Reciprocating Plug Detector for Safe USB Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sudden removal of USB storage devices from host systems can cause data loss or damage due to incomplete memory access termination during data transfer, leading to potential system instability or inoperability.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a reciprocating plug detector that generates a control signal when plugged or unplugged, allowing a controller to perform pre-defined commands to manage data transfer and system operations safely, such as terminating background programs or shutting down the host system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the USB storage device is removed from the host system during data transfer, then the device can be quickly disconnected, but data loss or damage occurs due to incomplete memory access termination
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating plug detector is positioned to be actuated by the actuator before the connector is fully inserted or removed. This preliminary action triggers the controller to initiate safe removal procedures, including terminating memory access and completing data transfers, before the physical disconnection occurs, thus preventing data loss while enabling quick connection changes
2Reliability
If the host system implements device removal procedures to ensure safe removal, then data integrity is maintained, but system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device equips itself with a reciprocating plug detector and controller that autonomously monitor connector status and execute safe removal procedures. This self-service approach transfers the complexity from the host system to the portable device, allowing the host to maintain simplicity while the portable device handles its own safe removal and data protection
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating plug detector provides continuous feedback to the controller about the connector's insertion and removal status. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to automatically adjust data transfer operations and initiate appropriate shutdown or protection sequences, creating a closed-loop system that ensures safe removal without requiring complex host system intervention
3Reliability
If the portable device includes a reciprocating plug detector and controller to perform safe removal, then data loss is prevented, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating plug detector functionality is merged with the existing connector structure. The detector utilizes the mechanical movement of the connector itself to actuate the detection mechanism, combining the connection function with the detection function in a single integrated component, thereby minimizing additional structural complexity while achieving reliable plug/unplug detection
Data Source
AI summary
A reciprocating plug detector is configured at the connector of a portable device and is pushed to generate a control signal when the portable device is plugged into a host system. A controller of the portable device then performs a command when receiving the control signal. When the portable device is unplugged from the host system, the reciprocating plug detector may also be used for generating the control signal and before the portable device totally leaves the host system, the controller performs other pre-defined command during these few milliseconds. The portable device is implemented with a variety of computer controllability and provided with power-failure protection for data.