Electronic Port Liquid Detection Using Voltage Rise Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic ports in devices are susceptible to damage from liquid spills, which can cause electrical shorts and corrosion due to conductive liquids, and existing detection methods are inefficient or costly.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a resistor, current source, and control logic that monitors the voltage rise across the resistor to determine the presence of liquid at an electronic port pin, allowing for rapid detection and differentiation between corrosive and non-corrosive liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing liquid detection methods are used in electronic ports, then liquid detection capability is provided, but the methods are inefficient or costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from traditional voltage threshold comparison to monitoring voltage rise rate (dV/dt). By measuring how quickly the voltage increases rather than just whether it exceeds a threshold, the system achieves faster and more accurate liquid detection, resolving the efficiency problem while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical detection mechanisms with a simple electrical circuit-based voltage monitoring system. By using the natural electrical properties of conductive liquids to create a voltage rise effect, the system achieves efficient detection without requiring complex additional hardware
2Reliability
If existing liquid detection methods are used in electronic ports, then liquid detection capability is provided, but the implementation cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing port pin serve multiple functions: both data/power transmission and liquid detection. By utilizing the same electrical infrastructure already present in the port, the system avoids adding separate dedicated detection hardware, thereby reducing implementation cost while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the port's own electrical characteristics and the natural response of the circuit to detect liquid presence. The voltage rise effect is an inherent property of the circuit when liquid contacts the pin, eliminating the need for external complex detection devices and reducing manufacturing cost
3Reliability
If rapid liquid detection is implemented, then damage prevention is improved, but detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection by continuously monitoring the voltage rise rate as soon as liquid contact is suspected, rather than waiting for complete short-circuit conditions to develop. This early detection action prevents damage while using the same simple circuit architecture, avoiding the need for complex rapid-response systems
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 enables quick detection of liquid presence in electronic ports, minimizing damage by allowing for immediate corrective action, and distinguishes between corrosive and non-corrosive liquids, all at a low implementation cost.
Implementation Method 1
monitor a rise in a voltage across the resistor with respect to time after the actuation of the switch
Implementation Method 2
determine whether liquid is present at the electronic port pin based on the monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
In examples, an electronic device includes a resistor adapted to be coupled to an electronic port pin, and the device includes a current source coupled to the resistor and adapted to be coupled to the electronic port pin. The device includes a switch coupled to the resistor and to the current source, the switch adapted to be coupled to the electronic port pin. The device includes control logic coupled to the switch. The control logic is configured to actuate the switch, monitor a rise in a voltage across the resistor with respect to time after the actuation of the switch, and determine whether liquid is present at the electronic port pin based on the monitoring.