Charging Cable Current Sensing for Clear Charge State Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for electronic devices lack efficient methods to detect and indicate various charging states, particularly when using only two pins for connection and charging state sensing, which can lead to ambiguity in charging status and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A charging cable with logic circuitry that compares current levels to two thresholds to control a state indicator, providing distinct outputs for connection, primary charging, and secondary charging states, using pulse modulation to enhance detection accuracy without additional pins or contact pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only two pins are used for connection and charging state sensing, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but charging state detection precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing different current magnitude parameters to represent different charging states. The system detects charging states by measuring current flow parameters through the two pins, where different current ranges correspond to different charging conditions (e.g., fast charging vs. slow charging vs. disconnected). This allows the system to achieve multiple detection functions using only two pins by interpreting variations in current parameters rather than requiring additional physical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The two pins serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide both mechanical connection and electrical power transmission, and also enable detection of multiple charging states through current measurement. The same physical infrastructure (two pins) is used for both power delivery and state sensing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection pins and achieving multi-functionality with minimal components.
2Reliability
If additional pins or contact pads are added for state detection, then charging state detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing two pins are made multi-functional to perform both power transmission and state detection roles. By carefully designing the detection circuitry to interpret current flow patterns, the system achieves reliable charging state detection using the same pins that carry power, thereby avoiding the need for additional pins while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts multiple charging state information by analyzing different parameters of the current flowing through the two pins. By monitoring current magnitude, direction, and temporal patterns, the system can reliably distinguish between different charging states without requiring additional physical contacts, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If complex detection circuits are used to differentiate charging states, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit measures current parameters (magnitude and direction) through the two pins to differentiate charging states. By establishing clear current threshold ranges for different charging conditions, the circuit achieves precise state detection through relatively simple comparative measurement logic rather than complex analysis, maintaining precision while controlling circuit 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
Enables rapid and accurate detection of charging states, providing clear user feedback through visible light outputs, ensuring efficient charging and minimizing user confusion, while optimizing size, cost, and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter coupled to the logic circuitry and configured to provide a visible light output in response to control signals from the logic circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A charging cable has a current sensor, a charging state indicator and logic circuitry to operate the indicator based on detected levels of current flow to a chargeable device. If the sensor detects current below a low threshold, the logic circuitry operates the indicator to indicate that the cable is not connected to any chargeable device. If the sensor detects current above a higher threshold, the logic circuitry operates the indicator to provide a perceptible output indicating that the cable is connected to the chargeable device and the current is charging the battery. If the sensor detects current at or above the low threshold but below the high threshold, the logic circuitry operates the indicator to provide a perceptible output indicating that the cable is connected to a chargeable device but is not charging the battery of the device, e.g., when the battery is, or is nearly, fully charged.