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Apparatuses, systems, and methods for detecting and reacting to exposure of an electronic device to moisture

a technology of electronic devices and sensors, applied in resistance/reactance/impedence, instruments, pulse techniques, etc., can solve the problems of limiting access to electronic devices, limiting the size of waterproof cases, and not allowing the sensor to terminate the operation of any portion of electronic devices

Active Publication Date: 2014-07-10
HZO INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Most of these cases provide protection from scratches and other physical damage; very few cases provide protection against water damage.
As a result, waterproof cases tend to be somewhat bulky or large and limit access to the electronic device.
While certain electronic devices on the market contain moisture sensors, many of these sensors are one-time use sensors that irreversibly react to the presence of moisture.
The sensor does not, however, terminate operation of any portion of the electronic device upon exposure of the electronic device to moisture, communicate with the electronic device or provide an individual who uses with electronic device with a warning or other indicator that the electronic device has been exposed to moisture.
Nor can the sensor be reset after exposure to moisture.

Method used

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  • Apparatuses, systems, and methods for detecting and reacting to exposure of an electronic device to moisture
  • Apparatuses, systems, and methods for detecting and reacting to exposure of an electronic device to moisture
  • Apparatuses, systems, and methods for detecting and reacting to exposure of an electronic device to moisture

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Embodiment Construction

[0021]FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an electronic device 110 comprising a moisture detector 120 and a moisture detection circuit 140. The moisture detector 120 and moisture detection circuit 140 cooperate to determine whether the electronic device 110 has been exposed to an electrically conductive liquid. An electrically conductive liquid refers to those liquids that are electrical conductors containing movable electric charges that can move relatively freely through the liquid. For example, the electrically conductive liquid may be tap water, rain water, salt water, juice, or other liquids having movable electric charges. Generally, exposing an unprotected electronic device 110 to an electrically conductive liquid can cause damage to the electronic components within. The electronic device 110 may be exposed to the electrically conductive liquid by being submerged, by having an electrically conductive liquid in the air condense on or in the electronic device 110, or in other w...

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Abstract

An electronic device includes a port for connecting the electronic device to other electronic devices and a moisture detector configured to detect an electrically conductive liquid in the first port. The moisture detector is configured to maintain a voltage on a first electrical contact of the port and to detect a short circuit between the first electrical contact and a second electrical contact of the port. The moisture detector determines that the electronic device has been exposed to an electrically conductive liquid if the monitor module detects the short circuit. The moisture detector may also put the electronic device into safe mode if it is exposed to an electrically conductive liquid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]A claim for the benefit of priority is hereby made pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to the Jan. 8, 2013 filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 750,328, titled APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND REACTING TO EXPOSURE OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE TO MOISTURE. The entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This disclosure relates generally to methods and systems for detecting exposure of an electronic device to moisture. More particularly, this disclosure relates to approaches for detecting the presence of electrically conductive moisture at one or more electrically conductive contacts of an electronic device, including the contacts of ports of the electronic device.BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART[0003]The durability of electronic devices is a major concern to consumers. Protective cases for cellular telephones, tablet computers, portable media players, laptop computers, and other electr...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G01N27/04G08B21/20H02H5/08
CPCG01N27/048H02H5/083G08B21/20H03K17/94
Inventor STEVENS, BLAKESORENSON, MAX
Owner HZO INC