USB Charging Circuit with Mode Switching for Multi-Device Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional USB chargers are inefficient in charging multiple portable electronic devices simultaneously, as they provide only 500 mA of low-current output, leading to slow charging speeds and requiring numerous electrical outlets and voltage converters, complicating the charging process.

Innovation Solution

A USB charging circuit with a synchronization/charge mode switching circuit that detects external computer connections to switch between data synchronization and rapid charging modes, utilizing a hardware logical judgment technique for output control, and includes a mating hub module, power supply module, and output control units with current detectors and LED control circuits for status display and over-current protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a standard USB port is used to charge portable electronic devices, then the charging system is simple and compatible, but the charging current is limited to 500 mA resulting in slow charging speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcharging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is segmented into multiple independent output control units (3), each capable of controlling power output to multiple devices. This allows the system to provide high-current charging to multiple devices simultaneously while maintaining modular simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The USB charging circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can charge multiple portable electronic devices simultaneously with high current, synchronize data with external computers, and automatically switch between charging modes based on device needs, eliminating the need for separate charging solutions

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrical outlets and voltage converters are used to charge a large amount of portable electronic devices, then different voltage requirements can be met, but the arrangement of power cables and charging systems becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage compatibilityVSAvoidcharging system arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply module (2) incorporates voltage conversion and regulation capabilities to provide different voltage outputs (5V, 12V, etc.) through the same USB charging circuit. This allows the system to charge devices with different voltage requirements using a single unified charging system, eliminating the need for multiple voltage converters and simplifying the overall arrangement

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

3Productivity

If a USB port is used for both data update and charging, then one-to-one transmission is enabled, but it takes a lot of time to charge or update a large amount of portable electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidtime for charging and data update
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple output control units (3), each with independent USB ports and control circuits. This allows multiple devices to be charged and synchronized simultaneously through different ports, dramatically increasing productivity and reducing the total time required compared to sequential one-to-one charging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous parallel operation of charging and data synchronization across multiple devices simultaneously. All output control units operate concurrently to charge and synchronize multiple devices at the same time, maximizing productivity and minimizing total operation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of manufacture

If hardware logical judgment technique is used for output control, then cost is saved and charging speed is enhanced, but the control logic becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex software control and microprocessor-based logic with hardware-level logical judgment circuits. These hardware circuits automatically detect device connection types and switch between charging modes through direct electrical signaling, eliminating the need for expensive microcontrollers and complex software while maintaining simple cost-effective manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9048666B2USB charging circuit
Publication Date: 2015.06.02 CHEN-SOURCE INC
  • US9048666B2 patent drawing
  • US9048666B2 patent drawing
  • US9048666B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A USB charging circuit includes a mating hub module including a USB input port for the connection of an external computer and a USB main hub control circuit electrically connected to the USB input port, a power supply module including a power supply device and a synchronization/charge mode switching circuit for detecting the power signal output of the USB input port and outputting a corresponding mode judgment signal, and one or multiple output control units each including a USB charging control circuit electrically connected to the USB main hub control circuit, the power supply device and the synchronization/charge mode switching circuit to receive the outputted data signal, power supply and mode judgment signal and a USB output port for receiving the outputted data signal and power supply from the USB charging control circuit so that connected portable electronic devices can be charged or receive data synchronously.