Dynamic Power Path Switching for Multi-Source USB-C Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing power supply effectively between multiple power sources and expansion devices connected via two-way power interfaces, such as USB Type-C, is challenging due to the need for flexible and stable power distribution.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with multiple expansion connector modules, a power supply path switch circuit, and a controller that detects the power of connected sources to adjust the power supply direction, allowing devices to act as both power suppliers and consumers, ensuring flexible and stable power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional expansion connection interfaces are used for power supply, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the power supply flexibility is limited to single-direction delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply flexibilityVSAvoidpower management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power supply direction control through a power supply path switch circuit that can dynamically change power flow direction based on detected power source status. The controller adjusts the power supply path in real-time, allowing the electronic device to switch between receiving power from expansion devices and supplying power to them, thereby achieving adaptable two-way power supply without permanent complex circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply path switch circuit acts as an intermediary component between the expansion connection interface and the system load. This mediator enables flexible power direction control by routing power flow dynamically, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple interface connections and achieving complex power management functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power supply sources are connected to the electronic device, then the power distribution flexibility is heightened, but the difficulty of managing power supply effectively increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution flexibilityVSAvoidpower management difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously detects the power status of connected expansion devices through the expansion connection interface. Based on this feedback information about which devices are power sources and which are loads, the controller automatically adjusts the power supply path switch circuit to optimize power distribution, thereby managing multiple power sources effectively without increasing operational difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service power management by automatically detecting power source capabilities and configuring power paths without user intervention. The controller autonomously determines which expansion devices can supply power and routes power flow accordingly, eliminating the need for manual power management configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the electronic device always supplies power to expansion devices, then the power supply direction is fixed and simple to control, but the adaptability to different power scenarios is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply control simplicityVSAvoidpower supply scenario adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system transitions from static single-direction power delivery to dynamic two-way power supply. The power supply path switch circuit enables real-time adjustment of power flow direction based on the operational needs and power capabilities of connected expansion devices, achieving both ease of operation through automated control and adaptability to various power scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10333380B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a plurality of expansion connector modules, a power supply path switch circuit, a system load and a controller. The power supply path switch circuit includes a plurality of input ends connected to output ends of expansion connector modules respectively. The system load is coupled to the power supply path switch circuit. The controller is coupled to the expansion connector module and the power supply path switch circuit. The controller determines whether a first power supply source is coupled to one of the expansion connector modules through the expansion connector modules. When the first power supply source is connected to the one of the expansion connector modules, the controller detects the power of the first power supply source via the expansion connector module connected to the first power supply source. Then, the controller adjusts a power supply direction between the expansion connector module connected to the first power supply source and the system load according to the power of the first power supply source.