USB-C Docking Device Thermal Management via Dynamic Power Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB-C docking devices suffer from high operating temperatures due to low power conversion efficiency, leading to overheating issues, which are exacerbated by the need for large heat sinks that increase size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A docking device with a temperature sensor and processor that automatically switches to a cooling charging mode when the temperature exceeds a threshold, bypassing the power converter to directly transmit input voltage to peripheral devices, thereby reducing power loss and heat generation without the need for large heat sinks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power converter circuit is used to convert power from power source to appropriate voltage, then the docking device can provide appropriate voltage to peripheral devices, but the converting efficiency is low and the operating temperature rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two power transmission modes: a first power transmission mode using a power converter circuit for voltage conversion, and a second power transmission mode using a direct power transmission circuit for bypassing voltage conversion. The system dynamically selects the appropriate mode based on real-time temperature monitoring and power negotiation results, thereby dynamically adjusting the power transmission path to optimize both temperature control and voltage conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the power transmission system by switching between different transmission modes. When temperature exceeds a threshold, the system changes from voltage conversion mode (with associated heat generation) to direct power transmission mode (with lower heat generation), while still meeting the power delivery requirements through parameter adjustment in the power negotiation process.
2Temperature
If heat sinks are added to dissipate heat, then the temperature can be reduced, but the size of the docking device will be expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of the power converter circuit (voltage conversion that generates heat) from the main power transmission path and replaces it with a direct power transmission circuit. By taking out the voltage conversion function in the second power transmission mode, the system eliminates the primary heat source without requiring additional heat dissipation components like heat sinks, thus maintaining a compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switching mechanism as an intermediary that selectively connects different power transmission paths. This switching mechanism, controlled by the processor based on temperature and power negotiation status, acts as an intermediary to route power through the appropriate path (power converter or direct transmission circuit), thereby managing temperature without requiring physical heat dissipation structures.
3Reliability
If voltage conversion is performed by the power converter, then appropriate voltage is provided to devices, but power loss is converted to heat causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power transmission approach based on real-time conditions. During power negotiation, the system determines whether to use voltage conversion (when voltage matching is required) or direct power transmission (when voltage can be negotiated). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to minimize energy loss by avoiding unnecessary voltage conversion while still ensuring appropriate voltage delivery when required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach of always using a power converter for voltage conversion, the patent inverts the approach by using a direct power transmission circuit as the primary method and only resorting to voltage conversion when absolutely necessary. This inversion minimizes the use of energy-intensive voltage conversion and reduces overall power loss.
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
This solution effectively lowers the operating temperature of the docking device, preventing damage from overheating while minimizing size and cost by eliminating the need for extensive heat dissipation mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor, sensing a temperature in the docking device to output a real temperature value
Implementation Method 2
a power converter, connected to the first connection port, the second connection port, and the at least one peripheral equipment connection port
Implementation Method 3
controlling the input voltage to be transmitted to the at least one peripheral equipment connection port via the power converter
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a docking device and a charging management method thereof, including a first connection port, a second connection port, at least one peripheral equipment connection port, a power converter, a temperature sensor and a processor. The first connection port and the second connection port are both USB Type-C connectors, connected to a host and an external power respectively. When a real temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor rises to an upper temperature threshold, the processor controls the first connection port, the second connection port, and the peripheral equipment connection port coordinately according to USB-C power delivery protocol, requests an input voltage of the second connection port to be equal to the peripheral device voltage, and transmits the input voltage to the peripheral equipment connection port via the power converter. Neither does the power converter generate conversion loss nor does the docking device increase power loss and heat.