Reversible Connector Circuit for Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the orientation of connected hardware components in multi-part devices remains challenging, particularly in devices with reversible connections, which affects the enabling or disabling of specific functionalities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating resistors into connector pins to form voltage dividers that generate distinct voltage levels based on connection orientation, allowing a digital logic device to differentiate between connection orientations using existing connector pins without interfering with their primary functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If reversible connectors are used to allow flexible connection orientations, then adaptability is improved, but determining the connection orientation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing specific resistors at particular locations within the connector assembly. Different resistors are positioned at different orientations relative to the connector axis, creating localized electrical characteristics that vary by orientation. When the connector is inserted, the digital logic device detects which resistors are connected based on the connection orientation, enabling reliable orientation detection while maintaining reversible connector flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If additional detection circuitry is added to determine connection orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the orientation detection function with the existing connector structure by integrating resistors directly into the connector assembly. Rather than adding separate detection circuitry, the resistors are combined with the connector pins and housing, allowing the same physical connection to serve both data/power transmission and orientation detection purposes. This merging approach improves measurement precision while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both its primary purpose of electrical connection and the secondary function of orientation detection. The resistors integrated into the connector structure enable the connector to simultaneously transmit data/power and provide orientation information, eliminating the need for dedicated detection hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If connector pins are used for their primary function without modification, then ease of operation is maintained, but orientation detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring resistors in asymmetric positions within the connector assembly relative to the connector axis. This asymmetric resistor arrangement creates distinct electrical signatures for different connection orientations. The digital logic device detects these asymmetric resistance patterns to determine orientation, enabling orientation detection while maintaining the symmetric, user-friendly connector design for easy plugging and unplugging.
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
Enables reliable orientation detection in multi-part devices, allowing for the appropriate enabling or disabling of device functionalities based on connection orientation, optimizing connector pin usage and ensuring correct device operation.
Implementation Method 1
Connection of the display portion to the base portion in the first orientation forms a first voltage divider, the first voltage divider being between the first resistor and the second resistor
Data Source
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AI summary
Reversible connector orientation detection circuitry, reversibly connectible devices having multiple device portions, and methods for determining a connection orientation of multiple device portions of a hardware device are provided herein. A hardware device can include a first device portion and a second device portion. A first resistor can be in a first side of the first device portion. A second resistor can be in a first side of the second device portion, and a third resistor can be in a second side of the second device portion. Connection of the first device portion to the second device portion in different orientations creates, through the resistors, different voltages that can be compared by a digital logic device to indicate orientation. The compared voltages are within either a low voltage range below a digital logic low threshold or a high voltage range above a digital logic high threshold.