Multimedia Terminal High-Speed Charging via Engine-Linked Power Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia terminal devices charge external smart devices, such as smartphones and tablets, at low speeds due to limited USB voltage, resulting in prolonged charging times and decreased user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia terminal device equipped with a power converter to convert battery voltage into high-speed charging voltage and a switching circuit that selects between high-speed and low-speed charging modes based on engine operation, supplying the appropriate voltage to the connected smart device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If USB voltage of 5V and 500 mA is supplied from the head unit to the multimedia terminal, then the smart device can be charged, but the charging speed is low and charging time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charging mode switching based on engine operation status. When the engine is running, the system switches to high-speed charging mode utilizing the alternator's power output. When the engine is stopped, the system automatically switches to low-speed charging mode using only the head unit's USB voltage, preventing battery discharge. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing charging speed according to available power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the charging voltage and current parameters based on power availability. In high-speed charging mode, higher voltage and current parameters are supplied when the alternator is active. In low-speed charging mode, lower parameters are used when relying on the head unit's USB output. This parameter adjustment enables faster charging when possible while preventing battery depletion when power is limited.
2Productivity
If high-speed charging voltage is supplied continuously, then charging speed is improved, but the battery may be discharged or damaged when the engine is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the engine operation status to determine the appropriate charging mode. The charging controller receives signals about engine state and automatically adjusts the charging voltage and current accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures high-speed charging is only activated when the alternator can support it, preventing battery damage while maintaining fast charging capability when safe.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between charging modes based on real-time engine status. When the engine is running, high-speed charging is enabled. When the engine stops, the system automatically transitions to low-speed charging mode. This dynamic response ensures battery safety is maintained while maximizing charging speed during periods when high power is available.
3Productivity
If a power converter and switching circuit are added to enable high-speed charging, then charging performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the multimedia terminal perform multiple functions: it can operate in both high-speed charging mode and low-speed charging mode using different power sources. The head unit serves dual purposes by providing both audio/video navigation functions and charging functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated charging systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging controller acts as an intermediary that manages power distribution between different sources (head unit USB voltage and alternator through power converter). It intelligently selects and switches between power sources based on engine status, simplifying the control logic while enabling complex charging behaviors. This intermediary component coordinates the interaction between multiple subsystems without requiring complete system redesign.
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 high-speed charging of external devices when the engine is driven, improving user convenience and preventing battery discharge when the engine is stopped by switching to low-speed charging.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter configured to convert a voltage from a battery into a voltage for the high-speed charging
Data Source
AI summary
A multimedia terminal device for high-speed charging that allows for high-speed charging of a portable electronic device connected to a multimedia terminal and a method of controlling the same are provided. The multimedia terminal device includes a power converter that is configured to convert a voltage from a battery to a voltage for the high-speed charging and to supply the converted voltage to the multimedia terminal. In addition, a switching circuit is configured to select a high-speed charging mode when an engine is driven and a low-speed charging when the engine is stopped.