Connector Detection Pins for Connection State Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices often experience disconnection or poor contact between connectors due to external forces like vibrations or shakes, leading to system failures and the inability to detect such issues, which can result in unintended signal transmission or power supply disruptions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a first connector and a second connector, each equipped with detection pins that form a conducting path when connected, allowing the control unit to sense a grounded signal and determine the connection state, including detecting disconnections or poor contact, and implementing a security protection mechanism to prevent signal transmission or power supply when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are connected without detection pins, then the device structure is simpler, but the connection state cannot be detected under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces detection pins as intermediary elements between the connectors and the control unit. These detection pins form a conducting path that mediates the transmission of connection state information from the physical connector interface to the electronic control system, enabling indirect detection of connection status without complex direct sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical connection state detection with electrical detection. Instead of using mechanical switches or physical indicators to detect connector status, the system uses electrical conducting paths formed by the detection pins to sense connection state, substituting mechanical detection methods with electrical field-based detection.
2Reliability
If detection pins are added to detect connection state, then connection reliability is improved, but the connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection pins serve multiple functions: they detect connection state, determine connection direction (forward or reverse), and provide grounding reference. By making these pins multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving multiple detection objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a minimal number of detection pins (just two pins forming a conducting path) to achieve comprehensive connection detection. Instead of using multiple pins for each detection function, the system employs partial action with fewer pins that can detect various connection states through different electrical configurations, avoiding excessive complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the conducting path is formed through series-connected detection pins, then connection state can be detected, but the electrical path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The series-connected detection pins create a feedback mechanism where the control unit monitors the electrical state of the conducting path. When connectors are properly connected, the conducting path completes the circuit and provides feedback signal to the control unit, enabling automatic detection and response to connection status changes without complex external measurement equipment.
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 confirms the connection state of the connectors and detects disconnections or poor contact, enabling timely security protection mechanisms to prevent system failures, ensuring reliable operation of portable electronic devices under external forces.
Implementation Method 1
the first detection pins render the second detection pins conducting so as to form a conducting path which series-connects the first detection pins to the second detection pins
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first electronic component and a second electronic component. The first electronic component includes a control unit and a first connector. A first pin group of the first connector includes an even number of first detect pins. The second electronic component includes a second connector that matches with the first connector. A second pin group of the second connector includes an even number of second detect pins. When the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector, each of the first detect pins is electrically connected to each of the second detect pins to form a conductive path. All of the first detection pins and the second detection pins connected with one another in series form the conductive path. And a first end of the conductive path is coupled to ground via one of the first detect pins. A second end of the conductive path is coupled to the control unit via another one of the first detect pins.