Connector Contact Detection for Incomplete Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face malfunctions due to incomplete connections between connectors, which can be easily disconnected by minor impacts, leading to instability in electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a socket connector and header connector system that includes specific contact arrangements and a method to detect incomplete connections, using elastic bending and positioning of contacts to ensure secure engagement and a circuit for notifying connection failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connectors are designed for easy assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by detecting the connection state between connectors through electrical contact verification. The system provides real-time feedback to the user through display messages indicating whether connectors are properly connected, enabling users to adjust connections based on system feedback, thus resolving the contradiction between easy assembly and connection stability.
2Ease of operation
If connector connection is simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but connection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical verification methods with electrical detection methods. Instead of relying on mechanical switches or physical indicators to verify connection precision, the system uses electrical contact detection to automatically determine whether connectors are properly mated, thereby maintaining connection precision while simplifying the overall connection process.
3Reliability
If connection detection is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves connection detection by utilizing existing electrical contact structures that serve dual purposes: both establishing electrical connectivity and enabling connection state detection. The same contact points used for normal electrical communication are also used to detect whether connectors are properly connected, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms and thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device 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
The system effectively detects and guides complete connections between connectors, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions and product errors by stabilizing the electrical connections and alerting users to potential connection issues.
Implementation Method 1
a second socket contact of the socket connector and a second header contact of the header connector may be elastically bent
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The device includes a first connector configured to couple with a second connector and including a plurality of contacts separated from each other, and a processor configured to detect an incomplete connection between the first connector and the second connector when an electric current does not flow through at least one of the contacts.