Circular Mobile Adapter With Rotating Cable And Segmented Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile adapters with multiple ports face challenges in maintaining a compact footprint and managing signal interference due to the hanging cables and large footprint, which can lead to crosstalk and electromagnetic interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A circular housing design with rotating portions that retract and extend a communications cable, integrating separate video and communications circuit boards to manage signal transfer and reduce interference, with a magnet for cable retraction and chamfered edges for smooth plug insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video and data ports are included in a mobile adapter, then protocol conversion capability and versatility are improved, but the device footprint and housing size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of ports along the housing length to a circular perimeter arrangement. This dimensional change allows multiple video and data ports to be distributed around the circular housing, reducing the linear footprint while maintaining versatility. The circular configuration enables ports to be positioned at different angular positions, effectively utilizing two-dimensional space rather than extending linearly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotatable cable management system where the cable can rotate between the information handling system and the adapter. This dynamic element allows the cable to be positioned optimally during connection and retraction, enabling compact housing design while maintaining full functionality of multiple ports. The rotation mechanism decouples the cable position from the housing orientation, allowing smaller housing dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple video and data communication paths are compressed into a smaller footprint, then device portability is improved, but crosstalk and electromagnetic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates video signal paths and data communication paths into distinct physical regions within the adapter housing. By segmenting the circuit board layout and routing video and data signals through different zones, the design reduces electromagnetic interference and crosstalk. The circular port arrangement naturally creates separate signal pathways, isolating high-frequency video signals from data communication signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different shielding and routing strategies to different parts of the adapter based on the specific signal requirements. Video ports positioned around the circular perimeter receive localized shielding appropriate for high-frequency signals, while data ports receive shielding optimized for communication protocols. This localized approach to signal integrity maintains compact dimensions while preventing interference.
3Ease of operation
If a rotational cable management system is implemented, then cable organization and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable cable management system serves multiple functions: it organizes cables during connection, maintains compact housing dimensions, and enables proper signal alignment. By making the cable rotation mechanism multi-functional, the patent justifies the added mechanical complexity through multiple operational benefits. The same rotational mechanism that manages cable organization also facilitates the compact circular port arrangement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, easy-to-handle mobile adapter with reduced risk of crosstalk and interference, simplified assembly, and improved appearance by separating video and communications components within a circular footprint.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet disposed proximate the opening attracts the plug into the housing as the housing portion rotation brings the cable to the retracted configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile peripheral adapter has plural data and plural video ports disposed along a perimeter of a circular housing having first and second rotationally coupled portions. The video ports are coupled to a first video circuit board and the data ports are coupled to a second communications circuit board separate from the video circuit board. A USB cable includes video wirelines that couple to the video circuit board and other wirelines that couple to the communications circuit board, such as data, power and ground wirelines. A flexible cable interfaces control, power and ground between the video and communications circuit boards.