Connector Insertion Noise Cancellation via Proximity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face issues with unwanted noise during the insertion of external connectors, which can damage internal circuits due to temporary electrical connections through metal housings, and existing noise cancellation technologies are ineffective in addressing these issues.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a housing, output circuit, sensor, and control circuit that detects the insertion of an external connector, generates a signal to adjust the output, and protects internal components by managing electrical connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional noise cancellation technologies are used after detecting external connector seated in receptacle, then noise occurring after connection is suppressed, but noise occurring during insertion process cannot be suppressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise suppression effectivenessVSAvoidnoise suppression timing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the approach of the external connector before actual connection is established. The sensor detects the connector when it is near the receptacle but not yet seated, allowing the control circuit to suppress noise output in advance before the harmful noise occurs during insertion and connection establishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If external connector is inserted into receptacle with metal housing, then electrical connection is established, but temporary electric current flows through metal housing causing damage to internal circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector insertionVSAvoidelectric current damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the approach of the external connector before actual electrical connection is established. When the sensor detects the connector near the receptacle, the control circuit stops or reduces output signal in advance, preventing temporary electric current from flowing through the metal housing during the insertion process, thus protecting internal circuits from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the sensor as an intermediary that detects the approach of the external connector and provides early warning to the control circuit. This intermediary detection mechanism allows the system to take preventive action before the harmful electrical connection is established, mediating between the physical insertion process and the potential damage to internal circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If output circuit generates signal continuously, then normal operation is maintained, but noise occurs during external connector insertion process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal generation continuityVSAvoidinsertion noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using the sensor to detect the approach of the external connector before insertion begins. When the connector is detected near the receptacle, the control circuit stops or reduces the output signal in advance, preventing noise from occurring during the insertion process while maintaining normal continuous operation during non-insertion periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by continuously monitoring the sensor input and periodically adjusting the output signal based on detected conditions. The output circuit operates continuously during normal conditions but is temporarily suspended or reduced when insertion is detected, creating a periodic on-off pattern that prevents noise while maintaining productivity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Effectively cancels noise during connector insertion and prevents damage to internal components by controlling electrical connections, enhancing connection stability and component protection.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor arranged within a predetermined proximity range to at least one of the opening and the receptacle; wherein the control circuit is configured to detect the external connector approaching at least one of the opening and the receptacle using the at least one sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9973869B2Electronic device and noise canceling method thereof
Publication Date: 2018.05.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9973869B2 patent drawing
  • US9973869B2 patent drawing
  • US9973869B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device and noise canceling method thereof is provided. The electronic device may include a housing; at least one output circuit arranged inside the housing and configured to generate a first signal; an opening formed on one side of the housing; a hole connected to the opening; a receptacle arranged inside the hole, and configured to receive an external connector, and electrically connected to the at least one output circuit; at least one sensor arranged within a predetermined proximity range to at least one of the opening and the receptacle; and a control circuit electrically connected electrically to the at least one output circuit, the receptacle, and the at least one sensor, wherein the control circuit is configured to detect the external connector approaching to at least one of the opening and the receptacle using the at least one sensor, to generate a second signal upon detection of the approaching external connector, and to control the at least one output circuit to change the first signal at least partly based on the second signal.