Electrical Contact Orientation Detection via Voltage Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require mechanical asymmetry to ensure correct electrical connections between devices, which is undesirable and limits the usability and aesthetics of devices that need to be connected in multiple orientations for charging and data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A primary device with a controller and switches that determine the orientation of a secondary device by measuring voltage differences across pairs of contacts, allowing correct configuration of electrical contacts without mechanical keying, enabling rotationally symmetrical designs and operation even when the secondary device has no power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical means (asymmetrical housings) are used to ensure correct electrical connections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and aesthetic quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical keying systems with an electrical detection system. The controller sequentially closes pairs of switches connected to different contacts and measures voltage differences to determine contact orientation. This electrical field-based detection substitutes the need for mechanical asymmetry, allowing symmetrical housings while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from mechanical fit (physical shape matching) to electrical parameter (voltage difference measurement). By measuring voltage differences across contact pairs during sequential switch closure, the system determines correct contact orientation without requiring mechanical keying features.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical keying is used to ensure correct orientation, then connection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical keying constraints that force users to align devices in specific orientations. The electrical detection system automatically determines correct contact pairing through voltage measurement, allowing users to connect devices in any orientation without worrying about alignment precision, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If asymmetrical housings are used to prevent incorrect connections, then connection reliability is improved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical asymmetry (shape-based prevention of incorrect connections) with an electrical detection system. The controller uses voltage difference measurements across contact pairs to identify correct connections, enabling symmetrical housing designs that satisfy aesthetic requirements while maintaining connection reliability through intelligent electrical detection.
4Ease of operation
If multiple orientations are supported without mechanical keying, then ease of operation is improved, but contact configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electrical detection system with sequential switch closure and voltage measurement to automatically determine correct contact pairing in multiple orientations. This electrical approach replaces complex mechanical keying systems, enabling multi-orientation support while managing configuration complexity through automated detection algorithms in the controller.
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
Enables correct mating of power and data contacts in multiple orientations without mechanical means, facilitating easier use and aesthetic benefits while ensuring reliable charging and data transfer, even when the secondary device is discharged.
Implementation Method 1
to record a voltage difference between the contacts associated with a plurality of pairs of the switches, and determine an orientation of the secondary device relative to the primary device from the recorded voltage differences
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
There is provided an electrical system comprising a primary device (100) and a secondary device (102), the primary device comprising at least three electrical contacts (110), the secondary device having a plurality of electrical contacts (130) associated with different functions and wherein the electrical contacts on the secondary device can engage the electrical contacts of the primary device in a plurality of orientations, the primary device comprising: a voltage source (106); and a controller (108), wherein each electrical contact in the primary device has an associated high switch connected between the contact and the voltage source and an associated low switch positioned between the contact and electrical ground, wherein the controller is connected to each of the switches and is configured, during an orientation operation, to sequentially close pairs of switches to connect the voltage source to the secondary device, each pair of switches comprising a high switch associated with one of the contacts and a low switch associated with another of the contacts, and is configured to record a voltage difference between the contacts associated with a plurality of pairs of switches, and determine an orientation of the secondary device relative to the primary device from the recorded voltage differences.