Connector Discharge Switching for Reliable External Device Reset

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Solution Overview

Problem

The discharge time for discharging the voltage stored in the capacitor of the power stage to a designated voltage is slow, leading to prolonged reset times for external electronic devices, which can result in malfunctions and communication failures when reconnected.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a discharge circuit that performs first and second discharges for designated times, using switches to control connections between the discharge circuit, power supply circuit, and ground, ensuring the external device's voltage is equal to or less than a designated voltage before attempting communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the discharge circuit discharges the voltage stored in the capacitor of the power stage using conventional methods, then the voltage is reduced to less than or equal to a designated voltage, but the discharge time is slow and the reset operation takes a long time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication connection reliabilityVSAvoiddischarge time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge operation is divided into multiple discrete discharge periods instead of a single continuous discharge. The controller performs first discharge during a first discharge period, then performs second discharge during a second discharge period after detecting disconnection. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable voltage reduction while minimizing total discharge time by only discharging when necessary and using short, targeted discharge intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge circuit operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the discharge circuit for specific discharge periods (first discharge period upon connection, second discharge period upon disconnection detection) and deactivates it during non-discharge periods. This periodic operation reduces the overall discharge time while ensuring the voltage reaches the required level for reliable communication connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the discharge time is extended to ensure complete discharge of the capacitor, then the voltage reaches the designated level, but the external electronic device reset operation takes too long causing malfunctions upon reconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal electronic device reset reliabilityVSAvoidreset operation duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs a first discharge operation during a first discharge period immediately upon detecting connection of the external electronic device, before the device needs to be reset. This preliminary discharge action prepares the voltage to an appropriate level in advance, so that when disconnection occurs and reset is needed, the second discharge can be completed quickly without causing prolonged reset duration or malfunctions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors the connection state of the external electronic device and adjusts the discharge operation accordingly. Upon detecting disconnection, the controller activates the discharge circuit for a second discharge period to reduce the voltage to less than or equal to the designated voltage, ensuring complete reset reliability. This feedback-based control ensures the discharge duration is optimized for reliable reset without being excessively long.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the voltage of the external electronic device is not fully discharged before reconnection, then the reset operation is faster, but malfunctions occur and communication connection fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset operation speedVSAvoidcommunication connection success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge operation is made dynamic and adaptive rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the discharge timing and duration based on the connection state and communication requirements. The discharge circuit is activated for specific discharge periods (first discharge period on connection, second discharge period on disconnection) with durations optimized to achieve both fast reset and reliable communication connection, preventing malfunctions while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach enables smooth communication connections without malfunctions by ensuring the external device's voltage is adequately discharged, reducing the risk of communication failures.

Implementation Method 1

perform first discharge of discharging a current received from an external electronic device using a discharge circuit for a designated time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentEP4446897B1Electronic device, and method for controlling discharge of external electronic device by means of same
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4446897B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4446897B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4446897B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure comprises: a connector; a power supply circuit; a discharging circuit; a first switch for controlling the electrical connection between the discharging circuit and a ground; a second switch for controlling the electrical connection between the connector and the power supply circuit; and a processor operatively connected to the connector, power supply circuit, discharging circuit, first switch, and second switch. The processor may be configured to: detect a connection with an external electronic device via the connector, while the discharging circuit is activated; perform a first discharge for discharging the current of the connected external electronic device for a designated time by using the discharging circuit, on the basis of which the external electronic device is connected; after performing the first discharge, control the first switch to block the electrical connection between the discharging circuit and the ground; control the second switch such that the connector and the power supply circuit are electrically connected, to supply designated power to the external electronic device via the connector; and establish communication with the external electronic device on the basis of which communication connection is established with the external electronic device. Various embodiments other than the various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be possible.