USB Hub Dynamic Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB hubs typically have a fixed output voltage and only one Type-C port for power and data transmission, limiting flexibility and compatibility with future USB specifications.
Innovation Solution
A USB hub with multiple Type-C ports and power converting circuits that dynamically adjust output power based on connected devices' requirements, using detecting and control units to generate operation powers according to specific profiles or user selection, ensuring compatibility with various USB specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed output voltage is used in the USB hub, then the circuit design is simple, but the usage flexibility is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage switching capability where the USB hub can automatically adjust output voltage between 5V and 20V based on the connected device's requirements. The controller detects device power needs and switches between different voltage outputs, transforming a static fixed-voltage system into a dynamic adaptive system that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from a fixed value to a variable that can be adjusted between 5V and 20V. By incorporating voltage detection and switching circuits, the system can modify its output voltage parameter according to device requirements, thereby improving usage flexibility while maintaining reasonable circuit complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only one Type-C USB port is provided, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different electronic devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides multiple Type-C USB ports (first and second Type-C ports) that can independently connect to different electronic devices. Each port is equipped with its own power conversion circuit, enabling the hub to simultaneously serve multiple devices with different power requirements. This multi-functional design enhances adaptability while managing complexity through standardized port interfaces and modular power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power management system into independent power conversion circuits for each Type-C port. Each port has its own detection and control unit that can independently manage power delivery to connected devices. This segmentation allows the hub to handle multiple devices simultaneously with different power profiles, improving versatility while keeping each module's complexity manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an analog circuit is used for power conversion, then the implementation is simple, but the output voltage cannot be adjusted for different electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where detection units monitor the power requirements of connected devices and provide information to control units. The controller receives feedback about device needs and adjusts the output voltage accordingly, implementing a closed-loop control system that enables adaptive voltage adjustment while maintaining stable power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control units and detection units as intermediary components between the power conversion circuits and connected devices. These intermediaries manage the complexity of voltage adjustment by handling detection, calculation, and switching operations, allowing the power conversion circuits to adapt to different devices without requiring complex reconfiguration of the core conversion architecture.
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
Enhances usage flexibility and supports future USB specifications by providing adjustable operation powers to connected devices, prioritizing power distribution based on device needs and sequencing.
Implementation Method 1
The main power converting circuit is coupled between the power input port and a power bus, and is configured to perform power conversion to the input power and output a main power to the power bus accordingly
Implementation Method 2
The first and the second power converting circuits respectively obtain a first and a second operation power information of the first and the second external electronic devices, and respectively generate and provide a first and a second operation powers required for normal operation of the first and the second external electronic devices
Data Source
AI summary
An USB hub including a power input port, a main power converting circuit, a first and a second type-C USB ports, and a first and a second power converting circuits is provided. The power input port receives an input power. The main power converting circuit converts the input power into a main power. The first and the second power converting circuits receive the main power respectively, and are coupled to the first and the second type-C USB ports respectively. The first and the second power converting circuits respectively obtain a first and a second operation power information of a first and a second external electronic devices, and respectively generate and provide a first and a second operating powers required by the first and the second external electronic devices for normal operation according to the first and the second operation power information.