Electrical Receptacle Orientation Detection for Reversible Plug Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plugs require a specific orientation for proper communication between devices, limiting flexibility and ease of connection.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle and plug design with rotational symmetry allows insertion in multiple orientations, utilizing detection circuitry to determine and adjust signal assignment based on orientation, enabling communication regardless of plug orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug is designed with asymmetric contacts to ensure proper communication orientation, then communication reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited insertion flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - it uses symmetric contact patterns in the receptacle that can accommodate both asymmetric and symmetric plug configurations. The detection circuitry identifies whether the inserted plug has asymmetric or symmetric contacts and automatically adjusts the communication protocol accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to different plug types without requiring users to worry about orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on detected plug orientation and contact configuration. The detection circuitry measures electrical characteristics to determine plug orientation, and the system dynamically adjusts communication protocols and contact assignments to maintain reliable communication regardless of how the plug is inserted
2Adaptability or versatility
If detection circuitry is added to determine plug orientation, then adaptability is improved by enabling multi-orientation insertion, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuitry serves multiple functions: it detects plug orientation, identifies contact configurations (asymmetric vs symmetric), and triggers appropriate protocol selection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection and control systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving high adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-configuration based on automatic detection. When a plug is inserted, the detection circuitry automatically identifies the orientation and contact pattern, and the system self-adjusts the communication parameters without user intervention or manual configuration, reducing the operational complexity despite added detection capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and a method of receiving a plug at a receptacle is disclosed. The system and the method include receiving a plug at a receptacle, the receptacle including contacts disposed with a rotational symmetry about a center point of the receptacle. The system and the method also include determining, via detection circuitry, any orientation of the plug inserted into the receptacle. The system and the method also include changing, via selection control circuitry, a connection path coupled to the contacts based on the orientation of the plug.