Connection Terminal Detection Using Multi-Frequency Impedance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connecting structures fail to accurately detect the attachment of a slave device and safely supply power and signals due to potential noise or erroneous connections caused by foreign materials with similar resistance values.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a first device with a connection terminal and a reactance element, and a second device with a corresponding connection terminal, frequency generator, comparator, and controller, which applies a signal with varying frequency to determine the connection status by measuring phase delay and signal attenuation, ensuring accurate detection and safe power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the master device always supplies power and signals without recognizing connection status, then the system operates continuously, but noise or sparks are generated at connection terminals when foreign materials contact the terminals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidnoise and sparks at connection terminal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The master device performs preliminary connection detection by measuring resistance or impedance before supplying power and signals to the slave device. This preliminary action identifies foreign materials at the connection terminal, preventing noise and sparks by avoiding power supply when foreign materials are detected

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (resistance/impedance measurement) between the master device and slave device connection. This intermediary measurement detects foreign materials without requiring actual power flow, preventing harmful effects while maintaining continuous operation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the connection terminal measures resistance to detect slave device connection, then connection detection is enabled, but erroneous detection occurs when foreign materials with similar resistance values contact the terminal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection detection accuracyVSAvoiderroneous connection detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from simple resistance measurement to impedance measurement across multiple frequencies. By measuring impedance at different frequencies and analyzing the characteristics, the system distinguishes between foreign materials and actual slave device connections, eliminating erroneous detection while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs excessive measurement by taking multiple impedance measurements at different frequencies rather than a single resistance measurement. This excessive action provides redundant information that enables accurate discrimination between foreign materials and valid connections, preventing erroneous detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If the master device supplies power and signals to the slave device, then the slave device operates, but unsafe operation occurs when foreign materials are present at the connection terminal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslave device operationVSAvoidsafe power supply

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The master device performs preliminary impedance measurement at multiple frequencies before supplying power and signals to the slave device. This preliminary action detects foreign materials at the connection terminal, ensuring safe operation by preventing power supply when foreign materials are present, while enabling continuous operation when connections are valid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system accurately detects the attachment of the slave device and safely supplies power and signals, preventing erroneous connections and noise, while allowing only authorized devices to connect.

Implementation Method 1

measuring phase delay and signal attenuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase delay:

Data Source

PatentUS12000907B2System, device and method for detecting connection of connecting structure

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 NAVER CORP

AI summary

A system for detecting a connection between two devices includes a first device and a second device. The first device includes a first connection terminal and a first reactance element connected to the first connection terminal. The second device includes a second connection terminal; a first resistance element, and a first frequency generator for allowing a signal to pass through the first resistance element and be applied to the first device via the second connection terminal. The second device further includes a first comparator having both input terminals connected to both ends of the first resistance element, and comparing and outputting a signal of both ends of the first resistance element, and a first control unit for determining whether or not the first connection terminal of the first device is connected to the second connection terminal by means of the output signal of the first comparator.