Integrated Hub with AC/DC Converter for Quick Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB hubs lack the capability to provide quick charging and data transmission simultaneously, often requiring multiple adapters and increasing cost and inconvenience, especially for portable devices with limited USB ports on compact notebook computers.
Innovation Solution
A hub with a USB-C port, AC/DC converter, DC/DC converter, and control circuit that allows for switching between power supply and charging modes, enabling quick charging and data transmission through CDP mode, and can be connected to both electronic devices and AC sources for flexible power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional USB hub is used to increase the number of USB ports for data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but the power source provided by USB ports remains limited and cannot provide quick charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a traditional USB hub with an AC adapter into a single integrated device. The hub portion provides USB data transmission ports while the AC adapter portion provides high-power AC charging capability, merging data transmission and high-power charging functions into one device that eliminates the need for separate adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated hub adapter serves multiple functions: it acts as a USB hub for data transmission among multiple devices, provides AC power charging for portable devices, and can simultaneously handle both data transmission and charging operations. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate USB hubs and AC adapters.
2Power
If additional adapters are added to provide more power sources, then power capability is improved, but the number of adapters to carry increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the USB hub functionality and AC adapter functionality into a single integrated device. Users only need to carry one hub adapter instead of multiple separate adapters, significantly improving portability and convenience while maintaining full power capability for charging multiple devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual switching is used to switch between USB power source and external power source, then power source flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient manual switching
Solution Approach 1:
The hub adapter incorporates an automatic switching mechanism that detects the connection status of AC power and USB power sources, and automatically switches between them without requiring manual user intervention. The control circuit monitors power availability and seamlessly transitions between power sources, maintaining adaptability while greatly improving ease of operation.
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 convenient, cost-effective quick charging and data transmission for multiple portable devices using a single hub, reducing the need for multiple adapters and enhancing portability by consolidating power sources and data transmission functions.
Implementation Method 1
The third connector comprises an AC/DC converter, and the third connector is electrically connected with the AC source via the AC/DC converter
Implementation Method 2
One end of the DC/DC converter is connected with the third connector, and another end of the DC/DC converter is connected between the first switch member and second switch member
Data Source
AI summary
In order to achieve the aforesaid object and other objects, the hub of the present invention is electrically connected with an electronic device, an AC source, and at least one portable device which are located in the outside environment. The hub includes a first connector, at least one second connector, a third connector, a first switch member, a second switch member, a third switch member, a fourth switch member, a DC/DC converter and a control circuit. The first connector is electrically connected with the electronic device, the first connector is a USB-C. The second connector is electrically connected with the portable device. The third connector comprises an AC/DC converter, the third connector is electrically connected with the AC source via the AC/DC converter. The first switch member, one end of the first switch member is connected with the first connector. The second switch member, one end of the second switch member is connected with the first switch member, another end of the second switch member is connected with the second connector. The third switch member, one end of the third switch member is connected with the first connector, another end of the third switch member is connected with the AC/DC converter. The fourth switch member, one end of the fourth switch member is connected with the second connector, another end of the fourth switch member is connected with the third connector. The DC/DC converter, one end of the DC/DC converter is connected with the third connector, another end of the DC/DC converter is connected between the first switch member and second switch member. The control circuit is connected with the first switch member, the second switch member, the third switch member, the fourth switch member and the AC/DC converter. The control circuit is configured to control the first switch member, the second switch member, the third switch member, the fourth switch member and the AC/DC converter.