Diagnostic Module Power Transfer via I/O Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Technicians face challenges in retrieving diagnostic information from electronic devices, such as servers, when the diagnostic subcomponent experiences power loss, preventing effective problem diagnosis and repair.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize an input/output interface to connect diagnostic equipment to the electronic device, providing electrical power from the diagnostic equipment to communicate stored diagnostic information when the device's power supply is unavailable, ensuring continuous data retrieval and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the diagnostic subcomponent relies on the electronic device's power supply, then the system structure remains simple, but the diagnostic information cannot be retrieved when power loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic information retrieval capabilityVSAvoidpower supply dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary power transfer mechanism through the I/O interface that enables power flow from the diagnostic equipment to the electronic device's diagnostic subcomponent. This mediator role allows the diagnostic module to receive power externally when the device's power supply fails, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and ensuring reliable diagnostic capability under power loss conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the diagnostic equipment cannot retrieve information during power loss, then the system design remains straightforward, but the technician's ability to diagnose problems is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic information accessibilityVSAvoiddiagnostic capability under power failure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power direction control where the I/O interface can bidirectionally transfer power depending on the operational state. During normal operation, the electronic device powers the diagnostic module; during power failure, the diagnostic equipment powers the module. This dynamic adaptation ensures the diagnostic subcomponent remains operational regardless of power source availability, improving both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the I/O interface is designed for data communication only, then the interface design remains simple, but power transfer functionality is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveI/O interface functionalityVSAvoidI/O interface design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality to the I/O interface by enabling it to perform both data communication and bidirectional power transfer. The interface is designed to detect power loss conditions and automatically switch power flow direction, allowing a single interface to serve multiple functions. This universal design improves adaptability without significantly increasing complexity, as the same physical interface handles both data and power tasks.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11334406B2Systems and methods of presenting diagnostic information of an electronic device at diagnostic equipment
Publication Date: 2022.05.17 LENOVO GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US11334406B2 patent drawing
  • US11334406B2 patent drawing
  • US11334406B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods of presenting diagnostic information of an electronic device at diagnostic equipment are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system includes an input/output interface configured to communicatively connect to diagnostic equipment and configured to receive electrical power from the diagnostic equipment. Further, the system includes a diagnostic module that stores diagnostic information of an electronic device. The diagnostic module determines that the diagnostic equipment is connected to the input/output interface. The diagnostic module is configured to determine that electrical power is not available from a power supply of the electronic device. Further, the diagnostic module is configured to receive the electrical power from the diagnostic equipment and use the electrical power from the diagnostic equipment to communicate the stored diagnostic information to the diagnostic equipment in response to the diagnostic equipment being connected to the input/output interface and the electrical power not being available from the power supply.