Two-Way Charging Circuit for Detachable Laptops
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-in-one detachable laptop/tablet hybrid computers face challenges in managing power transfer between the main system and dock system using USB-C connectors, particularly in preventing mutual charging between battery systems while ensuring efficient charging and discharging.
Innovation Solution
A two-way charging-discharging circuit structure utilizing USB-C connectors with power delivery controllers and comparators to manage power flow, allowing simultaneous charging of both systems when sufficient power is available and prioritizing the main system's battery charging over the dock system's when power is insufficient, while preventing battery-to-battery charging during discharging modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If USB-C connectors are used to connect main system and dock system for power transfer, then connector standardization and cost reduction are achieved, but mutual charging between battery systems occurs causing power management issues
Solution Approach 1:
A power delivery controller circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the USB-C connector and the battery system. This controller acts as a mediator that manages power flow direction, preventing mutual charging by controlling when power is delivered from the dock to the main system or from the main system to the dock, thus resolving the power management reliability issue while maintaining USB-C connector standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the electrical parameters (voltage, current direction) through the power delivery controller based on charging mode detection. By adjusting these parameters according to whether the system is in charging or discharging mode, the controller prevents mutual charging while maintaining standardized USB-C connectors for power transfer
2Reliability
If power delivery controller circuits are added to manage power flow, then power management reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management function is segmented into separate power delivery controller circuits for the main system and dock system. Each controller independently manages power flow in its respective system, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining reliable power management. This segmentation allows each controller to focus on specific power delivery tasks rather than requiring a single complex centralized controller
3Productivity
If battery modules are charged simultaneously when power is sufficient, then charging efficiency is improved, but power distribution control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system dynamically adjusts power allocation between main system and dock system battery modules based on real-time power availability. When sufficient power is available, the system dynamically switches to simultaneous charging mode to improve efficiency. When power is limited, it dynamically transitions to priority-based sequential charging, allowing flexible adaptation to different power conditions without requiring overly complex control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A two way charging-discharging circuit structure has a main system and a secondary system. When the main system is connected to the secondary system, the sequence for discharging the battery modules may be controlled, and the to-be-discharging battery module will not be charged. The battery modules of the main system and the secondary system may be charged simultaneously if the power of the power adapter is large enough.