Connector Defect Detection via Voltage Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic device connectors are prone to malfunction or damage due to moisture or corrosion, leading to defects that existing technologies fail to effectively detect and address.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a connection sensing pin and a voltage sensor that measures voltage at the pin to determine if a defect exists by comparing the measured voltage to a preset condition, allowing for timely intervention such as stopping current supply or displaying a warning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a connector is used to connect external electronic devices, then connectivity and functionality are improved, but the connector becomes susceptible to moisture, corrosion, and malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector connectivityVSAvoidconnector reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the voltage at the connection sensing pin before actual connection occurs. This allows the device to detect potential defects (moisture, corrosion, foreign objects) in advance and prevent malfunction by stopping current supply or displaying a warning message before damage can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the voltage at the connection sensing pin and using this information to control current supply. The controller receives voltage measurement feedback and automatically adjusts current supply based on the detected connection state, enabling real-time detection and response to connector defects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If existing detection methods are used, then device operation is maintained, but connector defects caused by moisture or corrosion cannot be effectively detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice operationVSAvoidconnector defect detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical inspection methods with an electrical measurement system. By measuring voltage at the connection sensing pin, the system can detect connector defects (moisture, corrosion, foreign objects) without physical contact or visual inspection, enabling effective detection that existing mechanical methods cannot achieve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 detects connector defects caused by moisture or corrosion, preventing further damage and ensuring the electronic device's functionality by allowing for prompt action when a defect is detected.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage sensor measuring a voltage at the at least one connection sensing pin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS10088515B2Electronic device and method for determining defect in an electronic device

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may comprise an external device connector having at least one connection sensing pin to sense connection to at least one external device connector, a voltage sensor measuring a voltage at the at least one connection sensing pin and a controller determining that a defect occurs when the voltage measured by the voltage sensor meets a preset condition. Other various embodiments are also provided herein.