Spring-Loaded Pin Detection Using Inductive Coil Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately detect the state of spring-loaded pins for data or power transfer between devices due to partial misalignment, leading to user frustration and ineffective communication or power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A pin state detection system using transmit and receive coils to determine the state of spring-loaded pins without electrical continuity, employing magnetic field induction and signal processing to identify undepressed, depressed, or partially depressed states, and trigger user notifications or automatic realignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrical continuity monitoring is used to detect pin state, then the system is simple to manufacture and low cost, but it cannot detect partial misalignment where pins are depressed but not contacting pads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic field intermediaries (transmit coil and receive coil) between the pin and the detection system. The transmit coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with the metallic pin, and the receive coil detects changes in this field caused by pin depression, enabling indirect detection of pin state without electrical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical continuity-based detection mechanism with a magnetic field-based detection mechanism. Instead of monitoring electrical signals through contact, the system uses magnetic field induction and detection to sense pin position, eliminating the need for electrical contact while improving detection accuracy
2Measurement precision
If depth sensors are used to detect pin depression, then pin state can be accurately detected, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical depth sensors with an electromagnetic detection system consisting of transmit and receive coils. This replacement maintains detection accuracy while reducing mechanical complexity and associated manufacturing challenges
Solution Approach 2:
The coil system serves multiple functions: it detects pin depression, determines alignment status, and can potentially detect the presence of the device itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms, lowering overall system complexity
3Device complexity
If pins are used for both mechanical connection and electrical contact, then the system is compact and simple, but misalignment prevents both mechanical engagement and electrical transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary that can detect pin state regardless of electrical contact status. This allows the system to distinguish between mechanically engaged pins and electrically connected pins, providing reliable docking status information even when alignment is imperfect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring the magnetic field response from the pins and using this information to determine docking status. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect and report misalignment conditions, enabling users to correct positioning for reliable operation
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 accurate detection of pin states, preventing misalignment issues and ensuring effective data or power transfer by notifying users or initiating automatic realignment, thus enhancing device docking reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A pin state detection system may include a transmit coil that encircles a first pin and a receive coil that encircles the first pin
Implementation Method 2
employing magnetic field induction and signal processing to identify undepressed, depressed, or partially depressed states
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangements herein are directed to pin state detection systems and arrangements for using such systems. A pin detection system can include a pin. The pin can be in one of multiple states, such as a depressed state and an undepressed state. The system can include a transmit coil and a receive coil that encircles the pin. The system can also include a processing system that causes a transmit signal to be transmitted to the transmit coil. The processing system can analyze a signal received from the receive coil to determine a state of the pin.