USB-C Jump Starter Charger Circuit for Cost-Effective Fast Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of implementing complex buck and boost converters for full USB-C compatibility in battery auto chargers, which drives up costs while aiming for high-functionality and protection, necessitates a cost-effective approach that maintains USB-C functionality and protection.
Innovation Solution
A custom-designed USB-C battery charger with a new cable assembly and oval-shaped plug configuration, featuring multiple spaced apart electrical conductors, integrated overvoltage, undervoltage, reverse polarity, and overtemperature protection, and a customized USB-C Driver for efficient power delivery to jump starters like NOCO Boost Jumpstarters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex buck and boost converters are implemented for full USB-C compatibility, then USB-C functionality and protection are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex buck and boost converter functionality from the USB-C implementation, replacing it with a simpler circuit architecture that achieves the same power conversion goals through alternative means, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining USB-C compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified controller IC that copies only the essential USB-C control functions rather than implementing the full complex converter architecture, achieving compatibility through functional replication of key features while avoiding unnecessary complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex buck and boost converters are implemented for full USB-C compatibility, then USB-C functionality and protection are improved, but cost drives up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive complex converters with more affordable, simpler circuit components that achieve the same functional outcome, effectively using cost-effective alternatives that reduce manufacturing expenses while maintaining USB-C compatibility and protection features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters and circuit topology from complex multi-stage conversion to a simpler architecture, optimizing the power delivery parameters to achieve USB-C compatibility through parameter optimization rather than through complex hardware implementation
3Productivity
If high power delivery is implemented for fast charging, then charging speed is improved, but risk of electrical hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protection measures through integrated overvoltage, undervoltage, reverse polarity, and overtemperature protection circuits that are activated before high power delivery occurs, preventing electrical hazards from occurring in the first place while enabling fast charging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs real-time feedback monitoring through the USB-C Driver and protection circuits that continuously monitor electrical parameters during high power delivery, automatically adjusting or shutting down power flow when abnormal conditions are detected, thereby enabling fast charging while mitigating electrical hazard risks
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a battery charging system for charging an internal battery of a jump starter device, including a universal serial bus (USB) connector for receiving power from a direct-current (DC) port of a vehicle, a voltage detection circuit configured to detect a voltage of a vehicle battery, and a USB driver configured to control charging power from the USB connector to the internal battery of the jump starter device based at least in part on the detected voltage of the vehicle battery.