Docking Device Charger Path Switching for PD Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing docking devices experience communication delays and errors during high-speed charging due to the conversion of PD communication through a microcontroller unit, leading to malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A docking device with three pogo pins and a controller that switches communication paths based on the charger type, separating data communication from the charging path to prevent delays and errors during mode changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If PD communication is converted through a microcontroller unit for high-speed charging, then high-speed charging capability is enabled, but communication delay and errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging powerVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The docking device is segmented into multiple communication path configurations: a first communication path for direct PD communication when a direct charger is connected, and a second communication path through the MCU when a pogo pin charger is connected. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate communication path based on the charger type, avoiding the communication delays and errors that occur when PD communication is converted through the MCU.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The communication path is made dynamic and adaptable by detecting the charger type and automatically switching between the first communication path (direct PD communication) and the second communication path (through MCU). This dynamic adjustment ensures that the system maintains reliable communication while enabling high-speed charging, resolving the contradiction between charging power and communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If communication path is switched during charging mode change, then adaptability to different chargers is improved, but communication errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharger compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the charger type before switching communication paths. By identifying whether a direct charger or pogo pin charger is connected in advance, the system can proactively select the appropriate communication path configuration, avoiding communication errors that would occur during mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms to detect charger type and monitor communication status, automatically adjusting the communication path configuration based on the detected conditions. This feedback-driven adaptation ensures reliable communication while maintaining versatility across different charger types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4664715A1Electronic device, docking device, and method for operating electronic device and docking device
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4664715A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4664715A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4664715A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A docking device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, may comprise: a pogo pin unit including a ground pogo pin, a data pogo pin, and a power pogo pin; a charging port to which a charger is connected; a controller for recognizing the type of the charger connected to the charging port; a first switch electrically connected to the pogo pin unit and the controller so as to branch a communication path; a second switch electrically connected to the charging port and the controller; and a third switch electrically connected to the charging port and the pogo pin unit. The controller may generate a switch control signal and control the on/off of the first switch to the third switch. The controller may change, on the basis of the type of the charger connected to the charging port, the communication path to a first communication path for a first charging method or a second communication path for a second charging method. Various other embodiments are also possible.