Universal Connector Crossbar Switching for Multi-Interface Consolidation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in providing multiple interfaces in a compact form, making it cumbersome to connect and mount various peripheral devices due to the need for multiple connectors, which increases in size or number when multiple interfaces are required.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device equipped with a device controller and a crossbar switch that simultaneously establishes data channels for both external and network interfaces within a single receptacle, allowing for the switching between these interfaces to consolidate multiple connections in a single connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are provided in the chassis to support multiple interfaces, then the number of available interfaces increases, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connector design where a single receptacle can establish multiple types of data channels (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, DisplayPort, Ethernet) by dynamically configuring the crossbar switch. This multi-functional approach allows one connector to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized connectors, thereby increasing interface versatility while reducing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are provided in the chassis to support multiple interfaces, then the number of available interfaces increases, but the mounting difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connector functions into a single integrated receptacle structure. By combining USB 2.0, USB 3.0, DisplayPort, and Ethernet capabilities within one physical connector, the design reduces the total number of mounting locations required in the chassis, thereby easing manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining comprehensive interface support
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector size is increased to accommodate multiple interfaces, then the number of interfaces increases, but the portable device compactness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal connector design allows a single compact receptacle to provide multiple interface types (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, DisplayPort, Ethernet) through dynamic signal routing via the crossbar switch. This approach maintains connector compactness suitable for portable devices while maximizing interface versatility, as the physical connector size remains small but supports multiple protocols through software-controlled switching
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for establishing a network interface and an external interface in a connector is disclosed. A personal computer (PC) includes a device controller for controlling data transmission with a peripheral device and a network device, and a receptacle including multiple pins for connecting data channels of the device controller to the peripheral device through the external interface and the network device through the network interface. The PC further includes a crossbar switch for switching the data channels to establish the external interface and the network interface in the receptacle. The external interface complies with the USB standards, and the network interface complies with the Ethernet standards.