Cable-Free Hub Power Assembly for Stable Multi-Port Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hubs in notebook computers require power and signal transmitting cables, which are cumbersome, difficult to carry, and occupy space, and may not provide sufficient power for multiple connection ports.
Innovation Solution
A hub power device with a built-in power supply that uses a USB-C connector assembly for electrical connection, eliminating the need for cables and ensuring secure, cable-free power delivery to the hub, allowing for easy carrying and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a hub uses a power and signal transmitting cable for power supply, then the hub can be supplied with electric power, but the cable is cumbersome, difficult to carry, occupies space, and may not provide sufficient power for multiple connection ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power supply unit directly into the hub device, merging previously separate components (hub and external power supply with cable) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate power cables while providing sufficient power through multiple internal battery cells connected in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply is divided into multiple independent battery cells (first battery cell, second battery cell, etc.) that can be independently connected in parallel. This segmentation allows for scalable power capacity while maintaining a compact, cable-free design.
2Ease of operation
If a hub uses a charging cable and transformer for power supply, then the hub can be supplied with electric power, but the charging cable and connection cable are not easy to be carried around, not easy to be stored, and occupy unnecessary space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external cable and transformer components from the system, integrating all power supply functionality directly into the hub. The power supply unit with battery cells is built into the hub housing, removing the need for separate charging cables and external power adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply components (battery cells, circuit board, housing) are merged into a single integrated unit that forms part of the hub itself, eliminating the need for separate cable and transformer components that are difficult to carry and store.
3Reliability
If a hub uses a cable for connecting power supply, then the hub can be supplied with power, but the connection may be loose and not firm
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply connection is merged into a fixed internal structure where battery cells are permanently mounted within the hub housing and electrically connected to the circuit board. This eliminates cable connections entirely, providing a reliable, fixed connection that cannot become loose.
Data Source
AI summary
A hub power device includes: a power supply (10) including a first combination surface (13) having a first connector female head (131) and a second connector female head (132); and a hub (20) including a first expansion surface (21) having a first connection port (211) and a second combination surface (22) having a connector male head (221) and a first positioning tenon (222); when being assembled, the second combination surface (22) is attached to the first combination surface (13), the connector male head (221) is electrically connected to the first connector female head (131), and the first positioning tenon (222) is inserted and positioned in the second connector female head (132). The electric power is sufficiently supplied to the hub (20), and a cable used for connecting the power supply (10) and the hub is not needed (20).