Locking USB And HDMI Ports to Prevent Accidental Disconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB and HDMI connectors lack securing mechanisms, leading to potential sparking, damage, and health hazards due to unexpected disconnects, while Ethernet cables have locking tabs but no similar security for data and power connections.
Innovation Solution
The development of data connector configurations that include movable members and blocking mechanisms within ports to securely lock USB and HDMI connectors, utilizing microprocessors and actuators to detect insertion and prevent removal, ensuring secure data and power paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If USB and HDMI connectors are designed without locking mechanisms to maintain simplicity and ease of operation, then device compatibility and ease of connection are improved, but connection stability and safety deteriorate due to unexpected disconnects causing sparking and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates movable members that transition between retracted and extended positions. During insertion, the movable members are retracted to allow easy connection. After insertion is detected, the movable members extend to engage with corresponding openings in the connector, providing automatic locking. This dynamic mechanism maintains ease of operation while ensuring connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses detection mechanisms that automatically sense when a connector is properly inserted into the port. Upon detection, the system autonomously activates actuators to move the blocking members into position, locking the connector without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach maintains simplicity while ensuring reliable connection.
2Reliability
If locking mechanisms are added to USB and HDMI connectors to improve connection stability and prevent sparking, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated within the existing port structure rather than being a separate component. The movable members and blocking members are incorporated into the port housing, combining the connection and locking functions into a single unified structure. This reduces overall system complexity while providing the needed reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs detection mechanisms with actuators that can be controlled electronically, replacing purely mechanical locking systems. The actuators respond to electrical signals from the detection mechanism, allowing for more precise and reliable locking control with simpler mechanical components compared to traditional mechanical latch systems.
3Reliability
If blocking members are positioned to prevent connector removal for safety, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in disconnecting
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates detection mechanisms that monitor the insertion state of the connector. When removal is detected or requested, the system provides feedback to the actuator control, which then commands the movable members to retract. This feedback loop ensures the blocking members are in the correct position for either secure connection or easy disconnection based on actual operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking members operate in periodic cycles: extended during normal operation to maintain secure connection, and retracted when disconnection is needed. This periodic action between locked and unlocked states allows the system to maintain reliability during use while enabling easy disconnection when required, controlled by the detection mechanism and actuator system.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device comprising: a female port configured to receive a data connector, the data connector comprising a surface with a first opening; a first movable member disposed within the female port, the first movable member being configured such that as the data connector is moved into the female port a first portion of the first movable member enters into the first opening; and a first blocking member disposed within the female port, the first blocking member being configured to move to a first blocking position to block the first portion of the first movable member from exiting the first opening after the first portion of the first movable member has entered the first opening. Other embodiments are disclosed.