Dynamic Power Path Selection for USB OTG Battery Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face high power consumption and battery deterioration when connected to USB OTG devices, as they supply a fixed boosted voltage regardless of the battery state, leading to inefficient power usage and performance degradation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a processor that determines the power transmission path based on the battery's real-time voltage and the connected device's identification information, using a bypass path to supply power efficiently and reduce battery consumption by adjusting voltage levels and switching frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic device supplies fixed boosted voltage through the OTG path regardless of battery state, then the voltage requirement of USB OTG devices is met, but battery power consumption increases and battery performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage supply stabilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by switching between two power supply paths: a first path that boosts battery voltage to a fixed level for compatibility, and a second path that bypasses the booster to supply power directly at variable voltage levels. The system dynamically selects the appropriate path based on real-time battery state (charge level, temperature, health) to optimize power consumption while ensuring device compatibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically by adjusting the output voltage level based on battery state. When the battery is in good condition with sufficient charge, the system increases voltage to reduce current and power consumption. When battery state degrades, the system adapts by lowering voltage requirements or switching paths, thereby extending battery duration and preventing further deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device uses voltage boosting to supply fixed voltage to external devices, then device compatibility is ensured, but battery duration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidbattery duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply system into two distinct paths: the first path includes a voltage booster for supplying fixed boosted voltage to ensure compatibility with various USB OTG devices, while the second path bypasses the booster to supply power directly from the battery at its native voltage level. This segmentation allows the system to choose the most efficient path based on conditions, thereby extending battery duration while maintaining compatibility when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a path selection mechanism as an intermediary that determines whether to route power through the voltage booster or directly to the connector. This intermediary evaluates battery state and device requirements to make intelligent routing decisions, reducing unnecessary voltage conversion and extending battery duration while ensuring compatibility with external devices when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If the electronic device supplies high voltage to meet device requirements, then power delivery capability is improved, but battery deterioration accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidbattery health
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power delivery adjustment by monitoring battery health metrics (charge cycles, temperature, voltage stability) and adapting the power supply strategy accordingly. When battery health is good, the system can safely deliver high power through the booster path. As battery health deteriorates, the system dynamically reduces power delivery levels or switches to the bypass path with lower current draw, thereby preventing further battery degradation while maintaining adequate power delivery for essential functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230051908A1Method of providing power through bypass path and electronic device to which same is applied
Publication Date: 2023.02.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20230051908A1 patent drawing
  • US20230051908A1 patent drawing
  • US20230051908A1 patent drawing

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device comprises: a battery, a memory, a connector including one or more signal terminals, a first converter included in a first path that connects the battery to the connector, a second converter included in second path that is distinct from the first path and connects the battery to the connector, and a processor electrically connected to the battery, the memory, the connector, the first converter, and the second converter, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to obtain identification information of the external electronic device when the electronic device is connected to the external electronic device through the connector, determine whether the identification information matches comparison data stored in the memory, determine whether a voltage of a power terminal (vbus) among the one or more signal terminals satisfies a specified condition when the identification information matches the comparison data, and transmit power determined based on a real-time voltage of the battery to the external electronic device by using the second path through the connector, based on whether the specified condition is satisfied.