Multi-Port Interface Hub for Simultaneous Charging and File Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices typically have limited connectivity and power transfer capabilities, failing to efficiently connect and recharge multiple computing devices, especially in scenarios involving multiple devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port interface device with a housing containing an internal power source, processor, and multiple ports, including USB and memory card slots, enabling wired and wireless connectivity, file sharing, and simultaneous charging of multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a data storage device has limited ports, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connectivity capability to multiple computing devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device integrates multiple USB ports, power input port, and memory card port into a single device, enabling it to perform multiple functions including data transfer, charging, and file storage simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, thereby improving connectivity capability while managing device complexity through functional integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a data storage device lacks power transfer capability, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to recharge multiple computing devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power input port and internal power source with the USB ports and memory card port within a single hub device. This merging of power transfer functionality with data connectivity features enables the device to simultaneously charge multiple computing devices while maintaining data transfer capabilities, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple computing devices are connected individually, then the connectivity capability is improved, but the loss of time for data transfer and charging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device segments the connectivity function by providing multiple independent USB ports and a memory card port, allowing multiple computing devices to be connected simultaneously to a single device. This segmentation enables parallel data transfer operations, where data can be transferred to or from multiple devices at the same time, thereby reducing the total time required compared to sequential individual connections.
4Productivity
If a data storage device has multiple ports and power source, then the productivity for managing multiple devices is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device serves as a universal interface that consolidates multiple functions including USB data transfer, power charging, and memory card storage into a single device. By providing a centralized hub that can manage multiple computing devices simultaneously through its multiple ports and internal power source, it improves productivity in device management while containing complexity through functional integration rather than requiring multiple separate devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port interface device for connecting multiple computing devices for data and power transfer includes a housing with an internal power source. A processor is electrically coupled to the internal power source. A power input port electrically coupled to the internal power source is designed to receive a power cord. The power cord is electrically couplable to an extrinsic power source to transfer power from the extrinsic power source to the internal power source. A plurality of ports electrically coupled to the processor is inset into the housing. Each port of the plurality of ports is exposed within the housing. The plurality of ports includes a plurality of universal serial bus ports and a memory card port.