Mobile Terminal Universal Connector Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals have limited compatibility with external devices due to their ability to support either a 5-pin or 11-pin connector, restricting simultaneous support of USB and MHL methods.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal apparatus and method that includes a connection unit with multiple ports and a controller to determine the connection method of an external device based on port values, switching to connect using appropriate USB, first MHL, or second MHL methods, enabling support for multiple connection methods through a single connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile terminal supports either a 5-pin connector or an 11-pin connector, then the connector design is simple, but the compatibility with external devices is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connector design that integrates both 5-pin and 11-pin connector functionalities into a single connector structure. The connection unit includes multiple ports (first port for USB method, second port for MHL method) that can be selectively activated based on the external device type, allowing one connector to serve multiple connection purposes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms where the controller dynamically selects which ports to activate based on detection of the external device type. The switch unit dynamically connects or disconnects ports based on real-time requirements, enabling the connector to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than being fixed for a single connection method.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile terminal uses a single connector type, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot simultaneously support multiple connection methods
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit is segmented into multiple independent ports (first port for USB connection, second port for MHL connection) that can function independently or simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple connection methods without requiring a completely separate connection unit for each method, balancing functionality with structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch unit acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the multiple ports and the external device connection. It selectively connects the appropriate ports to the external device based on the detected connection method, enabling multiple connection methods to coexist within a single connector structure without direct conflicts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile terminal supports both USB and MHL methods simultaneously, then the compatibility is improved, but the connector design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal interface that can handle both USB and MHL connection methods through a unified structure. The connection unit includes both first and second ports that can be activated simultaneously or independently, allowing the single connector to provide multiple connection capabilities without requiring separate dedicated connectors for each method.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller and switch unit work together to dynamically manage the activation and connection of different ports based on the detected external device and required connection method. This dynamic control mechanism enables simultaneous support of USB and MHL methods while managing the complexity through intelligent, real-time configuration rather than static complex wiring.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus performs a method for connecting a mobile terminal to an external device. The method includes determining a connection method of the external device among a plurality of connection methods based on values of at least two ports among a plurality of ports included in a connector, and switching at least one switch included in the connection unit so as to connect to the external device according to the determined connection method of the external device.