Power Supply Voltage Selection for Device Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power supplying apparatuses fail to provide sufficient power to electronic devices when the tip type or communication protocol does not match, leading to inefficiencies in power delivery.

Innovation Solution

A power supplying apparatus with a voltage selecting module that receives a voltage identification signal and selectively sends DC voltage signals based on the signal, allowing for compatibility with different electronic devices and protocols through a voltage outputting module and returning unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the power supplying apparatus uses a fixed tip type and communication protocol, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide sufficient power to electronic devices with different specifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different electronic devicesVSAvoidstructure of power supplying apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supplying apparatus uses a universal tip structure (Type-C interface) that can physically connect to different electronic devices, and through protocol negotiation (USB PD, QC, etc.), it achieves multi-functionality by adapting to various power requirements without needing multiple dedicated connectors

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

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus dynamically adjusts its output parameters (voltage, current, power) based on real-time negotiation with the connected electronic device. The control unit modifies operating conditions during operation to match the specific needs of different devices, transitioning from static to dynamic adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the power supplying apparatus supports multiple communication protocols, then it can communicate with various electronic devices, but the control logic becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidcontrol logic
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a protocol conversion module that acts as an intermediary between different communication protocols. This mediator translates various protocols (USB PD, Quick Charge, proprietary protocols) into a unified internal control language, simplifying the control logic by handling protocol diversity at the interface layer rather than requiring complex multi-protocol processing throughout the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus changes its operational parameters (voltage levels, current limits, communication frequency) based on the detected protocol type. By dynamically adjusting parameters according to the negotiated protocol, the system maintains simple control logic while achieving broad protocol compatibility through parameter adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the power supplying apparatus uses a non-removable tip, then the structure is compact, but it cannot adapt to different tip types required by different electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetip type compatibilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supplying apparatus segments the connector into a permanent base structure and a removable tip component. The base structure remains fixed and compact, while the tip portion can be exchanged to match different device requirements, achieving adaptability without compromising the compactness of the main body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9780686B1Power supplying apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2017.10.03 CHICONY POWER TECH CO LTD
  • US9780686B1 patent drawing
  • US9780686B1 patent drawing
  • US9780686B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supplying apparatus includes a voltage outputting module and a voltage selecting module. The voltage selecting module is electrically connected to the voltage outputting module. The voltage selecting module includes a returning unit. The voltage selecting module receives a voltage identification signal when the voltage outputting module is electrically connected to an electronic device. When the voltage identification signal is larger than a voltage level, the returning unit notifies the electronic device, such that the electronic device returns a voltage request signal. The power supplying apparatus selectively sends out one of a plurality of DC voltage signals to the electronic device according to the voltage request signal.