Data Over Power Using FDM on Existing Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices rely heavily on wireless communication, which can be slow and prone to errors due to environmental and interference factors, increasing manufacturing and user time and costs, while also consuming space and adding complexity with multiple connector receptacles.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a wired communication path using the power connection with a minimal pin-count, such as 2 pins for data-over-power and ground, and leveraging existing wireless data circuits with Frequency-Division-Multiplexed (FDM) schemes to combine data and power signals, allowing for efficient data transfer over a power connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If wireless communication is used for data transfer, then connector complexity is reduced, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to environmental interference and errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector complexityVSAvoidtransmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines data transmission and power delivery into a single wired connection using the existing power connector. This merging approach provides reliable wired communication while avoiding the need for separate data connectors, thus resolving the contradiction between connector complexity and transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power connector is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both power and data signals. This universality eliminates the need for dedicated data connectors while ensuring reliable data transfer through wired connection, addressing both aspects of the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication is used for large file transfer, then device portability is maintained, but transfer time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidtransfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection interface into a minimal 2-pin connector that attaches to the existing power connector. This segmentation allows wired high-speed data transfer while maintaining the simplicity and portability advantages of the existing power connection interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary connector that bridges the existing power connector and the data transmission function. This intermediary enables fast wired data transfer without requiring a complete redesign of the connection interface, thus maintaining portability while reducing transfer time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple connector receptacles are added for wired communication, then data transfer reliability improves, but device area and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the data connection function with the existing power connector, eliminating the need for separate connector receptacles. This provides reliable wired data transfer while avoiding the area and cost implications of adding multiple connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing power connector is made universal to handle both power and data functions. This multi-functionality ensures reliable data transfer without requiring additional connector receptacles, thus avoiding increased device area and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If wired communication path is implemented with minimal pins, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but signal combination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector complexityVSAvoidsignal combination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical multi-pin connector systems with a minimal 2-pin wired connection. This substitution reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while managing signal combination complexity through electronic signal processing rather than mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the power connection to enable data transmission. By modifying the electrical characteristics and using frequency-division multiplexing, the system achieves reliable data transfer over the minimal pin connection without increasing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9853676B2Alternative routing of wireless data onto power supply

Publication Date: 2017.12.26 APPLE INC

AI summary

Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide a wired communication path that is simple to implement and does not greatly increase costs and complexity. One example may provide an electronic device having wired data path, where the wired data path is implemented using a power connection. Data from a wireless signal path may be routed and combined with a power supply voltage. This combined signal may then be provided to, or received from, a second electronic device over the power connection. The combined signal may be provided at a power connection that may include a power and ground path, paths for multiple power supplies, or paths for multiple power supplies and ground.