USB Connector Overheat Detection via Dynamic Resistance Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Higher charging currents through micro USB interfaces lead to power dissipation issues due to smaller interface sizes and wear of cables and connectors, potentially causing overheating and safety hazards from unexpected ohmic losses.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a resistive control block and sensing and adjustment block is coupled to the USB connector, which senses overheating and adjusts the resistance between data lines or identification and ground lines to change the USB port type, reducing the charging current and preventing overheating by making the USB connector appear as a different port type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher charging currents are used through micro USB interface, then charging time is reduced, but power dissipation and overheating increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resistance adjustment between data lines based on real-time temperature monitoring. When the USB connector temperature exceeds a threshold, the system dynamically changes the resistance state to alter port identification, thereby reducing charging current. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing high-speed charging under normal conditions while automatically preventing overheating when temperature rises.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical resistance parameter of the USB connector's data lines to modify port type identification. By transitioning between different resistance states (e.g., between D+ and D- lines), the connector appears as different USB port types to the charging device, which automatically adjusts the charging current accordingly. This parameter change enables the system to reduce charging current when overheating is detected, resolving the temperature-charging speed contradiction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If higher charging currents are used through micro USB interface, then battery capacity utilization is improved, but cable and connector wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the USB connector and cable conditions. When temperature exceeds safe thresholds indicating potential wear or damage risk, the system provides feedback by adjusting the resistance state to reduce charging current. This closed-loop feedback protects the connector and cable from excessive wear while maintaining efficient charging within safe operational limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary protective action by monitoring temperature trends and proactively adjusting resistance before significant damage occurs. By detecting early signs of overheating or excessive current stress, the system preemptively reduces charging current to prevent cable or connector failure, thereby extending their operational lifespan while maintaining charging efficiency within safe parameters.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If resistance adjustment is implemented to prevent overheating, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the overheat protection function into the existing USB controller by utilizing its built-in resistance adjustment capability between data lines. The same controller that manages USB communication also handles temperature monitoring and resistance state changes for port type identification. This multi-functional approach prevents overheating without requiring separate dedicated protection circuits, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety.
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
This solution effectively reduces overheating and prevents damage by adjusting the resistance to lower the charging current when overheating is detected, thereby ensuring safety and extending the lifespan of USB connectors and cables.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing and adjustment block is configured to sense a predetermined level of overheating of the universal serial bus connector charging port
Implementation Method 2
The resistive control block is configured to change a level of resistance between the first data line and the second data line
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus that includes a resistive control block (RCB) coupled to data lines of a universal serial bus (USB) connector charging port and is configured to change a level of resistance between the data lines. The apparatus further includes a sensing and adjustment block (SAB) that is configured to sense a predetermined level of overheating of the USB connector charging port and cause the RCB to increase the level of resistance resulting in the USB connector charging port to appear as a different type of port. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a RCB and SAB. The RCB is coupled to an identification and ground lines of a USB connector and configured to change a level of resistance between them. The SAB is configured to sense a predetermine level of overheating of a USB connector and cause the RCB to decrease the level of resistance.