Closed-Loop Over-Voltage Protection for Mobile Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face risks of electrical damage due to incorrect connector usage, as users cannot sense voltage differences without reading specifications or using a multi-meter, leading to potential damage from high voltages when inserting wrong plugs into connectors.
Innovation Solution
An over-voltage protection circuit with a control element and voltage determining units is implemented between connector contacts and internal circuitry, which detects voltage differences and operates switches to prevent damage by opening or closing connections based on detected voltages, and includes a switch matrix for reallocating connections and protecting multiple contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users connect external devices to mobile device connectors without checking voltage specifications, then connector versatility is improved, but electrical damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage determining unit performs preliminary voltage detection on connector contacts before the connector is used for data transmission or charging. This advance detection identifies potential over-voltage conditions, allowing the system to prevent connection or alert the user before electrical damage can occur, thus maintaining connector versatility while eliminating the harmful effect of unchecked voltage connections
2Reliability
If over-voltage protection circuits are added to mobile devices, then electrical damage protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage determining unit continuously monitors connector voltage and provides feedback to the control element. When over-voltage is detected, the control element automatically opens the electrically operated switch to disconnect the connector from internal circuitry. This feedback-based automatic protection mechanism provides reliable electrical damage protection while maintaining relatively simple circuit implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically operated switch acts as an intermediary element between the connector and the mobile device's internal circuitry. This switch can be opened or closed based on voltage conditions, providing a simple yet effective isolation mechanism that protects internal components from over-voltage while adding minimal complexity to the overall system
3Reliability
If voltage detection and switch control circuits are implemented, then connection safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage determining unit and control element are designed to serve multiple functions: they detect over-voltage conditions, control the protective switch, and can also identify connector types and determine charging data transmission modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits, thereby improving connection safety while controlling manufacturing costs through component consolidation
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a closed loop over-voltage protection for audio/video connection interfaces of devices especially of mobile devices. The over-voltage protection circuit for mobile devices comprising at least one connector with at least one electrical contact for connecting external devices and at least one internal contact to a circuitry using said connector, wherein said over-voltage protection circuit comprises: an electrically operated switch connected between an electrical contact of said connector and an internal contact to said circuitry, a control element to operate said electrically operated switch, wherein said control element is connected to said switch to operate said switch, a first voltage determining unit to detect a voltage between said contact of said connector and said electrically operated switch, and which is connected to said control element, and a second voltage determining unit to detect a voltage between said internal contact to said circuitry and said electrically operated switch, and which is connected to said control element wherein said control element is configured to open or close said switch based on the voltages detected at said internal contact to said circuitry and said contact of said connector.