Spring-Loaded Pin Detection Using Inductive Misalignment 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 corrective actions.
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 in contact with pads
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field intermediary is introduced between the pin and the detection system. The pin contains a magnetic element that interacts with the magnetic field generated by the coil, allowing indirect detection of pin state without requiring direct electrical contact. This mediator enables detection of depressed pins even when misaligned with electrical pads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical continuity-based detection mechanism with a magnetic field-based detection mechanism. Instead of relying on electrical contact through the pin, the system uses a coil to generate a magnetic field that interacts with a magnetic element in the pin, enabling detection through magnetic coupling rather than electrical conduction.
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 complex depth sensors with a simpler electromagnetic detection system. A coil and magnetic element replace the need for mechanical depth measurement, reducing component complexity while maintaining detection accuracy. The magnetic field interaction provides sufficient information about pin state without requiring direct mechanical measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects pin state by monitoring changes in magnetic field properties (inductance, impedance, or resonant frequency) rather than direct mechanical displacement. This parameter change approach allows accurate detection using simple electrical measurements of the coil, avoiding the need for complex sensor systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pins are used for power and data transfer, then device connectivity is enabled, but partial misalignment causes connection failures and user frustration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of pin state using magnetic field sensing before attempting power or data transfer. By detecting whether pins are properly depressed and aligned in advance, the system can prevent failed connections, alert users to misalignment issues, or activate corrective actions before connectivity attempts occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the coil continuously or periodically monitors pin state during the docking process. This real-time feedback allows the system to detect misalignment conditions and respond appropriately, improving connection reliability by preventing failed transfer attempts and enabling user correction of alignment issues.
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
Accurately detects pin states to prevent misalignment issues, enabling user notification or automatic realignment, ensuring effective power and data transfer between devices.
Implementation Method 1
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
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.