Electronic Apparatus Port Switching for Simultaneous Charging and Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic apparatuses with high-capacity batteries face challenges in simultaneous data transmission and charging due to the limitations of USB-C interfaces, which often require separate DC charging ports and external adapters, leading to inconvenient usage and potential interference between charging and data functions.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a power switch, charging management module, and multiple data interfaces that automatically detect and switch between USB-C and DC charging ports for efficient energy transfer and data processing, allowing simultaneous charging and data transmission without the need for external adapters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a USB-C interface is used for charging, then charging capability is improved, but charging speed is insufficient for high-capacity batteries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capabilityVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between USB-C charging mode and DC charging mode based on real-time detection of connected devices and charging requirements. The power switch module can transition from a static single-mode design to a dynamic multi-mode design, adjusting the charging path according to whether a USB device or DC power adapter is connected, thereby optimizing charging speed for high-capacity batteries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The data and charging port is designed to support multiple functions: it can serve as a USB data interface, a USB charging port, or a DC charging port depending on the connected device. This multi-functional design allows the single port to replace what would traditionally require separate USB-C and DC charging ports, enabling fast charging when a DC adapter is connected while maintaining USB compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If a separate DC charging port is added, then charging speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidport configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the USB data interface and DC charging port functions into a single integrated data and charging port. The power switch module selectively connects this single port to different internal components (USB controller or DC charging circuit) based on detection results, merging what would traditionally be separate physical interfaces into one unified port that serves multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power switch module acts as an intermediary between the single data and charging port and the internal components. It detects whether a USB device or DC power adapter is connected and routes the port's function accordingly, eliminating the need for separate physical ports while maintaining both USB data transmission and fast charging capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If external adapters are required for data transmission, then interface versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic detection and configuration without requiring user intervention. The detection module automatically identifies whether a USB device or DC power adapter is connected to the data and charging port, and the power switch module automatically configures the appropriate function. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually select modes or carry external adapters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the connected device type before establishing the charging or data transmission path. By detecting the connected device in advance and pre-configuring the appropriate mode, the system avoids the need for users to manually switch between modes or use external adapters, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3471404B1Electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 ZTE CORP
  • EP3471404B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3471404B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3471404B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An electronic apparatus, comprising: a data and charging port (120), a direct current charging port (130), a data interface (140), a power switch (150), a charging management module (160), a main processor (170), a video receiver (180), and a video processing module (190). The power switch (150) detects whether the data and charging port (120) or the direct current charging port (130) is transferring electrical energy, and enables, according to the detection result, conduction between the data and charging port (120) or the direct current charging port (130) and the charging management module (160). The charging management module (160) employs, after becoming in conduction with the data and charging port (120) or the direct current charging port (130), the data and charging port (120) or the direct current charging port (130) to charge a battery (110). The main processor (170) controls the video receiver (180) to detect whether the data and charging port (120) or the data interface (140) is transmitting video data, and receives, according to the detection result, one video data flow and sends the same to the video processing module (190) to be processed. By coordinating the data and charging port (120) and the direct current charging port (130) of the electronic apparatus, the present disclosure realizes a charging function of the electronic apparatus; by coordinating the data and charging port (120) and the data interface (140), the present disclosure realizes a video processing function of the electronic apparatus.