Electrical Connector Bias Control for Liquid-Induced Corrosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connectors are susceptible to liquid ingress, which can cause damage to electrical devices and connectors through corrosion, especially when a voltage potential difference is present between conductors.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit (IC) is configured to detect the presence of liquid in an electrical connector and remove the bias voltage from at least some conductors, thereby mitigating the risk of corrosion by reducing the voltage potential difference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bias voltage is applied to conductors for normal operation, then electrical functionality is maintained, but corrosion risk increases when liquid is present
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of liquid presence using the IC before corrosion can occur. When liquid is detected, the bias voltage is removed in advance to prevent the electrochemical reactions that would cause corrosion, while maintaining the ability to restore normal operation once the liquid is removed
Solution Approach 2:
The bias voltage configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors for liquid presence and adjusts the bias voltage state accordingly - maintaining voltage for normal operation, removing it when liquid is detected, and restoring it when liquid is removed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining electrical functionality and preventing corrosion
2Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid detection and voltage removal mechanisms are added, then corrosion protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing bias voltage removal circuitry is made multi-functional. The same circuit that normally controls voltage for operational modes is repurposed to also detect liquid presence and protect against corrosion. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated protection circuits, resolving the contradiction between improved corrosion protection and reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing operational circuits to detect liquid presence and trigger protection mechanisms. The bias voltage control circuitry that already exists in USB connectors is leveraged to perform both its normal function and the additional corrosion protection function, avoiding the need for external or separate protection devices
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 or reduces corrosion in electrical connectors by detecting liquid presence and adjusting the bias voltage, thereby protecting the connectors and associated devices.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated circuit (IC) is configured to detect, by the IC, a presence of liquid in an electrical connector
Implementation Method 2
measuring a voltage in the electrical connector provided responsive to the electrical current. The method also includes determining, based on a value of the voltage, a presence of a foreign material in the electrical connector
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an integrated circuit (IC) is configured to detect, by the IC, a presence of liquid in an electrical connector. The IC is also configured to, responsive to the presence of liquid in the electrical connector, remove a bias voltage from at least some conductors of the electrical connector. The IC is also configured to monitor a bus voltage of the electrical connector. The IC is also configured to, based on a value of the bus voltage determined via the monitoring, perform a mitigation action responsive to the presence of liquid in the electrical connector.