Port Extension Apparatus for Mobile Device Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current end-user devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, have limited port spaces and tight port arrangements, leading to inefficient port usage due to the physical size of devices and connectors, making it difficult to access multiple ports simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A port extension apparatus with a main port module and additional data and video port modules that enable multiple devices to connect and transmit data, increasing port utilization efficiency by forming transmission paths and controlling data transmission between connected devices and end-user devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ports are provided in end-user devices, then data transmission capability is improved, but port accessibility deteriorates due to tight space and limited device size
Solution Approach 1:
A USB hub is introduced as an intermediary device between the end-user device and multiple to-be-connected devices. The hub receives data from the end-user device through a first USB port and distributes it to multiple second USB ports, enabling simultaneous access to multiple ports without requiring additional ports on the original device.
2Productivity
If multiple ports are provided in end-user devices, then port utilization efficiency is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The port expansion function is segmented into a separate USB hub device rather than integrating multiple ports directly into the end-user device. This allows the end-user device to maintain its compact size while the hub provides multiple ports for simultaneous device connections, achieving high port utilization without increasing the original device's volume.
3Reliability
If a port is occupied by a large connector, then connection stability is improved, but other ports become inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The USB hub acts as a mediator that receives the large connector connection on one port and provides multiple smaller connector ports on the other side. This allows stable connection through the hub while maintaining accessibility to multiple ports simultaneously, as the hub distributes the connection to multiple second USB ports.
Data Source
AI summary
Port extension apparatus for providing better usage and utilization efficiency ports of end-user devices are disclosed. Port extension apparatus includes at least a main port module for connection to end-user device, first data port module, data transmission control module, second data port module, and video port module. When a to-be-connected device connects to the first data port module, the first data port module and the main port module form a transmission path enabling data transmission between the to-be-connected device and the end-user device. When the to-be-connected device connects to the second data port module, the data transmission control module controls the data transmission between the to-be-connected device and the end-user device. When the to-be-connected device connects to the video port module, the data transmission control module receives the to-be-displayed information from the end-user device and transmits to the to-be-connected device to display.