Smart Voltage Dedicated Charger System for USB Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chargers for wireless communication devices, such as cellular phones and tablets, face issues with lengthy charging times for large batteries, excessive heat generation, and inability to operate the device during heavy load use cases without depleting the battery, due to inefficient charging methods and limitations in power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A smart voltage dedicated charger system that utilizes the D+/D− terminals of a USB connector for half-duplex communication, enabling digital communication and optimizing power delivery to reduce charging time, support large batteries, and allow device operation without battery depletion, by using an AC-DC converter circuit and a smart adaptor controller to regulate DC output voltage based on communication with the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If charging current is increased to reduce charging time for large batteries, then charging time is reduced, but maximum rated current through connection cable is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The charger dynamically adjusts voltage levels during charging based on battery state and power delivery capabilities. The system transitions from fixed voltage charging to variable voltage charging, allowing current to be optimized without exceeding cable ratings. The controller modifies charging parameters in real-time to balance speed and safety constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter as the primary control variable instead of current. By adjusting voltage dynamically and calculating appropriate current limits based on power equations (P=VI), the system achieves faster charging while maintaining current within safe cable transmission limits. The charger implements multiple voltage stages to optimize charging at different battery states.
2Productivity
If higher power is delivered to charge large batteries faster, then charging speed is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charger implements periodic monitoring and adjustment of power delivery parameters. The system uses duty-cycled communication protocols and periodic status checks to manage power transfer. By pulsing or modulating power delivery rather than continuous maximum power, the system reduces thermal accumulation while maintaining effective charging rates through optimized on/off cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the charger continuously monitors battery voltage, current, and temperature parameters. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts power delivery levels to prevent excessive heat generation. The feedback loop enables real-time optimization of charging power, reducing intensity when thermal thresholds are approached and maintaining higher power when safe, thereby balancing charging speed with thermal management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If USB standard charging method is used, then compatibility is improved, but charging efficiency is not optimized resulting in heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The charger transitions from static USB standard charging parameters to dynamic parameter adjustment. While maintaining USB protocol compatibility for communication and basic operation, the system dynamically optimizes voltage and current parameters based on detected battery characteristics, charge state, and power availability. This enables efficiency optimization beyond standard USB limitations while preserving compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies charging parameters beyond USB standard specifications to improve efficiency. The system adjusts voltage levels, current limits, and power delivery timing based on optimized charging algorithms. By changing these parameters adaptively rather than adhering strictly to fixed USB standards, the charger achieves higher efficiency while maintaining protocol-level compatibility for device recognition and control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If battery charging detection scheme using analog or digital comparators is implemented, then charger type recognition is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog comparator-based detection circuits with digital processing approaches. Instead of using multiple analog comparators to detect charger types through voltage/impedance sensing, the system uses digital communication protocols over USB to exchange identification information. This substitution of mechanical/analog detection with digital methods reduces circuit complexity while improving recognition accuracy and flexibility.
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
The solution reduces charging time, supports large battery sizes without increasing maximum current, optimizes charge efficiency to minimize heat generation, and enables linear charging by tracking battery voltage, allowing device operation during heavy load use cases without battery depletion.
Implementation Method 1
an AC-DC converter circuit that converts an AC voltage to a DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage dedicated charger apparatus includes an AC-to-DC converter circuit, a pair of switches, and a controller block. The AC-to-DC converter circuit converts an AC input voltage to a DC output voltage. The pair of switches is operable to isolate a pair of data ports from the AC-to-DC converter circuit. The pair of data ports includes a DP port and a DN port. The controller block includes a monitor circuit, a transceiver, and a control circuit. The monitor circuit monitors the DP and DN ports of the apparatus. The transceiver receives one or more messages form a charge-receiving device and communicate data to the charge-receiving device. The control circuit controls operation of the pair of switches based on a signal from the monitor circuit.