POGO Pin Connector Wireless Backup Data Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

POGO pin connectors used in electronic devices degrade over time due to environmental exposure and mechanical wear, leading to connection intermittency and compromised bandwidth capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a wireless transceiver chip within the POGO pin connector housing to provide backup data transfer and enhanced bandwidth, using alignment magnets for power transfer and waveguides to optimize data communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a POGO pin connector is used for docking connection, then mechanical connection and data transfer are achieved, but the connector degrades over time due to environmental exposure and mechanical wear leading to connection intermittency and compromised bandwidth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a wireless transceiver chip with the POGO pin connector housing, creating a hybrid system that integrates both wired (POGO pin) and wireless communication capabilities in a single docking device. This allows the system to switch between or combine both interfaces, mitigating the degradation issues of the POGO pin through the wireless backup path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the communication parameter from purely mechanical/electrical (POGO pin) to include wireless electromagnetic communication. By incorporating a wireless transceiver chip that operates on different physical principles, the system can maintain data transfer capability even when the mechanical connector degrades, effectively changing the operational parameters to bypass the degrading component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a POGO pin connector is used for data transfer, then bandwidth capabilities are provided, but the bandwidth is compromised over time due to degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidbandwidth capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the POGO pin data transfer path with a wireless data transfer path, allowing the system to achieve higher overall bandwidth by combining both channels. The wireless transceiver chip provides an additional data pathway that can operate independently or in conjunction with the POGO pin connection, ensuring sustained high bandwidth capability even as the mechanical connector degrades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If alignment magnets are used for connector alignment, then docking accuracy is improved, but magnetic interference with wireless transceiver may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking alignmentVSAvoidmagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies alignment magnets only at specific locations on the connector housing where they are needed for mechanical alignment, while positioning the wireless transceiver chip at a different location that is less susceptible to magnetic interference. This localized application of magnetic fields achieves the necessary docking precision without significantly impacting the wireless communication function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution ensures reliable data transfer and recharging by supplementing degraded POGO pin performance with wireless communication, maintaining or improving data throughput and charging efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless transceiver chip that may be located on or in a housing of the POGO pin connector to provide half duplex or full duplex data transfer capabilities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless electromagnetic communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using alignment magnets for power transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling for power transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

waveguides to optimize data communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide propagation: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentUS10170851B2Connector with a wireless coupler

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

In example implementations, an apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes an electronic connector coupled to a back side of the housing. In addition, the housing includes a pin coupled to a front side of the housing and in communication with the electronic connector. At least one alignment magnet and at least one wireless transceiver chip is coupled to the housing. At least one waveguide is coupled to the at least one wireless transceiver chip.