Symmetrical Wearable Charging Interface for Reversible Data and Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices face challenges with limited space and power resources, requiring specialized charge and control systems that differ from those used in other environments, and existing cable connections like USB can be overly complex for these devices.

Innovation Solution

A symmetrical interface with contact pads and magnetic fastening contacts allows for reversible and damage-resistant charging and communication, using field effect transistors to manage signal direction based on alignment, and a method that cycles through charging and communication states to optimize power use and data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standard USB cable connection is used for charging and control, then power transfer and data communication can be achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging and communication reliabilityVSAvoidcable connection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines charging and communication functions into a single two-line cable connection. The same physical connection that transfers power also carries data signals by switching between different electrical states, eliminating the need for separate USB-style connectors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both charging and communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The two-line interface serves multiple functions: it can transfer power in both directions, communicate data bidirectionally, and detect connection status all through the same two conductors. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for specialized separate connections, reducing device complexity while maintaining full operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a symmetrical interface with magnetic fastening is used, then damage resistance and alignment tolerance improve, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector damage resistanceVSAvoidsymmetrical interface manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

While the overall connector interface is symmetrical to allow reversible insertion and improve alignment tolerance, the internal contact arrangement uses asymmetric positioning of the two lines. This asymmetric internal structure enables clear differentiation of signal directions and functions while the external symmetry provides mechanical robustness and ease of connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic fastening mechanism provides an attractive force that counteracts the mechanical stress and misalignment forces during connector insertion and removal. The magnetic force acts as a counterbalancing element that guides the connectors into proper alignment and maintains stable contact, reducing wear and damage while the symmetrical design allows the magnetic force to act equally in both insertion directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Measurement precision

If field effect transistors are used to manage signal direction, then signal control precision improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal direction control precisionVSAvoidtransistor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic switching of the field effect transistors to manage signal direction. Rather than maintaining continuous control, the transistors are switched on and off in periodic cycles synchronized with the communication protocol, allowing the transistors to remain in low-power states for portions of each cycle while still achieving precise signal direction control when active

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The field effect transistors are configured to automatically switch states based on the voltage levels present on the two-line interface. The transistors self-regulate their conduction states in response to the electrical conditions, reducing the need for continuous active control signals and thereby lowering overall power consumption while maintaining precise signal direction management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient and damage-resistant charging and communication in wearable devices with limited space and power, using a simple mechanical interface that adapts to different orientations and prevents damage by ensuring proper alignment, while allowing for both charging and data transfer through a two-line communication path.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic fastening contacts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11876391B2Circuits and methods for wearable device charging and wired control

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 SNAP INC

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.