Anyone have advice on where to get a USB device designed/made? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

WillyPete · 11-23-2004, 08:01 AM

Right, this is less of a patent info or advice thread and more of getting any details for a reputable electonic device manufacturer.

I have an idea for a USB powered device that would double as a hub.
God knows there are enough of them out there but I don't think there is one like the item I have in mind.

I don't want to bother patenting it as I know enough about the process that if I applied for it and waited for approval it'd probably be built by someone else and they'd reap the reward before mine was approved. Even with a patent, it wouldn't stop people with little fingers all over Asia cascading them into the market anyway. Patents wouldn't be worth it anyway. They are way too expensive.

I want to make it, maybe evene sell the idea to an online CP sales company and get out with some profits. Maybe to use to finance a patent on something more important.

Anyone have any ideas where I can look to get one made? I understand a lot of these manufacturers have their own design teams in-house.

11-27-2004, 12:23 PM

Find a kid in technical college, put an ad in the paper, do a search on Google. Learn how it works yourself.

You want someone to make it? AND design it? Exactly what use is your idea? If it is something that doubles as a hub, then buy a hub, and get your screwdriver out. It's not magic you know.

WillyPete · 11-29-2004, 05:13 AM

i want to draw power from the usb out from the pc. No data going in, so I thought it might as well be a hub too.

AngelicVampire · 11-29-2004, 12:30 PM

USB already draws power, well in 1 of the two modes:

4 wire:

0V Data- Data+ 5V

You could draw 5V down to the "hub" and then share it out between devices, however that would probably not work that well (USB ports do not have high currents really so a massed expander would probably need to be powered).

This idea already exists though, an MP3 player or suchlike could have two USB plugs on it, one that brings power down to it and one that powers a sub device (or many devices especially if they are unpowered!)

A better idea of what you are planning would allow better advise, but there are many books on USB design and google is always your friend.

11-23-2004, 08:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
WillyPete Addict	Anyone have advice on where to get a USB device designed/made? Right, this is less of a patent info or advice thread and more of getting any details for a reputable electonic device manufacturer. I have an idea for a USB powered device that would double as a hub. God knows there are enough of them out there but I don't think there is one like the item I have in mind. I don't want to bother patenting it as I know enough about the process that if I applied for it and waited for approval it'd probably be built by someone else and they'd reap the reward before mine was approved. Even with a patent, it wouldn't stop people with little fingers all over Asia cascading them into the market anyway. Patents wouldn't be worth it anyway. They are way too expensive. I want to make it, maybe evene sell the idea to an online CP sales company and get out with some profits. Maybe to use to finance a patent on something more important. Anyone have any ideas where I can look to get one made? I understand a lot of these manufacturers have their own design teams in-house.

11-27-2004, 12:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
zen_tom Guest	Find a kid in technical college, put an ad in the paper, do a search on Google. Learn how it works yourself. You want someone to make it? AND design it? Exactly what use is your idea? If it is something that doubles as a hub, then buy a hub, and get your screwdriver out. It's not magic you know.

11-29-2004, 05:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
WillyPete Addict	i want to draw power from the usb out from the pc. No data going in, so I thought it might as well be a hub too.

11-29-2004, 12:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
AngelicVampire Insane	USB already draws power, well in 1 of the two modes: 4 wire: 0V Data- Data+ 5V You could draw 5V down to the "hub" and then share it out between devices, however that would probably not work that well (USB ports do not have high currents really so a massed expander would probably need to be powered). This idea already exists though, an MP3 player or suchlike could have two USB plugs on it, one that brings power down to it and one that powers a sub device (or many devices especially if they are unpowered!) A better idea of what you are planning would allow better advise, but there are many books on USB design and google is always your friend.