USB-C Power Boost Charging With Timed Thermal Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB charging systems do not efficiently support power boost modes without requiring additional costly components, limiting rapid charging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A USB Type-C Power Delivery (USB-C/PD) system and method that allows a power boost mode for a predetermined time, negotiating higher power levels within USB-PD specifications, with temperature and time limits to prevent component stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power boost mode is implemented to enable faster charging, then charging speed is improved, but system temperature increases and component stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements power boost mode as a periodic action by enabling it for a predetermined time period after device connection, then automatically exiting the boost mode. This temporal segmentation allows high power delivery only during specific intervals, achieving fast charging while limiting cumulative thermal stress on system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-establishing temperature thresholds and time limits before entering power boost mode. The system monitors temperature conditions and only permits boost mode when safety margins exist, preventing thermal runaway before it occurs by having protective measures already in place.
2Productivity
If power boost mode is implemented to enable faster charging, then charging speed is improved, but component reliability deteriorates due to increased stress
Solution Approach 1:
By structuring power delivery as periodic boost intervals rather than continuous high power, the system achieves fast charging while allowing components to recover between bursts, maintaining reliability through rhythmic stress application rather than constant overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring temperature conditions and connection status to dynamically control power boost mode. The controller continuously assesses system state and adjusts power delivery accordingly, exiting boost mode when temperature thresholds are approached, thereby preserving component reliability through real-time adaptive control.
3Power
If higher power levels are negotiated in power boost mode, then power delivery capability is improved, but USB-PD specification compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making power delivery capability adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically negotiates higher power levels during boost mode when conditions permit, then reverts to standard profiles, allowing flexible adaptation between specification compliance and enhanced performance based on real-time system state.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery operates in periodic phases: standard USB-PD compliant mode for normal operation, and temporary power boost mode for accelerated charging. This temporal alternation allows the system to exceed standard power levels only during designated intervals while maintaining overall specification compliance through structured deviation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes detecting a connection of a device to a USB Type-C Power Delivery (USB-C/PD) port, generating a base power delivery profile for providing power to the device through the USB-C/PD port according to a base maximum power level, entering a power boost mode, generating a power boost delivery profile in the power boost mode according to a boost maximum power level greater than the base maximum power level, delivering power to the device through the USB-C/PD port according to a first contract negotiated based on the power boost delivery profile for a predetermined time period, exiting the power boost mode responsive to expiration of the predetermined time period, and delivering power to the device through the USB-C/PD port according to a second contract negotiated based on the base power delivery profile after exiting the power boost mode, wherein the second contract is compliant with a USB-PD specification.