Illuminated Charger Plug Identification Through Power Cable Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying the correct charger plug among a plurality of similar-looking plugs connected to electronic devices can be challenging, especially in setups with multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where electronic devices transmit a signal through their power cords to activate a light source on the charger plugs, allowing users to identify the correct plug based on user input or system states, using either analog high-frequency signals or digital signals via protocols like USB Type-C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple charger plugs are connected to power sources, then power supply capacity increases, but identification difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using light sources (LEDs) that emit different colors or illuminate to indicate the operational status of each charger plug. When a plug is actively charging a specific device, the associated light source illuminates, providing visual differentiation among multiple identical-looking plugs. This allows users to easily identify which plug corresponds to which device without physical inspection or manipulation.
2Ease of manufacture
If charger plugs are made identical in appearance, then manufacturing cost decreases, but user identification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains identical physical appearance of all charger plugs for cost-effective manufacturing, then introduces light sources that illuminate to provide visual identification. This approach adds minimal manufacturing complexity while dramatically improving user ability to distinguish between multiple plugs, as the illumination feature can be integrated into the existing plug design without requiring different physical forms or materials for each plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light source as an intermediary element between the charger plug and the user. This light source acts as a mediator that provides identification information without altering the fundamental structure or appearance of the plug itself. The light source is activated based on the charging status, enabling users to identify plugs through optical signals rather than physical characteristics.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If identification features are added to charger plugs, then identification capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light sources as intermediary components that add identification capability without significantly increasing overall system complexity. The light sources are integrated into the existing plug structure and are controlled through the existing power management circuitry, avoiding the need for separate complex identification systems. This approach provides effective plug differentiation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 easy identification of charger plugs without requiring changes to the devices, adaptors, or power cables, enhancing user experience with minimal additional cost.
Implementation Method 1
the signal activates a light source (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) or some other light source) on the charger plug
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a power cable assembly that includes a light source, an output to provide direct current (DC) power to an electronic device, an input to receive alternating current (AC) power from a power source, first circuitry, and second circuitry. The first circuitry may be configured to identify, from the electronic device, a first signal; generate, based on the first signal, a high-frequency (HF) signal with a frequency at or above 9 kHz; and output, to second circuitry, the HF signal. The second circuitry may be configured to provide power to the light source based on the AC high-frequency signal. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.