Wearable Charging Contact Interface for Reversible Cable Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices such as glasses and watches face challenges in charging and control due to limited space and power resources, requiring specialized charge and control systems that differ from those used in other environments.
Innovation Solution
A symmetrical interface with first and second contact pads on wearable devices allows for reversible connection of a charge cable, reducing damage risk and enabling efficient charging and communication through field effect transistors that manage signal direction based on alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a symmetrical interface with first and second contact pads is used, then the device becomes more adaptable to different cable orientations and reduces damage risk, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the first contact pad have a different shape than the second contact pad, creating an asymmetrical interface within the symmetrical connector body. This allows the interface to be orientation-sensitive (reducing damage from improper insertion) while maintaining overall symmetrical connector geometry that allows flexible cable routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetrical connector design allows the same connector to serve multiple functions: it can connect in either orientation (providing universal compatibility), it can differentiate between power and data contacts through shape-coded contact pads, and it maintains both mechanical and electrical connection capabilities through its dual-contact-pad structure.
2Productivity
If field effect transistors are used to manage signal direction, then the productivity of charging and communication is improved through efficient signal routing, but the device complexity increases due to additional electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using field effect transistors that can dynamically switch between different signal routing configurations based on the connector orientation. The transistors act as electronically controlled switches that adapt the circuit configuration in real-time according to whether the connector is inserted in the first or second orientation, enabling efficient signal direction management without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the connector orientation and configuring the signal routing accordingly through the field effect transistors. The circuit self-adjusts its behavior based on the physical state of the connection, eliminating the need for external control systems or manual configuration, thereby improving charging efficiency while keeping the control logic embedded within the device itself.
3Volume of moving object
If limited space is optimized for charging components, then the loss of space is reduced, but the reliability of the charging system may worsen due to tighter tolerances and reduced component margins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by integrating multiple functions within compact, space-efficient structures. The contact pads are nested within the connector housing, the field effect transistors are integrated into the existing circuit board layout, and the charging circuitry is embedded within the wearable device form factor. This nested arrangement optimizes space utilization while maintaining proper component spacing and thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thin-film technology and flexible circuit board designs to achieve compact charging components that fit within limited wearable device space. The contact pads are implemented as thin conductive films, and the overall connector design allows for flexible integration into the device housing, optimizing space usage while maintaining mechanical strength and electrical reliability through carefully engineered thin-film structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for wired charging and communication with a wearable device are described. In one embodiment, a symmetrical contact interface comprises a first contact pad and a second contact pad, and particular wired circuitry is coupled to the first and second contact pads to enable charging as well as receive and transmit communications via the contact pads as part of various device states.