Multi-Port Communication Cable for Decoration Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic decoration systems are limited by the need for multiple cables and hubs, which can lead to processing slowdowns, power limitations, and a lack of aesthetic appeal, as they often require separate connections for each device and cannot efficiently handle high data or power demands.

Innovation Solution

A smart multi-port communication and power cable (MPC) with multiple ports that allows for independent control and power distribution to connected devices, including LED modules, robotics, and other electronic components, using a rechargeable battery and microcontroller for wireless communication and data management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate cables and hubs are used to connect electronic devices, then each device can be connected individually, but the system becomes complex and processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice connectivityVSAvoidcable and hub arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate cables and hubs into a single integrated cable assembly that contains multiple ports (USB, audio, video, data) all in one physical unit. This allows multiple devices to be connected simultaneously through a single cable connection, eliminating the need for separate cable management and reducing system complexity while maintaining versatile device connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides USB power and data transmission, audio transmission, video transmission, and data communication all through a single physical cable. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate connections needed while maintaining adaptability to various device types and connection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single USB hub is used to connect multiple devices, then device connectivity is achieved, but processing speed slows down when large amounts of data are loaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice connectivityVSAvoiddata processing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission pathway by providing dedicated data communication ports and pathways within the cable assembly, separate from the USB power and control lines. This allows high-speed data transmission to occur independently from USB processing operations, preventing USB hub bottlenecks from slowing down data loading while maintaining device connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single USB hub is used to connect multiple devices, then device connectivity is achieved, but electrical power delivery is insufficient for high-power devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice connectivityVSAvoidelectrical power delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power delivery pathways within the single cable assembly, including USB power, dedicated high-power electrical contacts, and potential wireless power transmission components. This merged power system can deliver aggregated power sufficient for high-power devices like projectors and audio equipment while maintaining connectivity to multiple devices simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate cables are used to connect devices, then each device can be connected, but cable clutter occurs and space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice connectivityVSAvoidspace occupied by cables
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate cables into a single integrated cable assembly that contains all necessary connectors and wiring for multiple devices. This eliminates cable clutter and reduces the space occupied on desks and surfaces, while maintaining the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously through the single consolidated cable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9796094B1Decoration system
Publication Date: 2017.10.24 DEPHILLIPS THOMAS
  • US9796094B1 patent drawing
  • US9796094B1 patent drawing
  • US9796094B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A decoration system includes a plurality of decorative covers each having a cover-to-cover fastening structure and an electrical component fastening structure. Each cover-to-cover fastening structure includes a fastening assembly for releasably connecting one of the decorative covers to a contiguously adjacent decorative cover. In other words, the decorative covers may be arranged horizontally and vertically as desired. Each electrical component fastening structure defines at least one opening that selectively receives elements of an external electrical device into an interior compartment of a respective decorative cover. The electrical component fastening structure enables a respective decorative cover to be coupled to a traditional light string having lamps, embedded LEDs, or be coupled to an MPC and related electronics.