Multi-function Ports on Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in accommodating various user preferences for workspace configurations due to limited placement options for connectors, leading to inconvenient cable arrangements and reduced flexibility in using peripherals.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multi-purpose ports with a single type of connector on both sides of the device, capable of handling power, data, and display signals, allowing for flexible peripheral placement and reduced cable clutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are provided for different functions (power, data, display), then functional completeness is improved, but device complexity and cable management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements USB Type-C connectors that can handle multiple functions including power transmission, high-speed data transfer, and display signal output through a single interface. This multi-functional connector design eliminates the need for separate power ports, data ports, and video ports, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining complete functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate power, data, and display transmission capabilities into a single USB Type-C connector interface. By merging these functions into one unified connection point, the system reduces the number of cables and connectors needed, simplifying both the device structure and cable management while preserving all essential functionalities.
2Device complexity
If connectors are placed on one side only, then device structure is simplified, but workspace configuration flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric placement of USB Type-C connectors by providing them on opposite sides of the device rather than clustering them on one side. This asymmetric distribution allows users to connect peripherals on either the left or right side depending on their workspace layout preferences, thereby enhancing configuration flexibility while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-sided connector arrangement to a multi-sided arrangement by placing USB Type-C connectors on opposite sides of the device. This spatial distribution across different dimensions (left and right sides) enables greater workspace configuration flexibility without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple cable types are used for different connectors, then signal transmission quality is improved, but cable clutter and aesthetic appearance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes USB Type-C connectors that can transmit multiple signal types including power, high-speed data, and display signals through a single unified interface. This eliminates the need for multiple different cable types (such as separate power cables, USB data cables, and video cables), thereby reducing cable clutter while maintaining high-quality signal transmission across all functions through the standardized Type-C protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate power transmission, data transfer, and video signal transmission functions into a single USB Type-C cable connection. By combining these functions into one cable type, the system dramatically reduces cable clutter and improves aesthetic appearance while preserving high-quality signal transmission through the capabilities of the USB Type-C interface.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
In one general aspect, a method can include configuring a first connector of a particular type included in a first multipurpose port located on a first side of a computing device to connect the computing device to a first peripheral device, transporting one or more of power, high-speed data, and display data between the computing device and the first peripheral device using the first multipurpose port, configuring a second connector of the particular type included in a second multipurpose port located on a second side of the computing device to connect the computing device to a second peripheral device, and transporting one or more of power, high-speed data, and display data between the computing device and the second peripheral device using the second multipurpose port.