External Storage Device with Dual USB Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB 2.0 COB sticks have a rectilinear design that does not allow for the easy addition of USB 3.0 connections, hindering the transition to the newer USB 3.0 standard due to mechanical incompatibility and the need for redesigning motherboard hardware and operating systems.
Innovation Solution
The design of an external storage device that supports both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 standards with a substrate, controller, memory die stack, and connection fingers or contact bar, featuring a mounting bar or contact bar with spring-loaded extensions that allow for secure and compatible connections to both standards, maintaining a compact and flat form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB 2.0 COB stick uses rectilinear design with components embedded on one side of PCB, then manufacturing is simplified and device is compact, but USB 3.0 connection cannot be added without redesigning motherboard hardware and operating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The USB connector is divided into two separate connectors: a first USB connector for USB 2.0 standard and a second USB connector for USB 3.0 standard. This segmentation allows each connector to be independently designed and positioned on the PCB, enabling dual-standard support without requiring complete redesign of the motherboard hardware or operating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The external storage device is designed to support multiple USB standards (USB 2.0 and USB 3.0) through a single device by incorporating both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectors. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to different USB standards without requiring separate devices for each standard.
2Speed
If USB 3.0 connection is added to existing USB 2.0 COB stick, then faster data transfer is achieved, but device shape and configuration become incompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The second USB 3.0 connector is positioned on the opposing surface of the PCB relative to the first USB 2.0 connector. This dimensional arrangement allows both connectors to coexist without interfering with the device's overall shape and configuration, maintaining compatibility with existing form factors while enabling faster data transfer through USB 3.0.
3Speed
If USB 3.0 standard is adopted, then data transfer speed increases to 5.0 Gbit/s, but motherboard hardware and operating system must be redesigned
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the USB connectivity into separate USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectors, the device can offer USB 3.0 capability without requiring the entire motherboard or operating system to be redesigned. Users can choose to use USB 2.0 for basic compatibility or USB 3.0 for faster performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial adoption of USB 3.0 by including only a second USB connector for USB 3.0 while maintaining the first USB connector for USB 2.0. This partial action allows the device to benefit from USB 3.0 speed where needed while preserving compatibility with existing USB 2.0 infrastructure, avoiding the need for complete system redesign.
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
Enables seamless compatibility with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 standards, facilitating the transition to faster data transfer speeds without requiring significant changes to existing hardware or software, while maintaining a durable and compact device form.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting bar may also comprises a plurality of springs. In some embodiments, the plurality of springs may include a coupling projection positioned proximate an end of each spring. The coupling projections may be configured to extend through a plurality of apertures in the component surface in an uncompressed position.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are external storage devices including a substrate, a controller electrically coupled to the substrate, at least one memory die stack electrically coupled to the substrate, a plurality of connection fingers electrically coupled to the substrate, and a mounting bar electrically coupled to the substrate. The mounting bar may include a plurality of springs. In other examples, the external storage device may include a substrate, a controller electrically coupled to the substrate, at least one memory die stack electrically coupled to the substrate, a plurality of connection fingers electrically coupled to the substrate, and a contact bar electrically coupled to the substrate. The contact bar may include a plurality of extensions. One or more memory die stacks may be coupled to one or more surfaces of the substrate and may include a plurality of dies in each memory die stack.