Reversible Connector Orientation Detection in Electromagnetic Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversible connectors like USB Type-C pose challenges in electromagnetic tracking systems due to their 180-degree rotational symmetry, requiring complex PCB designs or additional circuitry to correctly identify signal orientations, which increases cost and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based system that determines the orientation of a reversible connector by analyzing electrical signals from sensor arrays, forming a matrix, and calculating a determinant to correctly assign signal data, thereby simplifying the connection without mirroring pins or adding complex circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If reversible connectors are used to reduce connector size and improve performance, then connector space and performance are improved, but signal orientation identification becomes problematic due to 180-degree rotational symmetry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating an asymmetric signal assignment pattern among the connector pins. Specifically, one pin (first pin) is assigned to receive a first signal, while the other pins (second, third, fourth pins) are assigned to receive second and third signals. This asymmetric assignment breaks the rotational symmetry, allowing the system to distinguish between 0-degree and 180-degree connector orientations by detecting which pins receive which signals.
2Reliability
If pin mirroring is implemented to ensure consistent signal reception regardless of connector orientation, then signal consistency is improved, but the number of usable pins is halved and PCB design complexity significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the signal routing adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically determines connector orientation by detecting which pins receive which signals, then dynamically reconfigures the signal routing accordingly. This allows the same physical pin assignments to work correctly in both 0-degree and 180-degree orientations without requiring mirrored pin layouts or duplicated signal paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical switching circuitry is added to re-configure interconnections based on connector insertion polarity, then connector orientation adaptability is improved, but board space, complexity, cost, and reliability are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical switching circuitry approach with a software-based solution. Instead of using physical switches or relays to reconfigure connections based on connector orientation, the system uses software to detect the orientation by analyzing which pins receive which signals, then uses software to reassign the signal data accordingly. This eliminates the need for additional physical components while achieving the same adaptability.
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
This approach allows for reliable and efficient signal processing across different orientations of reversible connectors, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining connectivity and accuracy in electromagnetic tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical signal received from the first and second pins, the first electrical signal indicating a magnetic field sensed by a receiving sensor array along a first axis, a second electrical signal received from the third pin, the second electrical signal indicating a magnetic field sensed by the receiving sensor array along a second axis, and a third electrical signal received from the fourth pin, the third electrical signal indicating a magnetic field sensed by the receiving sensor array along a third axis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for implementing a reversible connector for receiving coil-based sensor signals in an electromagnetic or hybrid tracking system. The apparatus is designed to reduce the number of connector pins assigned to the coil-based sensor signals while maintaining signal quality.