Connector Receiver Module Fault Detection Using Load Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in efficiently and quickly detecting faulty connector receiver modules in media playback devices of transportation vehicles, particularly due to issues like headset pins being stuck or broken in the plugs, which can cause damage and are difficult to manually check across multiple seats.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically determines the electrical connection and load parameters of connector receiver modules during maintenance mode, using a load threshold to indicate faulty modules through maintenance indicators, allowing for quick identification and replacement of damaged components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual checking of connector receiver modules is performed, then detection accuracy can be achieved, but time consumption and labor effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector receiver module performs self-detection by automatically measuring its own load parameter and comparing it against a threshold value, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated electrical measurement system that uses processors to detect load parameters and determine connector status, significantly reducing time consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If continuous monitoring of all connector receiver modules is implemented, then reliability of detection is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic monitoring during maintenance mode rather than continuous monitoring, measuring load parameters at scheduled intervals to detect stuck connectors while reducing overall system complexity and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The existing load parameter measurement infrastructure is used for multiple purposes - both for normal operation and for maintenance-mode fault detection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automated detection systems are deployed, then productivity of maintenance operations is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised due to simplified sensing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidload parameter measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by comparing the measured load parameter against a predetermined threshold value, enabling accurate automated classification of connector status (stuck vs. not stuck) while maintaining high measurement precision through intelligent decision logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12450997B2Methods and systems for monitoring for faulty connector receiver modules of media playback devices in a transportation vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 PANASONIC AVIONICS CORP

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for a transportation vehicle. One method includes determining whether a connector receiver module is electrically connected to a connector of a media output device during a maintenance mode, measuring a load parameter at the connector receiver module in response to determining that the connector receiver module is electrically connected to the connector, the load parameter being associated with an electrical load at the connector receiver module, determining whether the load parameter is below a load threshold, and reporting a maintenance indicator indicating a location of the media playback device, the maintenance indicator being based on at least one of determining that the connector receiver module is electrically connected to the connector or determining that the load parameter is below the load threshold.