Connector With Determining Unit For Simultaneous Data And Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing USB connectors face issues with current limitations and power consumption from the data host when trying to charge portable electronic devices and exchange data simultaneously, potentially damaging the device or depleting the host's power.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a determining unit that selectively outputs data and power signals based on the connecting status of multiple power and data sources, using logic gates and MOSFETs to manage signal transmission and prevent overcharging, ensuring safe and efficient power delivery without draining the host's power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If USB connector is used to simultaneously charge and exchange data, then data transmission speed is improved, but power consumption from host and current stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidpower consumption from host
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the power supply function from the data host by introducing a separate power bank connector. The USB connector handles only data transmission while the power bank connector independently manages power supply, eliminating the conflict between data speed and power consumption in the host system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power bank serves as an intermediary power source between the external power supply and the electronic device. It receives power from external sources and independently supplies power to the device during data transmission, preventing power consumption issues from affecting the host's data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If fast charging is enabled through USB connector, then charging speed is improved, but device safety deteriorates due to current limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoiddevice safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power bank incorporates built-in control circuitry that automatically detects the device's charging requirements and regulates power output accordingly. This self-regulating mechanism enables fast charging while inherently protecting the device from overcurrent and voltage fluctuations without requiring complex external protection circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If power bank connector is added to separate power and data functions, then host power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehost power consumptionVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power bank is designed with universal compatibility for various electronic devices and can function both as a portable power source and a data transmission hub. This multi-functionality justifies the added connector by providing multiple benefits: reducing host power consumption, enabling fast charging, and maintaining data transmission capability through a single integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7654861B2Connector and method thereof
Publication Date: 2010.02.02 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • US7654861B2 patent drawing
  • US7654861B2 patent drawing
  • US7654861B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention discloses a connector, which includes a first connecting unit, a second connecting unit, a third connecting unit, and a determining unit. Moreover, the first connecting unit is capable of being electrically connected to a first power source and/or a first data source; and the second connecting unit is capable of being electrically connected to a second power source and/or a second data source. Additionally, the determining unit is electrically connected to the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit respectively, for selectively outputting a data signal and/or a power signal based on a connecting status. Furthermore, the third connecting unit is electrically connected to the determining unit and an electronic device, for transmitting the data signal and/or the power signal from the determining unit to the electronic device.