Accelerometer-Based Charging Station Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication devices require dedicated pins for identifying charging stations, which occupies valuable space and increases complexity, and there is a need for a more efficient method to determine and adapt charging properties to specific stations.

Innovation Solution

The use of an accelerometer to detect the tilt angle of a mobile device in a docking station, allowing the processing circuitry to set charging current and configuration profiles based on the identified station, thereby simplifying the design and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dedicated pins are used in the charging connector to identify charging station types, then accurate charging station identification is achieved, but device complexity and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging station identification accuracyVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical pin-based identification system with an accelerometer-based detection system. Instead of using multiple pins to detect charging station type through electrical connections, the accelerometer measures the tilt angle of the device when placed in the charging station, thereby identifying the station type through gravitational force detection rather than electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical connection status (pin contact) to physical orientation (tilt angle). By measuring the angle at which the device rests in the charging station, the system can distinguish between different charging station types without requiring additional electrical pins or complex connector structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pins are arranged in the charging connector for station identification, then charging station type detection is enabled, but valuable space in the device is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging station compatibilityVSAvoidconnector area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the accelerometer serve multiple functions: it not only detects motion and orientation for general device operation but also specifically identifies charging station types by measuring tilt angles during charging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated identification pins, saving space in the connector area while maintaining charging station compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The accelerometer inherently measures the device's orientation relative to gravity, and this same measurement capability is leveraged to identify charging station types. The system uses the device's own physical properties (gravitational response) rather than requiring additional external identification components, thereby saving space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If traditional pin-based identification is used, then charging station characteristics are accurately determined, but power consumption increases due to continuous signal monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging characteristics detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by only activating the accelerometer when the device is actually placed in a charging station, rather than continuously monitoring for charging station identification. The system detects the charging state and temporarily activates the accelerometer to measure the tilt angle, then deactivates it, thereby significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous signal monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This approach enables efficient identification of docking stations without the need for additional pins, optimizing space and power usage while allowing for customizable charging and device settings based on the station type, ensuring safe and appropriate charging currents and profiles.

Implementation Method 1

determining a tilt angle of the communication device... The tilt angle is the angle in relation to the vertical plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2884725B1Docking system for a wireless communication device

Publication Date: 2019.07.03 ASCOM SWEDEN

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Figure 2a~3b
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AI summary

There is provided a docking system comprising a mobile communication device (102) comprising an accelerometer, a first docking station (104) configured to hold the communication device at a first tilt angle; and a second docking station (106) configured to hold the communication device at a second tilt angle, the second angle being different from the first angle, wherein the communication device further comprises processing circuitry configured to, when the communication device is placed in the docking station: detect an electrical connection between the mobile device and docking station; enable the accelerometer and detect a tilt angle of the communication device; and based on the detected tilt angle, identify a docking station and set charging properties of the communication device. There is also provided a method for setting properties of a mobile device based on a measured tilt angle.