Universal Audio Receptacle Circuit Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices face difficulties in supporting balanced-type audio outputs, requiring additional connector fitting parts and potentially causing design issues and user inconvenience, while also failing to minimize audio quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device that identifies the type of connected external output device and varies its circuit configuration to support both balanced-type and unbalanced-type audio outputs without the need for additional connector fitting parts, using a receptacle that can accommodate 3-, 4-, or 5-conductor connectors and adjusts audio output signals accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electronic devices include separate connector fitting parts for balanced-type output devices, then balanced-type audio output is supported, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is designed to universally accept both balanced-type (4-conductor) and unbalanced-type (3-conductor) connectors through a single interface. The circuit automatically detects the connector type and configures the audio output accordingly, eliminating the need for separate connector fitting parts while maintaining support for both audio output types
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit configuration dynamically adapts based on the detected connector type. When a balanced-type connector is detected, the circuit configures four audio output contacts; when an unbalanced-type connector is detected, it reconfigures to three contacts. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single receptacle to serve multiple functions without requiring physical hardware changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electronic devices include two 3.5 Φ connector fitting parts with distinguishing marks, then balanced-type output is supported, but user convenience deteriorates due to potential insertion errors
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal receptacle accepts both balanced-type and unbalanced-type connectors, eliminating the need for users to choose between multiple connector fitting parts. The automatic detection and adaptation mechanism ensures correct configuration without requiring user knowledge or attention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electronic devices include asymmetric connector fitting parts (3.5 Φ and 2.5 Φ), then balanced-type output is supported, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric contact configuration within a single receptacle structure to differentiate between balanced-type and unbalanced-type connectors. The circuit detects the asymmetric presence or absence of specific contacts and automatically adapts the audio output configuration, maintaining design simplicity while supporting multiple connector types
Solution Approach 2:
A single receptacle design serves multiple functions by accommodating both balanced-type (4-conductor) and unbalanced-type (3-conductor) connectors. The universal interface eliminates the need for asymmetric connector fitting parts while maintaining support for both audio output types through automatic detection and adaptation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling the output according to a type of connector and an electronic device adapted to the method are provided. The method includes determining whether a first, second and third external connector is inserted into a receptacle, via a circuit connected to the receptacle, wherein the receptacle is configured to receive the first, second or third external connector, each of the first and second connector includes a first number of contacts, and the third external connector includes a second number of contacts less than the first number of contacts; providing an audio output signal to the first external connector in a first manner when the first external connector is inserted into the receptacle; providing an audio output signal to the second external connector in a second manner which differs from the first manner when the second external connector is inserted into the receptacle; and providing an audio output signal to the third external connector in a third manner which differs from the first and second manners when the third external connector is inserted into the receptacle.