Accessory Contact Layout for Stable Attachment Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication errors occur when contacts between an electronic apparatus and an accessory become disconnected during operation, particularly if the contact for detecting accessory attachment is connected but the contact for enabling communication is disconnected.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus and accessory are designed with specific contact arrangements and switching circuits to ensure stable ground connections and minimize the impact of clock noise, allowing for reliable detection of accessory attachment and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging is enabled between devices, then charging convenience is improved, but foreign object detection accuracy deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field sensing area is divided into multiple separate sensing areas, each with its own sensor. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between magnetic fields from foreign objects and those from wireless charging devices by comparing signals across different spatial zones, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while enabling wireless charging.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple magnetic field sensors act as intermediaries to differentiate between legitimate wireless charging magnetic fields and those from foreign objects. By using multiple sensing points, the system can identify patterns characteristic of wireless charging versus foreign objects, resolving the interference problem.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic field sensing area is increased to improve foreign object detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but false detection rate increases due to wireless charging interference
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the sensing area into multiple segments enables the system to analyze magnetic field patterns across different zones. Wireless charging produces characteristic multi-zone patterns that differ from foreign objects, allowing accurate differentiation and reduced false detection rates even with extended sensing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple magnetic field sensors serve dual functions: detecting foreign objects and characterizing wireless charging magnetic field patterns. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to both detection scenarios, improving reliability by reducing false positives from wireless charging interference.
3Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic field sensors are used to differentiate foreign objects from wireless charging devices, then foreign object detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into multiple independent sensor units, each capable of autonomous magnetic field detection. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture compared to using a single complex sensor, as each unit performs a standardized function that can be independently optimized and manufactured.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple magnetic field sensors automatically perform mutual calibration and pattern recognition without external intervention. The system self-distinguishes between wireless charging and foreign objects by comparing signals across sensors, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms and simplifying overall system complexity.
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 configuration reduces communication errors by maintaining stable ground connections and reducing the influence of clock noise, ensuring reliable communication and accessory operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic field sensor disposed at a first position in the accessory and a second magnetic field sensor disposed at a second position in the accessory
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
[SUMMARY] [PROBLEMS] To reduce a communication error caused by a disconnection of part of terminals when the accessory is attached [SOLUTION MEANS] An electronic apparatus (100) to which an accessory (200) is detachably attached includes a plurality of contacts (TC01 to TC21) electrically connectable to the accessory and arranged in a row. The plurality of contacts include an attachment detection contact (TC06) used to detect an attachment of the accessory to the electronic apparatus, and a communication request contact (TC11) used for a communication request from the accessory to the electronic apparatus. The attachment detection contact and the communication request contact are disposed between a contact closest to one end and a contact on closest to another end in an arrangement direction of the plurality of contacts. The attachment detection contact and is disposed between the communication request contact and the contact closest to the one end. In the arrangement direction, a distance between the attachment detection contact and the communication request contact is shorter than a distance between the communication request contact and the contact closest to the other end.