Automatic Connector Configuration for Network Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks with transmitting and receiving functionalities, such as LAN, face issues with unreliable data transmission and reception due to incorrect pin designations, leading to 'lock step' operating status and communication linkage failures, especially when devices with the same pin designation are connected.
Innovation Solution
An automatic configuration system that includes a switching unit, analog circuit units, and a detecting unit to selectively connect a transmitting unit to either of two pairs of connectors based on signal detection, ensuring correct configuration for reliable data transmission and reception by calculating and comparing signals to determine correct connector usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed pin designation is used for transmitting and receiving connectors, then device structure is simple, but communication fails when devices with same pin designation are connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connector configuration changeable through automatic detection and switching. The system dynamically adjusts pin assignments based on detected signal conditions, transitioning from static fixed designation to adaptive configuration. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt its structure based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automatic detection and self-configuration mechanisms. The detecting unit autonomously identifies signal conditions, and the switching unit automatically reconfigures pin assignments without external intervention. This eliminates the need for manual configuration while ensuring reliable communication, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If automatic switching between connector pairs is implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated units: the detecting unit combines signal detection capabilities, and the switching unit integrates pin switching operations. By consolidating these functions, the system achieves automatic configuration without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the detecting unit monitoring signal conditions and providing information to the switching unit. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of connector configurations based on actual communication needs, achieving reliability improvement through a manageable level of complexity.
3Reliability
If cross cables are used for direct device connection, then communication is enabled, but operation becomes complicated and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for users to manually determine cable types by implementing self-service automatic detection and configuration. The detecting unit automatically identifies the appropriate connector pairing, and the switching unit configures pins accordingly, making the system as easy to operate as straight cables while supporting both straight and cross connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the connector interface universal by enabling it to handle both straight and cross cable configurations through automatic detection and switching. The same connector design works for all connection types, eliminating the need for users to distinguish between different cable types and simplifying operation while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic configuration system for automatically configuring a connecting interface of a node device in a network is provided. The connecting interface of the node device includes a first pair of connectors and a second pair of connectors. The automatic configuration system includes a switching unit, a first analog circuit unit, a second analog circuit unit and a detecting unit. The detecting unit is used to detect whether a first computed result or a second computed result outputted from the first analog circuit unit or the second analog circuit unit involves signals transmitted from another node device in the network, and accordingly generate a detected result to allow the switching unit to execute a switching operation and selectively connect the transmitting unit to the first or second pair of connectors, so as to ensure that data can be transmitted or received reliably in the network.