POGO Connector Soft Power Start Arc Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional charging cradles with two pin connectors, such as POGO connectors, face issues of electrical arcing during docking and de-docking, leading to potential contact interface burns, as they typically apply power immediately upon connection, which is not feasible with two pin configurations that require minimal contact points.
Innovation Solution
A soft power start solution using a two pin POGO connector system where the charging pad is initially connected to a ground pin without power, and power is applied only after a spring flat is shorted to the pin, minimizing electrical arcing by ensuring no power is applied at the moment of contact and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power is applied immediately upon connection in traditional charging cradles, then charging efficiency is improved, but electrical arcing and contact interface burns occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements soft power start by establishing ground connection before power connection. When the mobile terminal docks with the charging cradle, the GND pin connects first through the spring flat, and only after this preliminary grounding is established does the VDD pin connect to provide power. This preliminary action of grounding before powering eliminates electrical arcing during the connection process while maintaining efficient charging.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional soft power start solutions use three contact points (VDD, GND, DETECT), then electrical arcing is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ground connection and power connection functions into a two-pin system. The spring flat serves dual purposes: it acts as both the ground connection path and the power enable switch. When the GND pin connects to the spring flat, it simultaneously establishes ground and enables power through the power block, eliminating the need for a separate DETECT pin while maintaining soft power start functionality and preventing electrical arcing.
3Device complexity
If a two pin connector is used to reduce complexity, then device simplicity is improved, but electrical arcing occurs during docking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control into the two-pin connector system through the spring flat mechanism. The spring flat is initially disconnected from the VDD pin, and power is dynamically enabled only when the GND pin makes contact and activates the power block. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the simple two-pin connector to achieve controlled power delivery that prevents electrical arcing during docking, combining simplicity with arc protection.
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
This approach effectively reduces the risk of electrical arcing and contact interface burns by ensuring power is only applied after initial contact, maintaining reliability and extending the lifespan of the charging interface.
Implementation Method 1
The coil spring generates a pressure that prevents the plunger of the GND pin from extending out of the barrel on the opposite side of the printed circuit board, unless the separate force caused by the mobile terminal is applied to the plunger of the GND pin
Implementation Method 2
The spring flat enables or disables power applied to the charging pad... the spring flat soldered on an opposite side of the printed circuit board in proximity to a through hole associated with the GND pin... a power block that is coupled to the spring flat
Implementation Method 3
If the separate force caused by the mobile terminal is applied to the plunger of the GND pin, the separate force overcomes the pressure of the coil spring and causes the plunger of the GND pin to extend out of the barrel of the GND pin
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for a soft power start solution based on a two pin connector for a device such as a mobile terminal. When a charging pad of the device is first docked to a charging cradle, the charging pad of the device is connected to a plunger in a ground pin, but power is not applied at that moment. In a separate step, the plunger is shorted to a spring flat that allows power to be applied to the charging pad. Similar steps occur during de-docketing. With this method, contact interface burn caused by electrical arcing when docking or de-docking a mobile terminal from a charging cradle may be minimized.