USB Hub Switching Circuit for Bidirectional Peripheral Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems face challenges in connecting peripherals bidirectionally and efficiently, leading to cable clutter, limited user preference for peripheral placement, and battery consumption in wireless connections.

Innovation Solution

The system employs physical and magnetic connections, electrical and communication links, and power management to establish communication flow between hosts and peripherals, allowing for flexible placement and efficient power use through pogo pin connectors and USB hub switching circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless connection (Bluetooth) is used to connect peripheral devices, then user mobility and placement flexibility are improved, but battery consumption increases and additional ports/dongles are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power delivery and data communication into a single wired connection interface. The USB hub integrates multiple connection functions (power, data, communication) into one unified interface, eliminating the need for separate power sources or wireless dongles while maintaining placement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The USB hub provides multi-functional connectivity, serving as both a power source and data communication interface simultaneously. This universal interface replaces the need for separate wireless adapters and power supplies, reducing overall system complexity and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If wired connection is used to connect peripheral devices, then power management is simplified and no batteries are required, but cable clutter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery consumptionVSAvoidcable clutter

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cables and connections are merged into a single USB hub interface. The hub consolidates power delivery, data communication, and device connectivity into one organized connection point, reducing cable clutter while maintaining all wired connection benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The USB hub acts as a nested structure that contains multiple connection functions within a single interface. Devices connect to the hub, which in turn connects to the host system, creating a nested organization that reduces the number of external cables needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If external keyboards are implemented with fixed placement, then connection stability is improved, but user preference for placement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidplacement preference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of peripheral connections through the USB hub. Users can connect and disconnect devices from different ports on the hub, allowing flexible placement arrangements while maintaining stable wired connections. The hub adapts to different connection configurations without requiring fixed device positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If USB hub switching circuits are used to enable bidirectional connectivity, then placement flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional connectivityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The USB hub serves as an intermediary device that manages bidirectional connectivity between the host system and peripheral devices. The switching circuits within the hub handle the complexity of multiple connection paths, presenting a simplified interface to users while enabling flexible bidirectional device arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables bidirectional connectivity and flexible placement of peripherals, reducing cable clutter and battery consumption while ensuring efficient power management and communication flow.

Implementation Method 1

physical and magnetic connections to connect with the one or more peripheral devices; electrical and communication connections to connect with the one or more peripheral devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

physical and magnetic connections to connect with the one or more peripheral devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11853233B2Sequentially and bidirectionally connecting peripherals and devices to an information handling system

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Described are an information handling system, peripheral devices, and methods to connect the information handling or host to the peripheral devices. Physical connections connect the host with the one or more peripheral devices and the peripheral devices with one another. Electrical and communication connections connect the host with the one or more peripheral devices and the peripheral devices with one another. Power and power management are provided by the host through the electrical connection. An input from the host to the peripheral devices is used to establish communication flow between the host and the peripheral devices.