AC Charging Contact Mechanism for Mobile Device Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for testing AC charging in mobile devices with AC charging contacts located on opposite sides, such as using brass balls, are ineffective as they do not provide reliable contact and are not adaptable for devices with contacts on opposite sides.

Innovation Solution

An AC charging contact mechanism featuring a conductive element and a pin and spring mechanism, or a lever-based mechanism, that can be integrated with a battery emulator to establish and break contact with AC charging contacts on opposite sides of a device, ensuring reliable testing by switching between contact and non-contact states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If brass balls are used to apply test AC charge to AC charge contacts, then the testing can be performed on devices with AC charge contacts, but the contact reliability is insufficient and the method is not adaptable for devices with contacts on opposite sides

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to devices with AC charge contacts on opposite sidesVSAvoidcontact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic lever mechanism that can rotate between different positions to adapt to AC charge contacts located on opposite sides of the device. The lever transitions from a first rotational state where the first conductive element contacts the first AC charge contact to a second rotational state where the second conductive element contacts the second AC charge contact, providing both adaptability and reliable contact through controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The battery emulator is divided into separate functional components including a first conductive element and a second conductive element that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each conductive element to be optimally positioned for contact with AC charge contacts on opposite sides of the device, improving both adaptability and contact reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed contact mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to AC charging contacts located on opposite sides of the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different contact positionsVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lever mechanism provides a controlled dynamic solution that rotates between two fixed positions (first rotational state and second rotational state). This dynamic approach enables adaptability to different contact positions while maintaining relatively simple implementation through a single rotating component rather than multiple complex adjustable elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lever mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the first conductive element for contact with the first AC charge contact, positions the second conductive element for contact with the second AC charge contact, and provides structural support for both conductive elements. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If conventional testing methods are used, then the testing process is simple, but the testing reliability and effectiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting reliabilityVSAvoidtesting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic lever mechanism ensures reliable testing by providing controlled, repeatable contact between conductive elements and AC charge contacts. The lever rotates to precise positions that ensure consistent contact force and alignment, improving testing reliability while adding only moderate complexity through a single rotating component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the battery emulator and the device under test. It mediates the contact between conductive elements and AC charge contacts, ensuring reliable force transmission and alignment while isolating the complexity of the positioning mechanism from both the power supply and the device being tested.

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

Enables efficient and reliable AC charging tests on mobile devices with AC charging contacts on opposite sides, facilitating effective battery emulation and testing across various devices, including mobile phones, PDAs, and laptop computers, by providing a compact, easy-to-use, and cost-effective solution.

Implementation Method 1

a spring (43) for biasing the AC charging contact mechanism towards the other of the first state and the second state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a first conductive element (46), the AC charging contact mechanism having a first state in which the first conductive element is positioned to make contact with the first AC charging contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2360773B1AC charging contact mechanism
Publication Date: 2013.07.24 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2360773B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2360773B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2360773B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

AC charging contact mechanisms are provided to charge facilitate testing of mobile devices that have charging contacts on sides of the device. A pin and spring based mechanism is provided to bias a probe against one of the charging contact. A lever based mechanism is also provided which biases a probe against one of the contacts in response to locking the mobile device in a battery emulator.