Vehicle USB Socket Passive Connection Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting USB device connection in vehicle USB sockets consume residual electrical current, leading to power source depletion and potential vehicle inoperability.

Innovation Solution

The electrical system connects the first and second parts of the shell only when a plug is inserted, eliminating the need for an electronically powered circuit to detect connection status, thereby reducing power consumption and preventing battery depletion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an electronic circuit continuously monitors the connection status of the USB socket, then the connection status can be detected, but residual electrical current is drawn from the power source leading to battery depletion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection status detectionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful electronic monitoring circuit from the system and replaces it with a passive mechanical detection method using the shell structure. The connection status is detected through physical contact between the plug and socket shells, eliminating the need for continuous electrical monitoring and residual power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical/electronic detection system with a mechanical detection system. The shell structure itself mechanically detects connection status through contact, substituting the need for powered electronic circuits with a passive mechanical indication mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the power converter is permanently connected to the power grid, then power delivery is always available, but the limited capacity battery is depleted faster

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery availabilityVSAvoidbattery capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic power delivery system where the connection between the power converter and USB socket is not fixed but changes based on plug insertion. The system transitions from a permanently connected state to a conditionally connected state, enabling power delivery only when needed and preserving battery capacity during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shell structure is pre-configured with conductive parts positioned to establish electrical connection only when the plug is inserted. This preliminary arrangement of conductive elements ensures that power delivery is automatically enabled in advance of actual power demand, eliminating the need for continuous battery power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3724953B1Electrical system and vehicle comprising this electrical system

Publication Date: 2022.08.10 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

This electrical socket connector (6) includes a base portion, connection pins (30) arranged on an elongated portion (32) protruding from the base portion and a metallic ground shield (34) laterally surrounding the elongated portion (32). The ground shield (34) is divided between a first half (36) and a second half (38) which are separate and electrically insulated from each other.