Multiple Charging Path Circuit for USB-C Backflow Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging management mechanisms for electronic devices with multiple USB Type-C interfaces are prone to voltage backflow and response delays due to reliance on controller-based information exchange, leading to complex and error-prone path management.

Innovation Solution

A hardware-only circuitry-based multiple charging path control device that uses path control circuits and a control signal generation unit to manage charging paths without controller interaction, ensuring rapid and flexible control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If controller-based information exchange is used to manage multiple charging paths, then charging management functionality is achieved, but response delay and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging path management reliabilityVSAvoidcontroller response time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the software-based controller information exchange mechanism with a hardware-based control circuit that directly manages multiple charging paths. The control circuit uses hardware logic to detect power source connections and automatically switch charging paths without requiring controller intervention, thereby eliminating response delays while maintaining reliable charging management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dedicated control circuit as an intermediary component between power sources and the charging system. This control circuit acts as a hardware mediator that directly monitors power source connections and controls path switching, bypassing the need for controller-based communication and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple USB Type-C interfaces are simultaneously connected to power supply devices, then charging versatility is improved, but voltage backflow occurs causing device damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging interface versatilityVSAvoidvoltage backflow damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary protective measures by designing the control circuit to detect power source connections in advance and proactively switch charging paths before voltage backflow can occur. The hardware control logic monitors the status of multiple USB Type-C interfaces and preemptively isolates problematic paths, preventing voltage backflow damage before it can affect the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harmful effect of simultaneous multi-interface connections into a beneficial feature by using the control circuit to intelligently manage power distribution. The system accepts multiple power sources simultaneously but uses hardware logic to selectively activate only safe charging paths, transforming the risk of voltage backflow into an opportunity for enhanced charging versatility with built-in protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20260024989A1Multiple charging path control device for use in electronic device with multiple charging connection interfaces

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

A multiple charging path control device includes: first and second charging paths, respectively utilized for selectively providing first and second charging currents from first and second power sources to an electronic device based on first and second path switching signals; first and second path control circuits, respectively utilized for generating the first and second path switching signals based on at least first and second path main control signals; and a control signal generation unit utilized for generating the first and second path main control signals and adjusting the first and second path main control signals according to connection status of power sources and the electronic device. When the first power source is coupled to the electronic device, the control signal generation unit asserts the first path main control signal to enable the first charging path and disable the second charging path.