a transition).