USB Hub Power Management via Dynamic Module Control

Solution Overview

Problem

USB HUBs face current overload issues due to high power consumption by devices connected through them, leading to unstable host system operations, as the maximum current a host can provide to each port is limited to 500 mA.

Innovation Solution

A USB HUB with a wireless communication module, storage module, and HUB controller that manages power by disabling the storage module and enabling the wireless communication module only after the driver program is installed in the host, preventing simultaneous power supply to both modules and thus avoiding current overload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both the storage module and wireless communication module are enabled simultaneously, then the USB HUB provides complete functionality, but current overload occurs exceeding the 500 mA limit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling or disabling modules based on operational needs. The HUB controller dynamically switches between different module configurations: enabling both storage and wireless modules when driver installation is needed, then disabling the storage module after driver installation completes, and enabling only the wireless module during normal operation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between providing complete functionality and avoiding current overload.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the storage module remains enabled continuously, then driver programs are always accessible, but current consumption increases and causes unstable host system operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver availabilityVSAvoidhost system stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the storage module only when driver installation is detected or needed. The HUB controller checks for driver installation status and temporarily activates the storage module to transfer driver files to the host, then disables it afterward. This ensures driver availability when needed while preventing continuous power consumption that would cause current overload and host system instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the wireless communication module is enabled continuously, then wireless functionality is always available, but current consumption exceeds the USB port limit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication availabilityVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling or disabling modules based on operational needs. The HUB controller dynamically switches between different module configurations: enabling both storage and wireless modules when driver installation is needed, then disabling the storage module after driver installation completes, and enabling only the wireless module during normal operation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between providing complete functionality and avoiding current overload.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8661281B2USB HUB and power management method thereof

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 WISTRON NEWEB CORP

AI summary

A USB HUB is provided. The USB HUB comprises a wireless communication module, a storage module, a USB interface connected to a host outside of the USB HUB and a HUB controller. The storage module stores a driver program of the wireless communication module. The USB interface transfers data with the host. The HUB controller is coupled to the USB interface, the wireless communication module and the storage module. The HUB controller disables the storage module and enables the wireless communication module when the driver program has been installed in the host.