Multi-Directional Adapter With Detection Circuit For Connector Interface Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adapters and connectors, such as USB Type-A and Type-B, are limited by their directional plug-in requirements, whereas USB Type-C is bi-directional but still lacks a multi-directional interface identification mechanism for various connectors.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional adapter with interleavingly arranged signal, power, and ground pins, along with a detection circuit that identifies the connector interface through feedback signals, allowing the connector to be plugged in from multiple directions and defining the pin order based on the feedback signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If USB Type-C connector is made bi-directional, then ease of operation is improved, but interface identification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection circuit sends power signals through power pins and receives feedback signals through signal pins to identify connector interfaces. This feedback loop enables the system to determine the correct pin configuration even when the connector is plugged in at different orientations, thus maintaining both bi-directional operation capability and accurate interface identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit acts as an intermediary between the power pins and signal pins. It uses the power pins to transmit power signals and the signal pins to receive feedback, mediating the identification process. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to indirectly determine connector orientation and interface type without requiring mechanical orientation features.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pin arrangement is made symmetric for multi-directional connection, then adaptability is improved, but pin order definition capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric pin functionality within a symmetric physical arrangement. While the connector can be plugged in multiple directions (symmetric physical capability), the detection circuit uses asymmetric signal transmission - sending power signals through power pins and receiving feedback through specific signal pins - to define a unique pin order. This functional asymmetry resolves the contradiction by enabling both multi-directional connection and precise pin order identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit performs preliminary identification actions by first transmitting power signals through power pins before establishing data communication through signal pins. This preliminary power signal transmission allows the system to determine connector orientation and define pin order before actual data transmission begins, ensuring correct pin mapping even with symmetric multi-directional connectivity.
3Productivity
If power signal transmission is performed before interface identification, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit performs preliminary interface identification by analyzing feedback signals from power pins before enabling full power transmission and data communication. This preliminary detection phase ensures that the connector type and orientation are correctly identified, establishing a safe foundation for subsequent power signal transmission and preventing incorrect connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback signals received through signal pins to verify correct connector identification before proceeding with full power transmission. The feedback mechanism provides real-time verification that the interface has been properly identified and configured, ensuring reliable and safe power connection while maintaining efficient connection establishment.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for connecting to a connector in a first direction is provided. The adapter includes a plurality of signal pins, arranged in a loop, a power pin, configured to transmit a power signal to the connector, and a detection circuit, coupled to the power pin and the plurality of signal pins. A feedback signal is provided by the connector in response to the power signal that is transmitted through one of the plurality of signal pins, and an interface of the connector is identified by the detection circuit and a pin order of the adapter is defined by the detection circuit according to the feedback signal.