PoE to USB Power Conversion Device for Ethernet Port Repurposing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The decline in the need for physical Ethernet ports due to the rise of wireless networking has left many unused ports in residential and public buildings, while the demand for USB charging stations has increased, as personal electronic devices require convenient charging solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular or portable device that converts power-over-Ethernet (PoE) power to USB power, allowing existing Ethernet ports to be repurposed as USB charging ports, while also supporting data communications by formatting data between USB and Ethernet protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical Ethernet ports are installed in buildings for wired networking, then data connectivity is provided, but the ports become unused and wasted infrastructure when wireless networking becomes ubiquitous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts Ethernet ports to serve multiple functions: they continue to provide wired data connectivity while simultaneously providing USB charging capability through PoE-powered USB ports. This multi-functionality allows the same physical infrastructure to serve both its original purpose and a new charging function, eliminating waste and improving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB charging ports are added to meet growing demand for device charging, then charging availability increases, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Ethernet networking infrastructure with USB charging functionality by using the existing PoE-powered Ethernet ports to supply power to USB charging modules. This combination allows charging capability to be added without requiring separate power infrastructure, thereby increasing charging availability while minimizing additional complexity.
3Productivity
If existing Ethernet ports are repurposed as USB charging ports, then infrastructure utilization is optimized, but data connectivity functionality may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion device provides multi-functionality by simultaneously maintaining wired Ethernet data connectivity through the RJ45 port while adding USB charging capability through PoE-powered USB ports. This ensures that infrastructure utilization is optimized for charging without sacrificing the original data connectivity function.
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion device is configured to convert power-over-Ethernet (PoE) power to universal serial bus (USB) power to yield a USB charging port. The conversion device can conform to a number of modular and/or portable form factors, allowing existing Ethernet data ports to be easily converted to USB charging ports. Embodiments include a modular conversion device configured to mount in a window of an existing wall plate as a replacement for an unused Ethernet data port, and a portable conversion device that can be plugged into an existing Ethernet data port. The conversion device receives PoE power from the Ethernet network, converts the PoE power to an appropriate USB standard, and delivers the power to an integrated USB charging port.