Connector Pin Voltage Detection for Moisture and Device Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors are susceptible to corrosion and damage due to foreign substances like moisture, and incorrect recognition of non-rated devices can lead to malfunction, necessitating an effective method to detect and differentiate between foreign substances and connected devices.
Innovation Solution
A foreign substance detection apparatus and method using a current source, detection circuit, and controller to supply varying currents to a connector pin, measure voltages, and analyze resistance ratios and voltage differences to identify the presence and type of foreign substances or devices, including moisture, non-rated devices, and dead batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If foreign substances are introduced into connectors, then current can flow through connectors enabling communication and power supply, but pins may be short-circuited, corroded or damaged causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of foreign substances in the connector before allowing normal operation. The detection controller measures voltage at the pin to identify presence of foreign substances, and only permits communication or power supply after confirming the connector is safe, thus preventing corrosion and damage while enabling productivity when conditions are met
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit acts as an intermediary between the current source and the connector pins. It measures voltage to detect foreign substances without allowing direct harmful interaction, serving as a protective mediator that enables safe operation when conditions are appropriate
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-rated devices are connected to the connector, then device connectivity is achieved, but the connected device may be incorrectly recognized and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The detection controller continuously monitors voltage at the connector pin and compares it against expected values for rated devices. This feedback mechanism enables the system to recognize whether a connected device is rated or non-rated, and to prevent malfunction by identifying incorrect devices before they cause problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical inspection or manual verification of device compatibility with an electrical measurement system. By measuring voltage characteristics through the detection circuit, the system automatically identifies device type and prevents malfunction without mechanical intervention
3Measurement precision
If detection methods are implemented to identify foreign substances and devices, then accurate recognition is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection controller performs multiple functions using a single integrated system: it detects foreign substances, identifies connected devices, and controls whether communication or power supply should occur. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection circuit, current source, and control logic into an integrated detection system that operates within the existing connector framework. By merging these elements, the system achieves accurate foreign substance detection and device identification without adding separate complex subsystems
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
Accurately detects and differentiates foreign substances and devices connected to connectors, preventing corrosion and malfunction by identifying moisture, non-rated devices, and dead batteries, ensuring reliable connector operation.
Implementation Method 1
a detection circuit for detecting a voltage of the first pin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting a foreign substance or a device on a connector and a method for detecting therefor. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for detecting the foreign substance or the device on the connector which has one or more pin includes: a current source for supplying different levels of detection currents to any one of the pins (first pin) of the connector; a detection circuit for detecting a voltage of the first pin; and a detection controller for controlling the levels of the detection currents supplied to the first pin and the supply time points thereof and for detecting the foreign substance or the device attached to the connector by measuring the voltage of the first pin input from the detection circuit according to the detection controller.