Universal Mobile Terminal Connector with Voltage-Based Device Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals face design constraints due to the need for multiple connectors for various interfaces, such as charging, data exchange, and accessory connections, which complicates the external appearance and limits size and thickness options.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal with a multi-functional connector that includes pins for data communication, power charging, and accessory identification, using a controller to recognize connected devices and adapt charging based on input voltages, allowing for various interfaces to be implemented through a single connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile terminal includes various types of connectors for different interfaces, then the interface functionality is improved, but the external appearance becomes poor and design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single universal connector that can identify and support multiple device types including charging adapters, audio accessories, and video accessories. The controller detects the connected device type through voltage signals on identification pins and automatically configures the interface functionality, eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors while maintaining full interface capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile terminal includes various types of connectors for different interfaces, then the interface functionality is improved, but the device size and thickness options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single universal connector that can identify and support multiple device types including charging adapters, audio accessories, and video accessories. The controller detects the connected device type through voltage signals on identification pins and automatically configures the interface functionality, eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors while maintaining full interface capabilities.
3Shape
If the mobile terminal uses a single connector for multiple interfaces, then the external appearance and design flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages the single connector's multiple functions. The controller detects device types through voltage signals on identification pins and automatically configures the appropriate interface functionality, centralizing the complexity in a manageable component rather than distributing it across multiple physical connectors.
4Shape
If the mobile terminal uses a single connector for multiple interfaces, then the design flexibility is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring device types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical device identification methods with electrical signal detection. The controller measures voltage levels on identification pins to detect device types, using electrical field characteristics instead of mechanical switches or physical keying systems, thereby simplifying the detection process while maintaining design flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile terminal and an interface method thereof for connecting external devices, such as an adapter, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, a docking station, an accessory, and the like, to the mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal includes a battery, a connector including a pin for data communication and first and second power pins for charging the battery, a memory for storing a reference voltage indicating a dedicated adapter of the battery, and a controller for receiving a voltage input from the first and second power pins, for recognizing an external device connected with the connector as the dedicated adapter when a voltage input from the pin for data communication is the reference voltage, and for charging the battery with power input to the first and second power pins.