Multi-Port Charging Control via Dynamic Current Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external power supplies cannot simultaneously charge multiple mobile devices while providing individual control over the charging current, leading to inefficiencies and prolonged charging times.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system comprising interfaces, a measurement unit, a switching unit, and a control unit that obtains the maximum supply current and charging currents for each device, allowing selective charging based on these values to optimize charging efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional external power supply is used to charge multiple mobile devices, then the power supply can charge devices, but it cannot simultaneously charge multiple devices with individual control of charging current
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into multiple independent charging channels, each with its own switching element (MOSFETs Q1-Q4), current measurement unit, and control logic. This allows each device to be charged independently with individual current control while sharing a common power supply, resolving the contradiction between multi-device capability and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit is designed with universal charging capability to support multiple types of mobile devices simultaneously. The system provides multi-functionality by enabling one power supply to serve multiple charging purposes with individualized control parameters for each device type
2Productivity
If conventional power supply charges multiple devices without individual control, then the system is simple, but charging efficiency is reduced and charging time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where current measurement units continuously monitor the charging current for each device, and control units adjust the switching elements accordingly. This feedback control enables optimized charging current distribution, improving charging efficiency and reducing total charging time compared to uncontrolled charging
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically adjusts the charging current for each device based on real-time conditions. The switching elements (MOSFETs) and control units enable dynamic current modulation, allowing the system to optimize charging speed for each device while managing total power distribution, thereby improving productivity and reducing charging time
3Speed
If maximum supply current is increased to charge multiple devices faster, then charging speed improves, but risk of short circuits and reversed connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary protective measures including diodes (D1-D4) to prevent reverse connections, fuses (F1-F4) to protect against short circuits, and control logic that checks connection validity before enabling high-current charging. These preliminary anti-actions allow the system to safely operate at higher charging speeds without increasing risk
Solution Approach 2:
Current measurement units provide continuous feedback on charging current levels, and control units use this feedback to dynamically adjust switching element states. This feedback mechanism ensures that charging current remains within safe limits while maximizing charging speed, and automatically responds to abnormal conditions like short circuits or reversed connections
Data Source
AI summary
A device which includes interfaces, a measurement unit, a switching unit, and a control unit is used to parcel out charging currents to other chargeable devices, and allow partial charging of certain devices when full power is not available. The interfaces are connected to the chargeable devices. The measurement unit is connected to the power supply unit and the interfaces, and obtains a maximum supply current of the power supply unit and charging currents for the chargeable devices. The switching unit is connected between the measurement unit and the interfaces. The control unit is connected to the measurement unit and the switching unit, and selectively allows charging of the chargeable devices by controlling the switching unit according to the maximum supply current and the charging currents required.