Optical Data and Inductive Charging Link for Corrosion-Free Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with metallic contacts for power and data transfer are prone to corrosion when exposed to liquids or moisture, leading to degraded functionality and appearance, and wireless RF connections suffer from interference and signal drop-out.

Innovation Solution

Implement optical-communication devices that transfer data and power using optical paths, incorporating magnets or magnetic elements for attachment and alignment, and digital-signal processors to compensate for physical anomalies in the optical data paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metallic contacts are used for power and data transfer, then power and data can be transferred through connector receptacles, but the contacts corrode when exposed to liquids or moisture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact durabilityVSAvoidcorrosion from liquids or moisture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical electrical contact system with an optical communication system. Data is transmitted through optical windows using light signals instead of electrical contacts, eliminating the corrosion problem entirely. Power is transferred through inductive coupling between coils, avoiding direct electrical contact while maintaining power transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical windows as intermediaries for data transmission and magnetic fields as intermediaries for power transfer. These intermediaries enable communication and power transfer without direct electrical contact between devices, preventing corrosion while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless RF connections are used for data transfer, then no electrical contacts are needed, but the connections are subject to interference and signal drop-out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless connectivityVSAvoidsignal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes wireless RF communication with optical communication through direct line-of-sight windows. This provides a more reliable connection that is not susceptible to RF interference, while maintaining wireless convenience. The optical path offers stable data transfer without the interference problems of radio frequency signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If protective plating is applied to contacts, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the plating can become marred with use and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidplating durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for protective plating by replacing the electrical contact system with optical and inductive systems. Since there are no metallic contacts exposed to the environment, no protective coating is needed, and no plating wear or degradation can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable data and power transfer without metallic contacts, resistant to corrosion and interference, with enhanced alignment and error compensation for improved functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a coil that can be used to inductively generate currents in a corresponding coil in the electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

optical data paths for transmitting data to and receiving optical data from an electronic device. The optical data can be infrared or other wavelength optical data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Light

Implementation Method 3

one or more magnets or magnetic elements to be attracted to one or more magnets or magnetic elements in the electronic device... an alignment magnet to be attracted to a corresponding alignment magnet in the electronic device to align the optical-communication device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12627377B2Optical communications for portable electronic devices

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 APPLE INC

AI summary

Circuits, methods, and apparatus that can transfer data and power between an optical-communication device and an electronic device without the need for electrical contacts on the electronic device. An example can include infrared transmitters and receivers in both the optical-communication device and the electronic device for optical communication. This can further include a coil in the optical-communication device that can be powered to inductively induce currents in a corresponding coil in the electronic device to charge a battery. One or more attachment components, such as magnets or magnetic elements, can be used to secure the optical-communication device to the electronic device. The optical-communication device to the electronic device can each include an alignment magnet or magnetic element. Either or both the optical-communication device and the electronic device can include digital signal processors in their receive paths to compensate for distortions and artifacts in the optical transmission and receive paths.