Connector Moisture Detection Circuit for Corrosion-Safe Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in identifying and preventing corrosion due to moisture ingress through connectors, particularly in USB interfaces, which can affect data exchange and power delivery.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a power control circuit with signal paths that can detect moisture presence, adjust power supply, and disconnect ground connections to prevent corrosion, using a first signal path for power transfer and a second signal path that can selectively connect to ground, with a processor to manage these operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a connector is used for wired connection between devices, then data exchange and power delivery are enabled, but moisture can be introduced into the connector causing corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata exchange and power delivery capabilityVSAvoidmoisture ingress and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of moisture in the connector before power delivery begins. The processor detects the presence of moisture through the connector, and only after confirmation that no moisture is present does it enable power delivery through the power management module, thereby preventing corrosion before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors the connector status and provides feedback to the power management module. Based on this feedback regarding moisture presence, the system dynamically adjusts whether to enable or disable power delivery, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents corrosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If power is supplied through the first pin for charging the battery, then battery charging is enabled, but corrosion may occur if moisture is present in the connector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery charging capabilityVSAvoidconnector integrity and corrosion prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before enabling power supply through the first pin for battery charging, the processor performs a preliminary check to detect whether moisture is present in the connector. Only after confirming the absence of moisture does the system activate power delivery, ensuring that charging operations proceed only under safe conditions that prevent corrosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The processor provides feedback to the power management module regarding the moisture detection status. Based on this feedback, the power management module makes real-time decisions about whether to enable or disable power supply through the first pin, creating a safety mechanism that protects connector integrity while enabling charging when safe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If the second port is connected to ground for signal reference, then signal stability is improved, but power may be supplied through moisture to ground causing corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal reference stabilityVSAvoidmoisture-induced corrosion through ground connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Before connecting the second port to ground for signal reference, the system performs a preliminary moisture detection. The processor checks whether moisture is present in the connector, and only after confirming no moisture is present does it enable the ground connection, thereby preventing potential corrosion paths through the ground reference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control where the processor communicates moisture detection results to the power management module. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically controls whether the second port should be connected to ground, ensuring signal stability is maintained only when environmental conditions are safe, thereby preventing corrosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250309663A1Electronic device and method for operating the same

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The disclosure provides an electronic device including a power control circuit. The power control circuit may be electrically connected to the connector and include a first signal path and a second signal path. The first signal path may include a first port electrically connected to the first pin and a first internal signal path portion connected to the first port and configured to transfer the power supplied from the external electronic device to the battery, and the second signal path may include a second port electrically connected to the second pin and a second internal signal path portion configured to selectively connect the second port or a ground. The second internal signal path portion may be configured so that the second port is electrically disconnected from the ground and the power is not supplied from the external electronic device through the first pin or a voltage value of the power is decreased, based on a presence of moisture in the connector while the external electronic device is connected to the connector.