Power Capability Determination Device for USB Power Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face issues determining the power capability of USB and HDMI interfaces, leading to electronic devices not starting due to insufficient power, as they may unknowingly connect devices requiring higher power to sources that provide lower capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A power capability determination device comprising a connector, load circuit, switch circuit, voltage monitor circuit, and processing circuit that determines the power capability of a connected power source by monitoring input voltage and controlling switches to connect different loads, generating a power capability index to inform processing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users connect electronic devices to USB power sources without knowing the power capability, then the device may not start due to insufficient power, but introducing detection methods may cause side effects or delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power capability determination device as an intermediary component that sits between the power source and the electronic device. This mediator actively measures the power source's capabilities through controlled load switching and voltage monitoring, then communicates the determined power capability index to the electronic device, enabling reliable startup decisions without adding complexity to the core power delivery path
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary power capability determination before the electronic device attempts to start. The power capability determination device proactively measures and determines the power source's capabilities in advance, generating a power capability index that informs subsequent device startup decisions, preventing insufficient power issues before they occur
2Measurement precision
If the power capability determination device uses multiple loads and switches to determine power capability, then the determination accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power capability determination process into distinct measurement stages using multiple loads with different power consumption levels. The switch circuit selectively connects different loads to the power source, allowing the system to measure voltage characteristics at various power draw levels. This segmentation enables precise determination of the power source's capability range without requiring a single complex measurement system
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic load switching to adaptively determine power capability. The switch circuit dynamically connects or disconnects different loads based on the determination process, and the voltage monitor circuit dynamically tracks voltage changes in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to efficiently probe the power source's capabilities across different operating conditions without static circuit complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device sets different processing methods based on power capability, then the adaptability improves, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines power capability by measuring voltage parameters under different load conditions. The power capability determination device monitors voltage drops across different loads and uses these voltage parameter changes to calculate and determine the power capability index. This parameter-based approach provides a standardized metric that simplifies the control logic for selecting different processing methods in the electronic device
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 fast and accurate determination of power capability without side effects, allowing electronic devices to start or perform operations based on the determined power index, thereby preventing device failure from power insufficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage monitor circuit may be electrically connected to the power output terminal, and may be arranged to monitor the input voltage to generate a monitored voltage value
Data Source
AI summary
A power capability determination device is arranged to determine a power capability of a power source, and includes a connector, a load circuit, a switch circuit, a voltage monitor circuit, and a processing circuit. The connector is arranged to receive the power source to output an input voltage at a power output terminal. The switch circuit is electrically connected between the load circuit and the power output terminal. The voltage monitor circuit is electrically connected to the power output terminal, and is arranged to monitor the input voltage to generate a monitored voltage value. The processing circuit is electrically connected to the voltage monitor circuit and the switch circuit, and is arranged to control the switch circuit, and in a state of controlling the switch circuit, receive the monitored voltage value and determine the power capability of the power source according to the monitored voltage value.