Dynamic USB Port Control for Battery-Aware Power Leakage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for power management in USB ports of computing devices are inefficient in dynamically adjusting power profiles based on battery charge levels, system states, and user configurations, leading to suboptimal power distribution and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
A computing system with circuitry and a controller that dynamically controls USB ports by disconnecting unoccupied ports, adjusting current and voltage profiles, and reallocating power based on battery charge, system state, and user input, ensuring efficient power distribution even in low power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power is supplied to all USB ports continuously, then power availability to external devices is improved, but power leakage and energy waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic port control where USB ports are selectively enabled or disabled based on system state (battery charge level, active applications, user activity). The controller monitors system conditions and dynamically adjusts which ports receive power, transitioning ports between enabled and disabled states rather than maintaining continuous power supply to all ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors its own power state and port usage patterns, making autonomous decisions about which ports to enable or disable without requiring manual user intervention. The controller continuously assesses system conditions and self-adjusts power distribution to ports based on actual needs.
2Loss of energy
If power is reduced to USB ports in low power modes, then energy conservation is improved, but power supply reliability to occupied ports deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different power management strategies to different USB ports based on their individual usage states. Occupied ports that have devices connected maintain adequate power supply for reliable operation, while unoccupied ports are disabled or reduced to minimal power states. Each port receives the specific power level appropriate to its current function and usage.
3Loss of energy
If ports are dynamically enabled and disabled, then power efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated controller that manages USB port power states. The controller integrates monitoring of system power state, detection of device presence, and execution of enable/disable commands for ports, consolidating what could be separate complex subsystems into one unified control mechanism.
4Loss of energy
If power is allocated based on battery charge level, then power distribution optimization is improved, but responsiveness to user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors both system power state (battery charge level) and port usage conditions, then adjusts power allocation accordingly. User actions such as connecting devices or changing system state provide feedback that triggers reevaluation of power distribution, creating a responsive closed-loop control system.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus system is provided which comprises: a port to selectively receive a device external to the apparatus; a port control circuitry to selectively supply power to the port; and a controller to selectively turn on or turn off the port.