Printer USB Hub Integrating Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-the-shelf peripherals for printing devices often require cumbersome and inefficient connections, generate excessive heat due to low-efficiency power supplies, and have short lifespans, leading to design and testing resource inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a custom-designed universal serial bus (USB) hub within the printing device that supplies both power and communication through individual USB connectors, along with an internal power supply that provides specific DC voltage and amperage, separating heat generation from the circuit board and reducing the need for AC/DC conversion in the USB hub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If off-the-shelf peripherals are used with dedicated AC/DC converters, then power conversion reliability is improved, but device complexity and connection cumbersome increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the AC/DC power conversion function into the printer's internal power supply unit, eliminating the need for separate external power adapters. The USB hub integrates multiple functions including power distribution, data communication, and peripheral control into a single internal component, reducing connection complexity while maintaining reliable power conversion through the printer's centralized power management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal power supply is designed to provide universal power distribution to multiple peripherals through the USB hub, replacing multiple dedicated power converters. The USB hub itself serves multiple functions: data transmission, power delivery, and device control, eliminating the need for separate connections and converters for each peripheral device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If off-the-shelf devices with standardized AC/DC converters are used, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but heat generation increases due to inefficient power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inefficient AC/DC conversion function from external off-the-shelf devices and consolidates it into the printer's internal power supply. This centralizes heat generation within the printer's thermally managed enclosure rather than allowing multiple external devices to generate heat separately. The internal power supply uses more efficient conversion methods, reducing overall heat generation while maintaining adaptability through the USB hub's multiple connection capabilities.
3Reliability
If multiple separate connections are used for power and communication, then power supply reliability is improved, but connection complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The USB hub combines power delivery and data communication into a single integrated connection interface. Each USB port provides both power and data transmission simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate power cables and data cables for each peripheral. This single-cable solution reduces installation time and complexity while maintaining reliable power supply through the hub's internal power management circuitry that ensures stable voltage and current delivery.
4Ease of manufacture
If off-the-shelf devices are used to eliminate dedicated design, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but device lifespan decreases leading to additional testing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the peripheral system into two parts: a durable, custom-designed USB hub integrated into the printer with long lifespan, and interchangeable off-the-shelf peripherals. The custom-designed hub serves as a long-lasting foundation that can accommodate various peripherals over time, reducing the frequency of complete system replacements and minimizing the need for repeated regression testing compared to using short-lived off-the-shelf integrated devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Printing devices herein comprise an internal power supply within the body of the printing devices. Also, a processor and printing components are within the body and connected to the internal power supply. A user interface is external to the body and is connected to the processor and the internal power supply. The user interface has a universal serial bus (USB) connection. A USB hub structure is within the body and is connected to the processor, the internal power supply, and the user interface. The USB hub structure includes an integrated circuit (IC), a power connector connected to the internal power supply, and a plurality of USB connectors connected to the IC. The USB connectors can extend through the body and one of the USB connectors connects the USB connection of the user interface to the processor and the internal power supply.