Accessory Identification via Single Power Channel Load Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electronic devices require multiple connection points for power and communication with accessory devices, increasing manufacturing costs, design complexity, and compromising aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a single connection interface that integrates power and communication, allowing the device to identify accessory devices through a modulated power-load technique, enabling the transmission of a unique identifier for decoding and processing by the device's microcontroller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple connection points are used for power and communication, then reliable power supply and communication are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply and communication reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power transmission and communication functions into a single connection interface. The accessory device modulates its power consumption to encode communication signals, which are detected by monitoring power consumption variations. This eliminates the need for separate communication connection points while maintaining both power supply and communication reliability through one integrated channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single connection interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transmission, enables bidirectional communication, and allows device identification. The host device and accessory device can exchange information about device identity, supported functions, and operational parameters through the same power connection, making the interface universal and multi-functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection points are used for power and communication, then functional requirements are met, but design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidconnection interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges power and communication channels into a single physical connection, reducing the number of connection points from multiple separate interfaces to one unified interface. This simplifies the mechanical design, reduces the number of pins required, and lowers overall device complexity while maintaining full functional capability for both power delivery and bidirectional communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for separate physical communication channels (such as additional wires or pins) with an electrical signaling method that uses modulated power consumption. Instead of adding mechanical connection complexity, the solution uses electrical signals embedded within the power transmission itself to carry communication data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If multiple connection points are used, then communication capability is ensured, but aesthetic appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines communication functionality into the existing power connection interface, eliminating the need for additional visible ports or connection points on the device exterior. This maintains the clean, simple aesthetic design while ensuring full communication capability through the integrated power-communication channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces the number of physical connection points, lowers manufacturing costs, simplifies design, and enhances user experience by allowing the device to adapt functionality based on the connected accessory, while maintaining aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

the accessory device modulates a power load on a power channel by which the accessory device is powered

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad modulation:

Implementation Method 2

the portable electronic device identifies the accessory device by detecting the modulated power load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower consumption monitoring:

Data Source

PatentUS9494975B1Accessory device identification method

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

A portable electronic device may identify an accessory device coupled thereto and its corresponding functionality utilizing a single channel utilized to provide power to the accessory device. Upon establishing a connection between the portable electronic device and the accessory device, the accessory device may transmit a message to the portable electronic device. The message may be decoded in order to identify the specific accessory device connected to the portable electronic device. Subsequently, the portable electronic device may alter its behavior to suit an application or function of the accessory device, thus leading to a more positive user experience.