Peripheral Latch Hot Unplug Prediction Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hot unplug of hardware components in computing systems can cause user experience issues and physical damage, such as sparks and hardware damage, due to the sudden removal of high-powered components.

Innovation Solution

A modular computing system with a peripheral device that includes a latch-controlled attachment mechanism, a sensing circuit, and a controller to predict and indicate a hot unplug event to the computing device, allowing for controlled power management and operation adjustments before removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hot unplug is enabled to allow removal of hardware components during operation, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but harmful factors such as sparks and physical damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehot unplug capabilityVSAvoidsparks and physical damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing circuit detects latch position changes and triggers a prediction signal to the computing device before the actual hot unplug occurs. This preliminary detection allows the system to prepare for the removal event in advance, reducing harmful effects by managing power and data connections proactively rather than reactively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the sensing circuit continuously monitors latch position and communicates status to the controller and computing device. This feedback mechanism enables real-time awareness of connection state, allowing the system to adjust power management and prevent harmful effects during the hot unplug process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If sensing circuit and controller are added to detect latch position and predict hot unplug, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehot unplug management reliabilityVSAvoidperipheral device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral device autonomously monitors its own connection state through the sensing circuit that detects latch position changes. The controller automatically generates prediction signals without requiring external intervention, enabling the device to self-manage its connection status and improve reliability through self-monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with a simplified sensing circuit that detects latch position through electrical or magnetic means. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable detection of connection state changes for hot unplug prediction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3433701B1Hot unplug predictions based on latch positions

Publication Date: 2022.09.07 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

Figure 1A~1D
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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

An example peripheral device includes a module interface to receive power and data communication from a computing device. The peripheral device also includes an attachment tab to affix the peripheral device to a lower side of the computing device. The peripheral device further includes a latch to control an engagement of the attachment tab with the computing device. The peripheral device further includes a sensing circuit to detect a change in position of the latch. The peripheral device further includes a controller to, in response to detecting the latch moving from a locked position to an unlocked position, indicate a hot unplug prediction to the computing device via the module interface.