Multi-Port Charging Circuit Parallel Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices with single charging ports experience prolonged charging times, especially as battery capacity increases, due to inefficient charging power management.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with multiple ports that connects variable capacity charging devices, using a control circuit and communication circuits to optimize charging efficiency by determining and adjusting the charging power capacity of each device, switching between charging sources based on capacity and power needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single charging port is used to charge the battery, then the device structure remains simple, but the charging time becomes excessively long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidnumber of ports
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is segmented into multiple independent charging ports (first charging port and second charging port), each capable of receiving charging power from separate charging devices. This segmentation allows parallel charging operations, significantly reducing total charging time while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular port design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charging circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle various charging configurations: single-port charging, dual-port simultaneous charging, and dynamic port switching. The control circuit intelligently manages power distribution across ports based on battery capacity and charging device characteristics, making the system adaptable to different charging scenarios without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode.

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

2Productivity

If multiple charging devices are connected simultaneously to multiple ports, then charging efficiency improves, but power management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidpower management circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system implements dynamic power management where the control circuit continuously monitors battery capacity, charging device power levels, and port status. Based on real-time conditions, the system dynamically adjusts power distribution, switches between charging ports, and modifies charging parameters to optimize efficiency. This dynamic approach enables effective multi-device charging without requiring overly complex static power management architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor charging status, battery charge level, and power input from connected devices. This feedback information is used to intelligently adjust charging parameters, switch between ports when appropriate, and prevent overcharging or power conflicts. The feedback loop simplifies power management by enabling automated decision-making based on actual system state rather than requiring complex pre-programmed power distribution logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If the battery capacity is increased to provide longer usage, then the device performance improves, but the charging time becomes even longer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The charging process is segmented into parallel operations through multiple charging ports. Instead of charging a large-capacity battery through a single port sequentially, the system divides the charging load across multiple ports simultaneously receiving power from separate charging devices. This segmentation of the charging pathway enables faster total charge accumulation despite the increased battery capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple charging power streams from different charging devices connected to different ports into a unified charging process for the battery. The control circuit combines the power inputs, managing their distribution to maximize charging speed. This merging of parallel power sources effectively multiplies the charging rate, offsetting the extended charging time that would normally result from larger battery capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3352325B1Charging control method and electronic device for supporting the same
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3352325B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3352325B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3352325B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a plurality of ports, a battery, a control circuit configured to control charging of the battery using power from a plurality of charging devices connected to the plurality of ports, a charging circuit configured to charge the battery using power supplied from the plurality of charging devices, and a plurality of communication circuits configured to communicate with the plurality of charging devices. The control circuit is configured to be electrically connected with the plurality of communication circuits and the charging circuit and set charging power level of each of the plurality of charging devices and battery charging power capacity of the charging circuit.