Multi-Port Charger Power Sharing With Timed Over-Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-port chargers lack flexibility and efficiency in power allocation to multiple devices due to fixed power limits and inflexible power distribution methods, resulting in reduced charging speeds and limited configurability.

Innovation Solution

An integrated power delivery module within a multi-port charger that adaptively controls power distribution based on real-time demands, temperature, and device status, using USB-PD controllers and DC-to-DC converters to dynamically adjust power allocation among ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-port charger includes two entirely separate charger circuits within a single package, then the charger can supply power to multiple devices simultaneously, but each charger circuit must be power limited to provide only a fixed fraction of the total maximum power output limit, reducing the available output to individual ports

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-port charging capabilityVSAvoidpower output to individual ports

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power allocation that allows the charger to adjust power distribution in real-time based on actual device needs. The controller monitors power requests from each port and dynamically reallocates power within a threshold multiplier of the rated power capacity, enabling individual ports to receive higher power when needed while maintaining overall safety limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power allocation parameters dynamically rather than using fixed fractions. The controller adjusts the power delivery to each port based on device power requests, temperature conditions, and timeout periods, allowing the power distribution to adapt to varying operational conditions while staying within thermal constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the total allocated power for all ports exceeds the multi-port charger's rated power capacity, then individual devices can charge faster, but the charger exceeds its thermal design limits and must reset power allocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidpower allocation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic monitoring and resetting of power allocation. The controller allows total allocated power to exceed rated capacity temporarily (within threshold multiplier limits) but automatically resets the allocation to within rated limits after a specified timeout period. This periodic adjustment enables faster charging in safe windows while ensuring thermal management over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system permits partial excessive power allocation beyond the rated capacity when thermal conditions allow, but only within controlled limits (threshold multiplier) and for limited durations (timeout periods). This approach captures safe opportunities for faster charging while maintaining overall reliability through bounded excess action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Temperature

If the multi-port charger adheres to strict maximum power output limits to limit maximum temperature, then thermal safety is maintained, but sink devices plugged into the charger will not charge as rapidly as compared to plugging each sink device into a discrete charger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaximum temperature controlVSAvoidcharging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors temperature, power allocation, and device power requests, using this feedback to dynamically adjust power distribution. When temperature conditions permit and power requests are within threshold multiplier limits, the system increases power allocation to enable faster charging while maintaining thermal safety through real-time feedback control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If existing multi-port charger solutions use conventional power allocation methods, then the charger operates within rated power capacity, but the charger lacks flexibility and configurability with regard to power-efficient modes of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation within rated capacityVSAvoidconfigurability and flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static power allocation with dynamic adjustment mechanisms. The controller continuously adapts power distribution based on real-time conditions including device power requests, temperature, and timeout periods, enabling the charger to operate within rated capacity while maintaining high flexibility and configurability for different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260039123A1Adaptable power allocation for multi-port charger systems

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 SILANNA ASIA

AI summary

A multi-port charger allocates a total allocated power to power delivery modules to provide power to respective sink devices at less than or equal to a total rated power capacity of the multi-port charger. Under predetermined conditions, a subsequent power allocation provided to a sink device is allowed to result in the total allocated power of the multi-port charger being greater than the total rated power capacity of the multi-port charger. After the total allocated power has been higher than the total rated power capacity for longer than a timeout time period, the total allocated power is reset to be less than or equal to the total rated power capacity of the multi-port charger.