Notebook Optical Disc Drive Tray Ejection via Pseudo Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical disc drives (ODDs) in notebook PCs consume unnecessary power when not in use, and existing solutions require additional power switches or complex user operations to eject trays when power is stopped, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An automatic return-type eject switch and eject controller system that generates an eject signal and supplies power to the ODD, transmitting a pseudo eject signal after a predetermined time to simulate the eject operation, allowing tray ejection without continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power supply to the ODD is stopped to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but the user cannot eject the tray without additional operations or components
Solution Approach 1:
The eject controller detects the eject signal in advance when power is stopped, stores this information, and automatically transmits the pseudo eject signal after power is restored, eliminating the need for users to perform additional operations
Solution Approach 2:
The eject controller acts as an intermediary between the eject switch and the drive controller, storing the eject signal when power is stopped and transmitting it after power restoration, thereby bridging the gap caused by power interruption
2Adaptability or versatility
If a power supply switch is added to enable ODD operation, then the ODD can be used after power stopping, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The eject controller performs multiple functions: it detects eject signals, manages power state transitions, stores eject commands, and transmits pseudo eject signals, eliminating the need for a separate power supply switch
Solution Approach 2:
The ODD system automatically manages its own power state and tray ejection through the eject controller, which detects power stops and autonomously handles the power restoration and tray ejection sequence without requiring user intervention
3Device complexity
If the eject switch is used to supply power to the ODD, then no additional components are needed, but the eject signal may be lost when power is restored
Solution Approach 1:
The eject controller detects and stores the eject signal in advance before power is restored, ensuring the signal is not lost during the power interruption period
Solution Approach 2:
The eject controller creates a copy of the eject signal and stores it in its internal memory, then transmits this stored signal as a pseudo eject signal after power restoration, ensuring reliable signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A optical disc drive is disclosed. The optical disc drive includes a housing and a tray configured to accommodate a disc therein. The optical disc drive also includes an automatic return-type eject switch, a drive controller, and an eject controller. Mounted in the housing, the automatic return-type eject switch is configured to generate an eject signal. In response to the eject signal, the drive controller ejects the tray. In response to the eject signal, the eject controller supplies an electric power to the optical disc drive, and transmits a pseudo eject signal to the drive controller to eject the tray by way of a line through which the eject signal has been transferred after a predetermined time period from the supply of the electric power has lapsed.