Universal Connector for Simultaneous Streaming and Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld devices require multiple connectors for simultaneous multimedia content streaming and power charging, increasing complexity and cost, while video streaming consumes power quickly, necessitating frequent charging during use.
Innovation Solution
A universal connector (UNICONN) and charging-streaming cable that enables simultaneous multimedia content streaming and power charging through a single connector, supporting HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB interfaces, with automatic recognition of the connected interface type to configure signal processing accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are used for simultaneous multimedia streaming and power charging, then both functions can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connectors (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB) into a single universal connector that can perform both multimedia streaming and power charging functions. The connector includes multiple contact pins that can be configured to support different interface standards, allowing one physical connector to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal connector is designed to support multiple interface standards (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB) through a single physical interface. The connector includes contact pins that can be electrically connected to different internal circuits depending on the detected interface type, enabling one connector to perform the functions of multiple different connectors across different protocols.
2Device complexity
If a single universal connector is used for both streaming and charging, then device complexity is reduced, but interface compatibility becomes more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a detector that dynamically identifies the type of interface connected (HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB) and automatically configures the internal electrical connections accordingly. This dynamic switching capability allows the universal connector to adapt its pin assignments and signal routing based on the detected interface type, ensuring proper compatibility without requiring manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector acts as an intermediary between the physical connector and the internal processing circuits. It identifies the connected interface type and mediates the signal routing by activating the appropriate detection circuit and connecting the corresponding contact pins to the correct internal circuits, thereby ensuring proper interface compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are used, then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connector functions into a single universal connector housing with a unified contact pin structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining support for multiple interface standards (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB).
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for enabling simultaneous multimedia content streaming and power charging of handheld devices, comprises a universal connector installed in a first device and enables connectivity of at least one multimedia display interface and at least one data interface with a second device, the first device is connected to the second device using a charging-streaming cable having, at one end, a first connector compliant with the universal connector, and at the other end, a second connector compliant with a multimedia display interface and a third connector compliant with a data interface of the second device, wherein streaming of the multimedia content is from the universal connector in the first device to the second connector in the second device and power charging of the first device is through the third connector of the second device; and a detector for determining a type of the multimedia display interface of the second device.