USB Type-C Contact Resistance Detection via Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB Type-C connectors face overheating issues due to excessive contact resistance, which can lead to damage from increased power dissipation, as existing temperature measuring devices provide slow temperature readings, delaying action to prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
A modified USB connector system that determines contact resistance using a detector configured to measure voltage drops across contacts, allowing the computing device to reduce current draw proactively and prevent overheating without relying on temperature measuring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature measuring devices are used to detect overheating, then overheating can be detected, but the detection is slow and delays preventive action
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of measuring temperature directly (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the measurement approach by measuring voltage drop across the connector contacts. This indirect measurement method provides faster response time because voltage drop can be detected immediately when it occurs, whereas temperature measurement inherently lags behind the actual overheating event.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of contact resistance changes before actual overheating damage occurs. By continuously monitoring voltage drop and detecting resistance changes early, the system can trigger preventive actions (reducing current draw) before the temperature reaches dangerous levels, thus preventing the harmful effect rather than just detecting it after the fact.
2Power
If higher current is drawn to increase power delivery, then power delivery capability is improved, but contact resistance causes increased heat and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the voltage drop across connector contacts and adjusts the current draw accordingly. When voltage drop exceeds a threshold (indicating high contact resistance), the system reduces current draw to prevent excessive heat generation. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to safely operate at high power levels when contacts are healthy while automatically reducing power when contact resistance becomes problematic.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents overheating and potential damage by rapidly detecting and responding to high contact resistance, ensuring safer operation of USB Type-C connectors.
Implementation Method 1
determining a contact resistance of the at least one first contact based on a voltage drop across the at least one first contact
Implementation Method 2
connector contact resistance can be a concern because of the potential for increased heat associated with an increase in power dissipation in the connector contact
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an interface configured to couple a power source to the device. The interface includes a plurality of contacts including at least one first contact configured to couple a voltage bus of the power source to a voltage bus of the device, and at least one second contact configured to couple the voltage bus of the power source to a secondary bus of the device. The device further includes a detector configured to determine a contact resistance of the at least one first contact based on a first current associated with the voltage bus and a second current associated with the secondary bus.