USB Port Power Control via Connection Status Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computer systems waste power by continuously providing electricity to USB connection ports, even when not connected to external devices, due to lack of mechanisms to detect connection statuses, leading to unnecessary power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A computing device with a connection module, detection unit, and power switch that detects connection statuses and adjusts power supply accordingly, using a logic expansion unit to stop power to unconnected ports during power-saving modes, reducing overall power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the computer system continuously provides power to USB connection ports in shutdown or sleep mode to enable peripheral device sensing, then the system can detect input signals from devices like mouse and keyboard, but unnecessary power is wasted on unconnected ports

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to detect peripheral device input signalsVSAvoidpower consumption of USB connection ports

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs connection status detection during normal mode operation before entering power-saving mode, and pre-configures the logic expansion unit with connection status information. This preliminary action enables the system to immediately switch to selective power supply upon entering power-saving mode, avoiding the need to continuously power all USB ports while maintaining the ability to detect connected devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The logic expansion unit autonomously controls power supply to individual USB connection ports based on stored connection status information, without requiring continuous intervention from the main processing unit. Each USB port's power supply is self-regulated according to its connection status, enabling the system to maintain reliability for connected devices while eliminating waste on unconnected ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the computer system provides power to all USB connection ports regardless of connection status, then all ports remain functional for peripheral devices, but small power consumptions accumulate into large total power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional availability of USB connection portsVSAvoidaccumulated power consumption across multiple USB ports

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the USB connection port power supply control into independent segments, with each port's power supply controlled separately based on its individual connection status. The logic expansion unit manages multiple USB ports independently, allowing the system to maintain adaptability for connected devices while eliminating accumulated power waste on unconnected ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different power supply qualities to different USB connection ports based on their local connection status. Connected ports receive full power to maintain functionality, while unconnected ports receive reduced or no power. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between maintaining overall system adaptability and reducing accumulated power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the computer system lacks detection mechanisms for USB connection statuses, then the system structure remains simple, but it cannot determine which ports are connected and must power all ports

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection mechanism structureVSAvoidpower consumption without connection detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The logic expansion unit serves multiple functions: it records connection status information during normal mode, stores this information for later use, and controls power supply to individual USB ports based on stored status. This multi-functional component enables connection detection and power management without requiring separate dedicated detection hardware, thus maintaining relatively simple system structure while enabling energy-saving operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9235246B2Computing device and power supply method of connection module

Publication Date: 2016.01.12 INVENTEC PUDONG TECH CORPOARTION

AI summary

The disclosure discloses a computing device including a connection module, a processing unit and a logic expansion unit, and a power supply method of a connection module. The connection module includes a detection unit and a power switch. The detection unit is configured to detect whether the connection module is connected with an external peripheral device, and to generate a detection signal. The power switch is configured to receive a power switching signal and to provide a rated voltage to the connection module according to the power switching signal. The processing unit and the logic expansion unit are coupled to each other. When the computing device is at a normal mode, the processing unit is configured to provide the power switching signal, acquires a connection status between the connection module and the external peripheral device, and to control the logic expansion unit to record the connection status.