Reversible Connector with Dynamic Contact Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors have fixed, pre-assigned contact functions and orientations, making them inflexible and prone to damage if connected incorrectly, limiting their versatility and compatibility with different devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of reversible connectors with dynamically configurable contacts that can adapt their functions based on the accessory coupled to the host system, allowing for multiple orientation possibilities and automatic detection of the accessory's orientation to configure the host-side connector appropriately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connectors have fixed, pre-assigned contact functions, then the connector structure is simple and reliable, but the connector lacks versatility and cannot adapt to different devices or orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs dynamic contact configuration where contacts can be programmably assigned to different functions based on the connected device type and connector orientation. The system detects the connected device and automatically configures contact functions in real-time, transforming a static connector into an adaptive system that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector changes its operational parameters (contact assignments) based on detected conditions such as device type and orientation. By programmably reconfiguring which contact carries which function (power, data, audio, etc.), the system achieves multiple functions from the same physical contacts, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors.
2Ease of operation
If connectors allow multiple connection orientations, then the ease of operation improves, but the risk of incorrect connection and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates detection circuitry that provides feedback about the connected device type and connector orientation. This feedback enables the system to automatically configure contacts appropriately, ensuring that power, data, and other signals are assigned to the correct contacts regardless of how the connector is oriented, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling easy multi-orientation connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of device type and connector orientation before activating functional contacts. By detecting the connection state in advance and pre-configuring contact assignments, the system prevents incorrect connections and damage while allowing flexible orientation, as the contacts are only activated after proper configuration is confirmed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each contact has a pre-assigned function, then the connector is reliable and simple to manufacture, but it cannot dynamically adapt to different accessory types
Solution Approach 1:
The connector achieves universality by enabling each physical contact to serve multiple functional roles through programmable assignment. Instead of manufacturing different connectors for different functions, the same connector hardware can be configured to handle power, data, audio, or other functions based on the connected accessory, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maximizing adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~2A
AI summary
Systems and methods for configuring contacts of a first connector includes detecting mating of a second connector with the first connector and in response to the detection, sending a command over one of the contacts and waiting for a response to the command. If a valid response to the command is received, the system determines the orientation of the second connector. The response also includes configuration information for contacts in the second connector. The system then configures some of the other contacts of the first connector based on the determined orientation and configuration information of the contacts of the second connector.