USB-C Power Delivery Mode Switching for Adapter Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable devices may not recognize default and proprietary output power modes, leading to adverse performance when using generic or mismatched USB-C PD adapters.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for controlling power delivery to electronic devices by completing a default power delivery protocol upon connection and verifying proprietary protocols to adjust power delivery modes accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a generic PD adapter is used with a portable device, then the device can still be charged, but the performance may be adversely affected due to incompatible proprietary power modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different PD adaptersVSAvoidperformance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between default and proprietary power modes based on protocol verification results. The power delivery adapter adjusts its operating mode in real-time depending on whether the portable device responds to proprietary protocol commands, ensuring optimal performance while maintaining broad compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power delivery parameters (voltage, current, power mode) based on the detected protocol compatibility. When proprietary protocol verification succeeds, the system transitions to proprietary power mode with specific parameters (e.g., 20V/3A for 60W); otherwise, it operates in default mode with standard parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a proprietary power delivery protocol is implemented, then optimal performance can be achieved, but compatibility with other manufacturers' adapters is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance optimizationVSAvoidadapter compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power delivery system is segmented into two distinct operational modes: default power mode for broad compatibility and proprietary power mode for optimized performance. The system divides the protocol verification process into separate stages (default protocol execution, proprietary protocol verification) to determine which mode to activate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power delivery adapter is designed with multi-functionality to support both universal default power mode and manufacturer-specific proprietary power mode. This allows a single adapter to serve multiple purposes: maintaining broad compatibility through default mode while enabling optimized performance through proprietary mode when conditions permit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If protocol verification is performed before power delivery, then performance degradation is prevented, but the connection process takes longer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance guaranteeVSAvoidconnection establishment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary protocol verification actions immediately upon connection establishment. The portable device and adapter exchange protocol information and perform verification checks before actual power delivery begins, ensuring compatibility is confirmed in advance to prevent subsequent performance degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protocol verification process is streamlined by skipping unnecessary negotiation steps. The system directly executes default protocol commands and checks for proprietary protocol response, rushing through the verification process efficiently to minimize connection time while still ensuring proper compatibility confirmation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS12244160B2System and method for delivering power to a portable device
Publication Date: 2025.03.04 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • US12244160B2 patent drawing
  • US12244160B2 patent drawing
  • US12244160B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for controlling power delivery to an electronic device having default and proprietary power modes. A default power delivery protocol between the power delivery adapter and the electronic device is completed upon connecting the power delivery adapter to the electronic device. When a proprietary power mode is available, it is verified and communicated to the power delivery adapter, wherein the power delivery adapter delivers power to the electronic device according to the proprietary power mode. When a proprietary power mode is not available, the power delivery adapter continues to deliver power in the default mode.