Multi-Port USB-C Detection Device for Parallel PD Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional USB-C PD detection technologies are limited to testing one device at a time, making the process time-consuming and prone to errors due to manual operation, and lack the capability to simultaneously detect multiple devices in a production line setting.

Innovation Solution

A product detection device and system utilizing plural USB-C transmission ports and a processing unit to automatically detect multiple USB-C under-test products by cyclically operating them at designated voltages, reducing manual intervention and increasing detection efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional USB-C PD detection technology is used, then one device can be tested at a time with manual operation, but the detection process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection throughputVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device segments the testing process by providing multiple independent transmission ports (at least two USB-C ports), allowing multiple devices to be tested simultaneously rather than sequentially. Each port can independently connect to and test a separate device under test, effectively parallelizing the detection process and increasing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical operation with automated electronic control. The processing unit automatically controls the detection process, switching between different transmission ports and devices without manual intervention. This substitution eliminates the need for inspectors to manually switch or regulate voltage/current, thereby reducing detection time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual inspection is used to switch and regulate voltage/current, then detection can be performed, but errors such as misjudgment occur and the process is labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device performs self-service through automated control by the processing unit. The system automatically switches between transmission ports, regulates voltage and current, and records detection results without requiring manual operation. This eliminates human error and misjudgment while maintaining ease of operation, as the automated system handles all complex switching and regulation tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processing unit continuously monitors detection results from multiple devices and automatically adjusts testing parameters. The detection program receives real-time data from power detection instruments connected to each transmission port, enabling automatic validation and correction of detection results, thereby improving reliability and reducing misjudgment errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional detection instruments are used, then testing can be performed sequentially, but the capability to simultaneously detect multiple devices is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-device detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device achieves universality by designing a multi-functional system where a single device can test multiple USB-C devices simultaneously through multiple transmission ports. The processing unit and power detection instruments are configured to handle multiple devices concurrently, making the system adaptable to various testing scenarios without requiring separate instruments for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated platform. Multiple transmission ports, power detection instruments, and control functions are combined into one cohesive system managed by the processing unit. This consolidation enables simultaneous detection of multiple devices while managing system complexity through integrated design rather than separate standalone instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11449121B2Product detection device, product detection system and product detection method applied thereto

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD

AI summary

The product detection system includes a computing device, at least one power detection instrument and a product detection device. The product detection device includes a processing unit, plural USB-C transmission ports and plural detection connection ports. A product detection method includes following steps. Firstly, at least one USB-C under-test product is connected with the plural USB-C transmission ports, and the at least one power detection instrument is connected with the plural detection connection ports. Then, the USB-C transmission port is set as a first role or a second role. Then, the USB-C transmission port corresponding to the first role is cyclically operated at plural designated voltages under control of the processing unit, and the processing unit issues an output voltage to the USB-C transmission port corresponding to the second role. Then, an operation status of the USB-C under-test product is detected.