Plug Illumination via Detection Element for Connector Orientation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Keyed charging connections for mobile devices are difficult to insert correctly, especially in low light conditions due to their small size and asymmetric design, making it hard for users to determine the proper orientation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a detection element, such as an RFID chip, and an illumination source, like an LED, within the plug that activates when brought into proximity with the device's detection element, providing visual guidance for correct alignment and orientation during connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If keyed connector design is used, then connection orientation is ensured, but insertion difficulty increases in low light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection orientationVSAvoidinsertion difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an illumination source that emits light to visually indicate the correct insertion orientation of the keyed connector. The detection element triggers the illumination source to activate, providing visual feedback through light emission that guides the user on proper connector orientation, thereby resolving the contradiction between ensuring correct orientation and ease of insertion in low light conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Reliability

If keyed connector design is used, then proper orientation is enforced, but user visibility of orientation cues deteriorates in low light

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper orientationVSAvoiduser visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection element detects the approach of the connector before actual insertion occurs. Upon detection, the illumination source is activated in advance to provide visual orientation cues during the insertion process. This preliminary activation of illumination ensures that orientation information is available exactly when needed, resolving the contradiction between enforcing proper orientation and maintaining user visibility in low light environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances the usability of keyed connectors by providing additional light and visual cues, making it easier to insert the plug correctly even in low light environments, reducing insertion difficulties and improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a detection element, such as an RFID chip, and an illumination source, like an LED, within the plug that activates when brought into proximity with the device's detection element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Incorporating a detection element, such as an RFID chip, and an illumination source, like an LED, within the plug

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLED (Light Emitting Diode): Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9225127B2Connection illumination using communication elements

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

An aspect provides a plug including: a connection element for connecting to a port of an information handling device; a detection element disposed within the plug; and an illumination source disposed within the plug; the detection element controlling illumination of the illumination source via detecting the information handling device. Other aspects are described and claimed.