Connector-Based Hardware Sharing via Data Packet Routing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with hybrid architectures face challenges in sharing hardware components due to the need for hardware switchers, which increase cost and complexity, and require compatibility with various interface specifications.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device employs a connector-based system where sharable hardware components are encapsulated in data packets with component identifiers, allowing seamless data transmission between parts via connectors, enabling efficient sharing without the need for hardware switchers and interface-specific compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hardware switcher is used to share hardware components between two parts, then hardware components can be switched between first main board and second main board, but hardware design complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware component sharing capabilityVSAvoidhardware design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardware switcher with a software-based data transmission mechanism. Instead of physically switching hardware connections, the system uses data packets with component identifiers to route data between parts through connectors, eliminating the need for complex hardware switching circuits while maintaining hardware component sharing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces data packets as an intermediary between hardware components and main boards. These data packets carry component identifiers that enable the system to route data to the correct main board without requiring a hardware switcher, thus simplifying the hardware architecture while preserving component sharing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hardware switcher is used to share hardware components, then component switching is enabled, but compatibility with all interface specifications becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidhardware design difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hardware-level interface compatibility requirements with software-level data routing. By using data packets that contain component identifiers, the system can handle multiple interface specifications (USB, I2C, SPI) through software logic rather than requiring the hardware switcher to be compatible with all these different interface standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector-based data transmission mechanism serves multiple interface types universally. Instead of designing separate hardware switching paths for USB, I2C, and SPI interfaces, the patent uses a single universal data transmission path that can carry data for any interface type by identifying the target component through data packet headers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hardware switcher is used for component sharing, then hardware components can be switched, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware component sharingVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes expensive hardware switching components with inexpensive data transmission through existing connectors. By utilizing the existing connector infrastructure and adding only software-based data routing with component identifiers, the system achieves hardware component sharing without the high cost of dedicated hardware switchers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9430431B2Multi-part electronic device and data transmission method

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to electronic devices and data transmission methods. The electronic device includes: a first part including a first main board, a first processor connected to the first main board, at least one sharable hardware component and a first connector; and a second part including a second main board, a second processor connected to the second main board and a second connector corresponding to the first connector. The first part and the second part are connectable to each other via the first connector and the second connector. The first connector is configured to receive, from a first driving module of the hardware component, a first data sent from the hardware component via a first connector driving module, and transmit the first data to the second connector such that a second connector driving module can provide the first data from the second connector to a first application running in the second part via a second driving module of the hardware component. The present invention realizes simple and effective sharing of hardware component.