Multi-port Switch Emulating Connector Orientations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing multi-orientation data connectors and ports is cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors due to the need for manual flipping and reconnection in multiple orientations, which can damage interfaces and lead to unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port communications switch system with an automated flip controller that emulates different connector orientations, allowing for simultaneous connection and testing of multiple ports and devices without physical manipulation, by coupling pins of one port with those of another to simulate various orientation scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual flipping and reconnection of connectors in multiple orientations is performed for testing, then comprehensive testing of all orientations can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a switch system to create electrical copies of connector orientations. Instead of physically flipping connectors, the switch system routes signals to simulate different orientations (e.g., 0-degree, 90-degree, 180-degree, 270-degree orientations) through pin coupling configurations. This allows comprehensive orientation testing without manual physical manipulation, resolving the contradiction between testing completeness and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch system acts as an intermediary between the connector and the testing equipment. It mediates the connection by selectively coupling pins to simulate different physical orientations, eliminating the need for manual connector manipulation while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage across all permitted orientations.
2Reliability
If manual flipping and reconnection of connectors is performed repeatedly, then all orientations can be tested, but damage to interfaces and unreliable results occur
Solution Approach 1:
The switch system creates electrical simulations of different connector orientations without requiring physical connector manipulation. By routing signals through the switch to emulate various orientations, the system eliminates repeated plugging and unplugging that causes interface damage, while still achieving comprehensive orientation testing for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch system is pre-configured with multiple coupling configurations that correspond to different connector orientations. These configurations are prepared in advance, allowing the testing system to switch between orientations electronically without physical manipulation, thereby preventing interface damage from repeated manual connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reference devices are connected to multiple ports in multiple orientations for testing, then comprehensive device compatibility can be verified, but the complexity of the testing setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch system provides multi-functionality by serving as both a connector simulator and a routing switch. It can simulate multiple connector orientations while simultaneously routing signals between multiple reference devices and ports under test. This universal capability allows comprehensive device compatibility testing without requiring separate physical setups for each orientation, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch system dynamically reconfigures pin couplings based on the desired connector orientation and testing requirements. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to different testing scenarios (different devices, different orientations, different ports) without manual reconfiguration, simplifying the overall testing setup while maintaining high adaptability for comprehensive compatibility verification.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide multi-port communications switches with automated flip emulation for multi-orientation data connectors, for example, to test data connector system components. One embodiment includes multiple ports, each with pins adapted to electrically couple with corresponding structures of a data connector when the connector is physically coupled with the port in any of multiple connector orientations. A flip controller couples pins of first and second ports in accordance with a selected configuration, such that: in a first mode, the flip controller effectively emulates the coupled ports being in a same connector orientation; and in a second mode, the flip controller effectively emulates the coupled ports being in different orientations (e.g., as if one of the connectors is flipped over). Some implementations include additional features, such as selective switching between multiple ports, interfacing with external computational controllers, keep-alive charging of idle devices, measurement of electrical characteristics, and data channel processing.