Power-Detecting Connector for Simultaneous Charging and Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connectors for electronic devices are inconvenient as they cannot supply power from an external source during data transmission, limiting the usage of devices when they run out of power, as they typically have limited ports and cannot handle simultaneous power supply and data transmission efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that integrates a power-supplying connector component with a power source, a data line, and a power-supplying state detection circuit to enable power transmission to both the first and second electronic devices during data transfer, using a connecting cable that includes a power line and a message transmission line to manage power supply and communication effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a connector is used to connect two electronic devices for data transmission, then data communication is enabled, but power consumption increases and the devices cannot be powered by an external source simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to perform multiple functions: data transmission, power delivery between devices, and external power source connection. The first connector component interfaces with electronic devices for data and power, while the second connector component interfaces with external power sources, allowing the single connector to handle both data communication and power management in unified manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary device between electronic devices and external power sources. It includes a power supply detection circuit that detects the connection state of external power sources and a controller that switches power supply modes based on detection results, mediating between the need for data transmission and external power availability.
2Device complexity
If electronic devices have limited connector ports, then device structure is simplified, but the ability to simultaneously supply power and transmit data is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions including data transmission, power delivery, and external power source connection into a single interface. The first connector component includes data lines and power lines, while the second connector component connects to external power sources, allowing one connector to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines data transmission and power supply functions into a single connector assembly. The connector integrates data lines, power lines, and external power source connection capabilities, merging multiple separate connection functions into one unified interface that reduces the number of ports needed while increasing versatility.
3Ease of operation
If a connector integrates power supply and data transmission functions, then user convenience is improved, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: a first connector component for interfacing with electronic devices, a second connector component for interfacing with external power sources, a power supply detection circuit for detecting connection states, and a controller for managing power switching. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as an integrated system.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a connector for coupling a first electronic device and a second electronic device with a power source to enable the power source to provide a current to the first electronic device and the second electronic device, the connector includes: a first connector component configured to be coupled with the first electronic device; a power-supplying connector component configured to be coupled with the power source; a power line configured to couple the second electronic device and the first connector component to the power-supplying connector component; a data line having a first end coupled with the second electronic device, and a second end coupled with the first connector component; and a power-supplying state detection circuit configured to be coupled with the power-supplying connector component and detect whether the power-supplying connector component is coupled with the power source; and a message transmission line having a first end coupled with the power-supplying state detection circuit, and a second end of the message transmission line is coupled with the second electronic device, and the power-supplying state detection circuit is configured to transmit a power source connection message to the second electronic device via the message transmission line when it is detected that the power-supplying connector component is coupled with the power source.