Multi-Wire USB Charging Interface for High Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional MICRO USB interfaces in charging adapters support charging currents only up to 3A due to their single power and ground wires, resulting in slow charging speeds that do not meet the increasing demand for faster charging in modern mobile terminals.

Innovation Solution

The proposed charging system employs a USB interface with at least two power lines and two ground lines, along with an adjusting circuit and controller, to form multiple charging circuits, allowing for higher current charging by dynamically adjusting voltage and current based on the terminal device's voltage and current needs, and utilizing phosphor bronze or chromium bronze wires for enhanced conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If MICRO USB interface with single power wire and ground wire is used, then device complexity is reduced, but charging current is limited to 3A resulting in slow charging speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidinterface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is segmented into multiple independent charging circuits, each with its own power wire and ground wire. The USB interface is divided into multiple power lines (at least two) and multiple ground lines (at least two), allowing each line pair to function as an independent charging circuit. This segmentation enables parallel charging paths, increasing total charging current capacity beyond the 3A limitation of single-wire interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If multiple power lines and ground lines are used to increase charging current, then charging speed improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging currentVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple charging circuits are merged into a single integrated USB interface structure. The power management controller coordinates multiple power lines and ground lines to work together as a unified charging system. The adjusting circuit combines voltage adjustment, current regulation, and protection functions across all power lines, creating a consolidated control architecture that manages high current without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The USB interface is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a data communication interface and as a high-power charging interface. The same USB connector and control logic handle both low-current data mode and high-current charging mode, eliminating the need for separate specialized high-current connectors and reducing overall device complexity despite supporting multiple power lines.

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

3Loss of time

If high current charging is implemented, then charging time is reduced, but risk of reverse connection and safety issues increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging timeVSAvoidconnection safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and verification before enabling high-current charging. The power management controller detects the presence and correct configuration of multiple power lines and ground lines before activating the charging circuits. Protection circuits are pre-configured to detect reverse connections and immediately disconnect power flow, preventing damage before it occurs. This preliminary anti-action ensures safety is established before high current flows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The power management controller continuously monitors the charging circuits for reverse connections, current anomalies, and connection integrity. Real-time feedback from current sensors and voltage detectors allows the controller to detect reverse polarity or faulty connections and immediately adjust or disconnect power flow. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains reliability during high-current operation by continuously verifying safe operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution enables charging currents greater than 3A, significantly reducing charging time and improving efficiency by supporting multiple charging circuits and adaptive voltage adjustment, while ensuring reliable connections and anti-reverse protection.

Implementation Method 1

an adjusting circuit, configured to perform rectifying and filtering on mains supply to obtain a first power signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectifying: Diode

Implementation Method 2

an adjusting circuit, configured to perform rectifying and filtering on mains supply to obtain a first power signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

to perform voltage adjustment on the first power signal to obtain a second power signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage adjustment: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 4

each of the power wires and the ground wires is made of phosphor bronze or chromium bronze

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3413428B1Charging device, terminal device and charging system
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3413428B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3413428B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a charging device, a terminal device and a charging system. The charging device includes: a USB interface (2), having at least two power lines and at least two ground lines; and an adjusting circuit (3), configured to perform rectifying and filtering on mains supply to obtain a first power signal, to perform voltage adjustment on the first power signal to obtain a second power signal, and to output the second power signal to the at least two power lines, at least two charging circuits being formed between the charging device and an external terminal device via the at least two power lines and the at least two ground lines.