Charger Connection Unit Temperature Sensor Safety Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chargers lack protection against heat generation due to short-circuiting caused by dust or water at the connection units between the charger and electronic apparatus, despite miniaturization of connection units increasing the risk of such hazards.
Innovation Solution
A charger design featuring a temperature sensor near the charging paths, a metallic outer wall for the negative-side charging path, and a control unit that suspends charging power output if the temperature exceeds a threshold, ensuring safety by maintaining the output suspension state until the hazard is resolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If connection units are miniaturized to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but the risk of short-circuiting due to dust or water increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is positioned to detect temperature changes in advance before short-circuiting occurs. The control unit monitors temperature continuously and suspends charging power output before actual short-circuiting happens, preventing the harmful effect rather than responding after it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor acts as an intermediary detection device between the charging path and the control unit. It provides early warning of temperature changes that indicate potential short-circuiting, allowing the control unit to take preventive action before dust or water causes actual contact between charging paths.
2Reliability
If temperature monitoring is implemented near charging paths, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is integrated into the connection unit structure, merging the detection function with the existing charging component. The control unit combines temperature monitoring with the existing charging control logic, suspending power output through the same control pathway already present in the charger.
3Reliability
If charging power is suspended immediately when temperature threshold is exceeded, then safety is improved, but charging efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors temperature feedback from the sensor and dynamically adjusts charging power output. When temperature exceeds the threshold, power is suspended; when temperature returns to safe levels, charging can resume. This feedback loop ensures safety while minimizing unnecessary interruptions to charging efficiency.
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
The solution effectively prevents dangerous heat generation and ensures user safety by promptly detecting temperature increases and suspending charging power, thereby preventing potential meltdowns or electrical hazards at the connection units.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor which is arranged in the vicinity of the portions of the positive-side charging path in the connection unit
Implementation Method 2
a metallic outer wall which surrounds outside of the portion of the positive-side charging path and the negative-side charging path, and at least the portion of the negative-side charging path is electrically connected to the metallic outer wall
Data Source
AI summary
A charger capable of charging an electronic apparatus includes a charger main body having a power output unit which output charging power, a connection unit which is attached to the charger main body, which is configured to be connected to the electronic apparatus, and which is configured to supply the charging power from the power output unit to the electronic apparatus in a state that the connection unit is connected to the electronic apparatus, and a temperature sensor which is provided in the connection unit, and which is configured to detect a temperature in the vicinity of the connection unit.