USB Type-C Voltage Monitoring to Prevent Wet Terminal Corrosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Corrosion of USB Type-C connector terminals occurs due to periodic pulse output for connection detection when water is attached, which existing methods cannot adequately prevent while conforming to the USB Type-C standard.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device with a voltage detection unit that monitors the voltage value of connection detection signals and a signal control unit to stop signal output if the voltage exceeds certain thresholds, preventing corrosion by detecting water attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If periodic pulse signals are output for connection detection in USB Type-C connectors, then connection detection function is improved, but terminal corrosion occurs when water is attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection detection functionVSAvoidterminal corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting water presence before connection detection signals are output. The voltage detection unit monitors the voltage at the connector terminal, and when a predetermined voltage level (indicating water presence) is detected, the signal control unit prevents output of connection detection signals. This preliminary detection and prevention mechanism stops corrosion before it can occur while maintaining normal connection detection functionality when the connector is dry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If connection detection signals are continuously output to ensure detection reliability, then connection detection accuracy is improved, but corrosion risk increases when water is present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection detection accuracyVSAvoidterminal corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the voltage at the connector terminal and using this information to control signal output. The voltage detection unit provides real-time feedback on the terminal state, and the signal control unit adjusts its behavior accordingly - preventing signal output when water is detected (indicated by predetermined voltage level) and allowing normal operation when the terminal is dry. This feedback mechanism maintains detection accuracy when needed while preventing corrosion when water is present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Effectively suppresses connector terminal corrosion by stopping the connection detection signal when water is present, ensuring compliance with USB Type-C standards and preventing damage.

Implementation Method 1

If water is attached to the connector, corrosion of the terminal proceeds due to the output of the pulse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

If electricity is applied to a terminal in a state where water is attached to the terminal, corrosion of the terminal proceeds due to the electrolysis of the water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250372059A1Information processing device, control circuit, and information processing method

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided an information processing device including a voltage detection unit configured to monitor a voltage value of a signal output at a predetermined timing, and a signal control unit configured to stop output of the signal if the voltage value after a predetermined time elapses from when the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit exceeds a first value does not exceed a second value greater than the first value.