Connector Floating Detection via Complementary Current Phases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in determining whether an electrical connector is floating or properly connected, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of feedback loops and control signals in electrical devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that output complementary current levels at a connector during alternating phases, allowing the system to determine if the connector is floating by measuring the resulting voltage level, which indicates whether it satisfies a threshold, thereby determining the connection status without significantly altering the net charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current is output at a connector to determine connection status, then the floating state can be detected, but the voltage level of the connector changes which may affect signal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between outputting first current level during first phase and second current level during second phase. This periodic switching allows the connector voltage to be probed at different times without continuously disturbing the voltage level, enabling floating state detection while minimizing impact on signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the current output parameter between first current level and second current level based on the phase. By varying the current parameter in a controlled manner, the system can detect voltage changes that indicate floating state without permanently altering the connector's voltage level.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complementary current levels are output during alternating phases, then the net charge is not significantly altered, but the complexity of the current output control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complementary current levels are output in an alternating periodic manner during first and second phases. This timing-based approach allows the system to achieve charge neutrality without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, as the complementarity is pre-determined by the phase state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines the phase state based on feedback signals and adjusts the current output accordingly. The phase detection mechanism provides feedback that controls which current level is output, simplifying the overall control complexity while maintaining net charge stability.
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 effectively determines the floating state of a connector without affecting the voltage level, ensuring accurate feedback and control signal integrity, and can deactivate power supply when necessary to enhance safety.
Implementation Method 1
a device may output current at a connector. If the connector is not floating, the current may flow to ground through one or more components connected to the connector
Implementation Method 2
the device may determine whether or not the connector is floating based on the voltage level of the connector
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a method includes outputting, during a first phase, a first current level at a connector, and outputting, during a second phase, a second current level at the connector, wherein the second current level is complementary to the first current level. In this example, the method also includes determining whether or not a voltage level of the connector satisfies a threshold, and responsive to determining that the voltage level of the connector satisfies the threshold, determining that the connector is floating.