Dual-Connector USB Accessory for Seamless Host Function Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB connector standards face challenges in accommodating diverse form factors and protocols, limiting compatibility with various computing devices, especially in mobile and wireless environments, and failing to efficiently switch between different device functions without complex user interactions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-interfaced accessory device with two USB connectors (Type A and Type A/B) that share signal lines, an integrated circuit component, and a user-activated switch mechanism, allowing the device to communicate different signal values to the host computer, enabling it to switch between default and alternative functions seamlessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single USB connector type is used, then the device structure is simple, but compatibility with various computing devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device incorporates multiple USB connector types (USB Type-A and USB Type-C) to enable compatibility with different computing devices. This multi-functionality approach allows the same accessory to work with both traditional and modern devices, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple USB connector types are included, then compatibility with various computing devices is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple USB connector types into a single accessory device housing, with shared internal circuitry and power management components. This combining approach achieves broad compatibility while controlling overall device complexity through shared resources and integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a host negotiation protocol is implemented, then wireless USB functionality is enabled, but the device complexity and user configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device implements automatic host negotiation protocol execution, where the device autonomously determines and configures its role (host or device) based on the connected computing device type. This self-service approach enables wireless USB functionality without requiring manual user configuration, resolving the contradiction between versatility and ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If automatic role negotiation is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs self-service automation through embedded control logic that automatically detects the connected device type and negotiates the appropriate communication protocol and roles. This automation improves ease of operation while managing complexity through integrated firmware that handles negotiation transparently.
Solution Approach 2:
The host negotiation protocol implements feedback mechanisms where the accessory device continuously monitors connection status and automatically adjusts its operational mode based on detected device characteristics. This feedback-driven approach enables automatic role switching while maintaining manageable complexity through event-based control.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes two connectors for enabling connectivity and access of a data resource by a connected computer or computing system. Each connector may support a different communication port, and the device may include circuitry and/or other logic to support a data exchange protocol used with either kind of communication port. This allows the device to be used with multiple kinds of computing devices.