USB-C Reset Assembly for Screenless Media Device Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic media devices, such as TVs and streaming devices, often lack a dedicated physical reset button due to space constraints, making it difficult to initiate a factory reset when the screen is non-functional or absent.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a combination USB-C port and reset button assembly, or using an HDMI loopback technique to initiate factory reset and recovery mode without a dedicated physical button, and alternative methods like visible light LEDs, button combinations, or NFC triggers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a dedicated physical reset button is provided, then factory reset function is easily accessible, but device space and PCB area are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefactory reset accessibilityVSAvoidPCB space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reset button function with existing physical interfaces on the device. Specifically, it integrates the reset functionality into the USB-C port assembly by using a pinhole button located adjacent to the USB-C port, or into the power button by requiring a specific holding duration (e.g., 10 seconds) to trigger factory reset. This merging approach eliminates the need for a separate dedicated reset button, thereby saving PCB space while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing buttons multi-functional. The power button serves both its primary function (powering the device on/off) and a secondary function (initiating factory reset when held for a specific duration). Similarly, the USB-C port assembly serves both data/power transmission and reset initiation purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If screen is non-functional or absent, then device form factor is flexible, but visual feedback for reset initiation is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice form factor flexibilityVSAvoidreset initiation feedback

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces alternative feedback mechanisms that do not rely on the display screen. These include LED indicators that provide visual feedback about reset status, haptic feedback through vibration motors that provide tactile confirmation, and audible feedback through speakers or buzzers. These intermediary feedback channels compensate for the absence or malfunction of the primary display interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service feedback through multiple sensory channels. When a factory reset is initiated through alternative methods (like USB-C pinhole button or extended power button hold), the system automatically activates LED indicators, haptic feedback, or audible signals to confirm the operation without requiring screen display. This ensures the device can self-communicate its state even without a functional display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260075285A1Electronic media device reset techniques

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 ROKU INC

AI summary

An apparatus is described and includes a portable media streaming device including an assembly that includes a USB-C port; and a switch integrated with the USB-C port, the switch generating a signal when the switch is actuated, the signal for triggering a factory reset of the portable media streaming device.