Cable Connector Assembly with Integrated Charging Status Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable connector assemblies lack an effective indicator to show the charging status of a charging apparatus, requiring users to turn on the device to check the charging condition, and existing solutions with fixed indication units increase the connector's height.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector assembly with a luminous element that detects voltage differences between connectors and changes its lighting mode to indicate charging status, using a chip and detection contact connected to inner wires, allowing users to observe charging status without turning on the device, while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a fixed indication unit is arranged in the main body part, then the charging status can be indicated, but the overall height of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indication unit is integrated within the existing connector structure by nesting it between the first and second circuit boards. The translucent component is positioned between the luminous element and the cover, allowing the indication function to be embedded within the connector's internal space rather than adding external height.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the indication unit vertically (increasing height), the patent arranges the indication components in the horizontal plane within the existing connector footprint. The luminous element, translucent component, and cover are arranged laterally to allow light transmission without increasing the connector's overall height.
2Loss of information
If users turn on the device to view charging status, then the charging condition can be observed, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly provides charging status information independently without requiring the user to power on the connected device. The detection circuit automatically detects voltage differences and triggers the luminous element to indicate charging status, allowing users to view the charging condition at any time through the translucent component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback by detecting the voltage difference between the power source and the first connector through the detection circuit, and the chip controls the luminous element to provide visual feedback about the charging status. This continuous feedback mechanism keeps charging information readily available without user intervention.
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 users to visually monitor charging status without powering the device, improving convenience and reducing the overall height of the connector by integrating the indication mechanism within the existing structure.
Implementation Method 1
a luminous element, and a cover enclosing the main body and the first circuit board; and a second circuit board assembled on a rear end of the first circuit board... the chip electrically connected respectively to the luminous element and the detection contact, the chip detecting a voltage difference between the power source and the first connector when mating with a charging device and changing a lighting mode of the translucent component according to the voltage difference, a light emitted by the luminous element passing through the cover to indicate a charging status
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector assembly (100) includes: a cable (30) having a number of inner wires; a first connector (10) including a main body (120), plural contacts (121) retained in the main body, a first circuit board (130), a luminous element (152), and a cover; and a second circuit board (180) assembled on a rear end of the first circuit board and getting power and grounding source from the first circuit board. The second circuit board includes a detection contact (182) electrically connected to an inner wire of the cable, and a chip (181) electrically connected respectively to the luminous element and the detection contact. The chip detects a voltage difference between the power source and the first connector. A light is emitted by the luminous element passing through the cover to indicate a charging status of the charging device.