Reconfigurable Connection Device for Multi-Standard Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection devices require multiple types to accommodate different communication standards and power supply profiles, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing and user identification challenges due to a large number of operation content indications.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a cable unit, first and second connector units, and a circuit board that includes a control unit with a storage and management unit, allowing operation data to be changed based on instruction data from a host device, enabling operation with multiple communication and power supply standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of connection devices are used to accommodate different communication standards and power supply profiles, then compatibility with various standards is improved, but manufacturing efficiency deteriorates and user identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device incorporates a reconfigurable architecture that can adapt to multiple communication standards (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB Type-C) and power supply profiles through software-controlled configuration rather than requiring separate hardware devices for each standard. The device includes a control unit that can change its operational characteristics based on the connected devices and required standards, making a single device universally compatible.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the operational characteristics (communication standard, power supply profile) can be changed in real-time based on connection requirements. The device transitions between different operational states depending on the host device and terminal device being connected, allowing a single static hardware design to perform multiple functions dynamically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of connection devices are used to accommodate different communication standards and power supply profiles, then compatibility with various standards is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of incorporating multiple separate connection device functionalities that would increase hardware complexity, the invention uses a universal base design with software-based adaptation. The control unit manages different standards and profiles through configuration changes rather than physical reconfiguration, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operation data is changed dynamically based on instruction data from host device, then adaptability to different standards is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit receives information about the connected host device and terminal device, then automatically adjusts its operational characteristics accordingly. The device monitors connection status and standard requirements, and the control unit modifies operation data based on this feedback to maintain optimal compatibility without requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
In an exemplary embodiment, a connection device includes a cable unit, first and second connector units, and a circuit board. The first connector unit is provided at a first end of the cable unit and is connectable to a host device. The second connector unit is provided at a second end of the cable unit and is connectable to a terminal device. The circuit board includes a control unit and is provided in one of the first and second connector units. The control unit includes a storage unit and a management unit. The storage unit stores operation data indicating operation content of the connection device. The management unit manages the operation data, and changes the operation data on the basis of instruction data received from the host device if the connection device is connected to the host device and the terminal device.