Docking Station Adapter Module for Device Power and Data Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art docking stations require end-user devices to supply their own power, leading to rapid electricity consumption and reduced endurance during data communication.

Innovation Solution

A docking station with adapter function that connects to an AC power source, utilizing an AC/DC conversion module, power charging module, and control module to provide power and enable data transmission between devices, ensuring continuous operation of end-user devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If prior art docking stations are used to provide data link, then data communication between end-user devices is enabled, but end-user devices consume electricity quickly and endurance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectricity consumption of end-user devicesVSAvoidendurance of end-user devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station is divided into distinct functional modules: AC/DC conversion module, power charging module, control module, and interface modules. This segmentation allows independent optimization of power management functions, enabling the docking station to efficiently supply power to multiple end-user devices simultaneously while they perform data communication, thereby reducing their individual power consumption and extending operational endurance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station serves multiple functions: it provides data transmission routes for connecting end-user devices, supplies electric power charging to devices, and enables continuous operation during data communication. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating both data communication capability and power supply capability in a single system, allowing devices to communicate data while being charged simultaneously.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If docking station provides data transmission routes for multiple devices, then data communication amongst devices is enabled, but power supply requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capability amongst multiple devicesVSAvoidpower supply requirement of docking station
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The control module dynamically manages power distribution to interface modules based on real-time detection of connected end-user devices. When devices are connected, the control module activates corresponding interface modules and allocates appropriate power levels. This dynamic adaptation allows the docking station to provide data transmission routes for multiple devices while optimizing power consumption by only activating necessary power supply channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If AC/DC conversion module outputs separate DC powers to power charging module and control module, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution efficiencyVSAvoidinternal structure complexity of docking station
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station is divided into distinct functional modules: AC/DC conversion module, power charging module, control module, and interface modules. This segmentation allows independent optimization of power management functions, enabling the docking station to efficiently supply power to multiple end-user devices simultaneously while they perform data communication, thereby reducing their individual power consumption and extending operational endurance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 docking station effectively charges end-user devices and facilitates data transmission while reducing power consumption, allowing devices to operate continuously by supplying power and managing signal transmission sequences.

Implementation Method 1

an AC/DC conversion module, a power charging module, a control module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAC/DC conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3514915B1Docking station having function of adapter and terminal accessory
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 GUANGDONG GOPOD GRP HLDG CO LTD
  • EP3514915B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3514915B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3514915B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A docking station having adaptor function contains: an AC-DC conversion module, a charging module, a control module, and at least two interface modules. When an AC power source outputs AC power into the AC-DC conversion module, the AC-DC conversion module outputs two DC powers to the charging module and the control module according to the AC power. The control module is enabled to operate according to the first DC power. And, according to the second DC power, the control module controls the power charging module to charge each target end-user devices being connected to a corresponding interface module. When interface modules respectively connect to target end-user devices, the control module controls the signal transmission sequence of interface modules to provide data transmission paths amongst the end-user devices via the interface modules. The docking station also serves as an accessory for supplying electric power to an end-user device for endurance use.