Dual-Mode Graphics Card Bus Switching for Desktop and Notebook Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing discrete graphics cards are only applicable to desktop computers and cannot be directly connected to notebook computers as external graphics cards.
Innovation Solution
A graphics card design that includes a graphics processing unit, a connector supporting a first bus standard, an interface device with a mobile device connector supporting a second bus standard, and a switching element to convert data between different bus standards and selectively conduct data transmission paths, allowing the card to function as both a discrete graphics card for desktops and an external graphics card for notebooks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a discrete graphics card is designed with a connector supporting only the first bus standard (e.g., PCI-E), then it can function properly as a discrete graphics card in desktop computers, but it cannot be directly connected to notebook computers that use different bus standards (e.g., USB)
Solution Approach 1:
The graphics card is designed with dual functionality: it can operate as a discrete graphics card in desktop computers (first mode) and as an external graphics card in notebook computers (second mode). The switching element enables the same hardware to serve different purposes by changing data transmission paths based on the connected device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion element acts as an intermediary that converts data between the first bus standard (PCI-E) and the second bus standard (USB). When a notebook computer connects via USB, the conversion element translates USB data into PCI-E data that the graphics processing unit can understand, enabling compatibility without requiring separate graphics cards for different device types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a graphics card is designed to support multiple bus standards simultaneously, then it can be used with both desktop and notebook computers, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The graphics card is segmented into distinct functional modules: a graphics processing unit, a graphics card connector with first pin group (first bus standard), an interface device with mobile device connector (second bus standard), a conversion element, and a switching element. This modular segmentation allows each component to have a specific function, simplifying manufacturing while achieving multi-standard support through the coordinated operation of these standardized modules.
3Quantity of substance
If only one graphics card design is used for both desktop and notebook computers, then the need for multiple graphics card inventories is reduced, but the graphics card cannot directly connect to devices with different bus standards without conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element provides dynamic adaptability by selectively conducting different data transmission paths based on the connection type. When connected to a desktop computer via the graphics card connector, it routes data through the first pin group; when connected to a notebook computer via the mobile device connector, it routes data through the conversion element. This dynamic switching enables a single graphics card design to operate seamlessly across different device types without requiring physical changes or manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphics card is provided, including a graphics processing unit, a graphics card connector, an interface device, and a switching element. The graphics card connector is adapted to be connected to a motherboard. The graphics card connector supports a first bus standard, and includes a first pin group. The interface device is adapted to be connected to a mobile device to receive first data that follows a second bus standard, and convert the first data into second data that follows the first bus standard. The switching element is electrically coupled to a conversion element, the first pin group, and the graphics processing unit, and is adapted to selectively conduct a data transmission path between the conversion element and the graphics processing unit or a data transmission path between the first pin group and the graphics processing unit.