USB Type-C Fast Charging with Data Communication Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with limited battery power capability face restricted usage time due to limited battery capacity, and current charging methods do not effectively implement vendor-defined message (VDM) communication for data exchange during USB Type-C cable connections, limiting fast charging capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a power management module, processor, and memory in both electronic devices and external charging devices to facilitate fast charging by exchanging fast charging related information, determining charging modes, and maintaining data communication through VDM, enabling efficient power delivery and role swapping during USB Type-C connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If USB Type-C cable connection is used for power delivery, then power transmission capability is improved, but data communication capability deteriorates when VDM algorithms are not implemented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoiddata communication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an alternative communication path through the data lines of the USB Type-C cable. When VDM algorithms are not implemented, the system uses a different data exchange mechanism that doesn't rely on the power delivery negotiation protocol, thereby maintaining data communication capability while preserving power transmission through the same cable interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes communication parameters by switching between different communication modes based on whether VDM algorithms are implemented. When VDM is unavailable, the system alters the data exchange parameters to use alternative protocols, ensuring both power delivery and data communication can coexist without conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If fast charging operation is performed, then charging speed is improved, but battery longevity deteriorates due to high power stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic switching between fast charging and normal charging modes. The system alternates between high-power fast charging intervals and lower-power normal charging intervals, allowing the battery to experience reduced stress periodically while still achieving overall faster charging compared to continuous normal charging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system dynamically adjusts power delivery levels based on real-time battery state monitoring. The patent enables transitions between different charging power levels (fast charging and normal charging) based on battery temperature, charge level, and health status, optimizing the balance between charging speed and battery longevity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If power delivery is implemented through USB Type-C, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates when vendor-specific protocols are not supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoiddevice compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the USB Type-C interface universally compatible by implementing support for multiple power delivery protocols and communication standards. The system can function with both VDM-enabled devices and those using alternative protocols, allowing the same hardware interface to achieve efficient power transmission across different device types and vendors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring devices to support a specific vendor protocol for fast charging, the patent inverts the approach by making the charging device adapt to various device protocols. The system detects which protocol the connected device supports and adjusts its power delivery accordingly, ensuring broad compatibility while maintaining efficient power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11973356B2Method and electronic device for providing fast charging

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include: a power management module; a USB connection terminal; a processor operably connected to the power management module and the USB connection terminal; and a memory operably connected to the processor. The memory may store instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: provide, in response to connection with an external electronic device through the USB connection terminal, fast charging related information to the external electronic device; obtain power based on the fast charging related information from the external electronic device; perform a fast charging operation through the power management module based on the obtained power; determine to enter a first mode for data communication with the external electronic device; and determine whether fast charging is possible in the external electronic device based on the obtained power and an entry into the first mode by the electronic device and the external electronic device.