Double-Sided USB Plug Signal Switching Circuit
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB plugs with single-sided metal contacts require users to orient them correctly for insertion, leading to inconvenient usage and potential abnormal operation due to contact with other metals in the USB socket.
Innovation Solution
A double-sided USB plug design with functional pins on both sides of the insulative tongue, connected via a signal switching circuit that includes a signal switching module and switching modules, allowing either side to establish independent USB signal transmission, and using diodes or MOS transistors to manage connections and prevent abnormal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-sided USB plug structure is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the plug can only be inserted in a single orientation which causes inconvenient usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing metal contacts on both sides of the insulative tongue in opposite orientations. This asymmetric dual-sided design allows the plug to be inserted from either direction while maintaining proper electrical connectivity, eliminating the orientation constraint of single-sided plugs without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by making both sides of the insulative tongue functional with complete metal contact sets. Each side can independently establish electrical connections when inserted, allowing the plug to function universally regardless of insertion direction, thus improving operational convenience while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Ease of operation
If a double-sided USB plug structure is used, then plug insertion convenience is improved, but abnormal operation occurs due to contact with other metals in the USB socket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the potentially harmful electrical contacts by using switching modules to selectively disconnect metal contacts on one side when the other side is in use. This extraction of unnecessary active contacts prevents abnormal operations caused by simultaneous contact with multiple metal surfaces in the USB socket
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switching modules as intermediary components between the metal contacts on opposite sides of the insulative tongue. These switching modules act as mediators that control which side's contacts are electrically active, preventing direct interference between opposite-side contacts and ensuring stable signal transmission
3Reliability
If switching modules are added to manage double-sided connections, then abnormal operation is prevented, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using switching modules that can dynamically change their conduction state based on which side of the insulative tongue is inserted. The switching modules transition between conducting and non-conducting states to adapt to different insertion orientations, enabling reliable signal transmission without requiring a completely complex static circuit design
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
Ensures normal operation and convenient plugging/unplugging by disconnecting one side's metal contacts while maintaining electrical connection through the other side, allowing both data transmission and battery charging regardless of plug orientation, significantly improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the switching module is a diode
Implementation Method 2
the switching module includes an MOS transistor Q1 and a driving chip U2
Data Source
AI summary
A USB signal switching circuit and method, and a storage medium, which are applicable to a USB data line with a first USB plug and a second USB plug. Both front and back surfaces of an insulation tongue piece in the first USB plug are provided with functional pins. The USB signal switching circuit comprises a signal switching module and two switching switch modules connected to the signal switching module. Two functional pins Vbus in the first USB plug are respectively connected to a functional pin Vbus on the second USB plug via the switching switch module. Functional pins D+ and D− in the first USB plug are connected to a functional pin D+ and a functional pin D− on the second USB plug via the signal switching module respectively.