Peer-to-Peer Charging via Multifunctional I/O Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart devices have short endurance times due to small battery capacities, requiring external power sources that are large and inconvenient for users, and existing charging methods do not allow for efficient peer-to-peer charging between devices.
Innovation Solution
A charging method and system that utilizes a master and slave device connected via a multifunctional I/O interface, allowing for user-defined charging directions and enabling devices to charge each other through a connecting line, with power management modules determining and executing the charging operations based on received instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a mobile power supply is used to provide extra electric power, then the endurance time of the smart device is extended, but the size and portability of the power source becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two smart devices into a charging system where one device charges the other through direct connection via multifunctional I/O interfaces. This eliminates the need for external mobile power supplies by making one of the devices themselves the power source, thereby extending endurance time without requiring additional portable power equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables smart devices to charge each other autonomously through direct connection. The devices self-identify charging roles (master and slave), automatically establish charging parameters, and execute the charging process without requiring external power sources or manual intervention, thus eliminating the need for separate mobile power supplies.
2Productivity
If traditional charging methods are used, then charging can be performed, but efficient peer-to-peer charging between devices is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes multifunctional I/O interfaces that can serve both data communication and power transmission functions. This multi-functionality enables direct peer-to-peer charging between devices without requiring separate charging ports or cables, thereby enhancing both charging efficiency and adaptability for direct device-to-device power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting line serving as the intermediary between master and slave devices enables direct power and data transmission. This intermediary facilitates efficient peer-to-peer charging by providing a dedicated transmission path that supports both communication protocols and power delivery, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If user-defined charging direction is implemented, then charging accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having a single device control the charging process, the system inverts the control model by having both devices participate in charging decisions. The slave device can send charging direction setting signals to the master device, allowing the intended chargee to control the charging parameters, thereby improving charging accuracy through user intent while distributing system complexity across both devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically adjusts roles and control based on user input and device states. Devices can switch between master and slave roles, and charging directions can be modified during operation. This dynamic adaptability allows precise control over charging behavior while managing system complexity through flexible, state-dependent operation modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging method is provided. The method includes: receiving a direction setting signal, and determining a charging direction according to the direction setting signal; determining a charging operation as charging a slave device with a master device when the charging direction is a first charging direction; determining the charging operation as charging the master device with the slave device when the charging direction is a second charging direction opposite to the first charging direction; and sending to a power management module of the master device and to a power management module of the slave device a charging instruction according to the charging operation determined. Accordingly, two smart devices connected through a connecting line may be charged by each other according to a user-defined charging direction.