Configurable Connector Interface for Multi-Protocol Sensor Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices used for monitoring environmental parameters in vehicles face connection degradation due to factors like improper installation and vibrations, leading to increased maintenance costs and labor expenses for repair or replacement.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a dynamically configurable connector interface that identifies connected external devices through signal processing and assigns conductors based on communication protocols, allowing for seamless connection and communication with multiple types of external devices using different protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed connector interface is used for external devices, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but compatibility with multiple device types using different communication protocols is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The connector interface dynamically configures its conductors based on the detected external device type. The system automatically identifies the connected device and reassigns conductor functions in real-time, transforming a static connector into an adaptive interface that supports multiple communication protocols without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional hardware components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated connector interfaces are provided for different device types, then compatibility with various devices is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal connector interface is designed to support multiple external device types through dynamic conductor reassignment. The same physical connector can adapt to different device types (temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) by automatically configuring its conductors according to the detected device, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated connectors and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.
3Reliability
If connection components are secured tightly to prevent degradation, then connection reliability is improved, but installation complexity and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector interface performs automatic device identification and self-configuration without requiring manual intervention. Upon detecting an external device, the system automatically identifies the device type through signal analysis and reassigns conductor functions accordingly, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration steps during installation while ensuring reliable connections.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual reconfiguration is required when changing external devices, then connection accuracy is maintained, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple conductor assignment patterns corresponding to different external device types. When a device is connected, the system quickly identifies the device type and activates the pre-prepared conductor configuration, avoiding time-consuming manual reassignment processes while ensuring accurate conductor-to-device mappings for reliable communication.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is described that includes an enclosure defining an internal volume and external surfaces, a connector interface comprising a plurality of conductors exposed at an external surface, and a memory and computer processor(s) disposed in the internal volume. The electronic device supports the connection of any one of a plurality of different types of external devices to the connector interface. The computer processor(s) receive, at a first conductor, a signal that distinguishes which one of the plurality of different types of external devices is currently connected to the connector interface. The computer processor(s) access, based on the received signal, a data structure in a storage of the memory that identifies at least one of a plurality of different communication protocols to use. The computer processor(s) assign one or more second conductors to communicate according to the at least one identified communication protocol.