USB Power Delivery Interface for Dynamic Load Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply systems for track lighting and similar applications are inflexible, requiring power down to adjust the number of loads, and lack dynamic power negotiation capabilities, especially when the number of lighting elements changes during operation.

Innovation Solution

An interface device that uses USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) standards to dynamically negotiate power levels with a USB device, allowing flexible power supply to a variable number of loads via a supply line, with a controller that monitors load additions and removals, renegotiates power as needed, and manages overload conditions by selecting loads to deactivate or dim.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional power supply systems are used for track lighting, then the system structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility when the number of loads changes during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to change number of loadsVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device serves multiple functions: it acts as a power supply interface, a negotiation controller, and a load management system. By integrating USB Power Delivery protocol handling with track lighting control, the device provides universal functionality that adapts to varying load configurations without requiring separate control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system dynamically adjusts power delivery based on the number and power requirements of connected loads. The interface device continuously monitors load conditions and renegotiates power parameters through USB PD protocol, enabling the system to adapt flexibly to changing configurations during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional power supply systems are used, then the power supply is fixed, but the system cannot dynamically adjust power to match load requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic power adjustmentVSAvoidpower supply flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device changes power parameters (voltage, current, power level) dynamically based on load requirements. Through USB Power Delivery negotiation, the system adjusts electrical parameters to match the actual power needs of connected loads, transitioning between different power modes as loads are added or removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the interface device monitors load conditions and uses this information to adjust power delivery. The negotiation process with connected loads provides continuous feedback about power requirements, enabling the controller to optimize power supply in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the number of loads changes during operation in conventional systems, then the system must be powered down to adjust, but this causes interruption of service

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation during load changesVSAvoidpower down time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device enables continuous power delivery and operation while loads are being added or removed from the system. The USB Power Delivery negotiation and load management functions operate continuously, allowing the system to maintain useful action (lighting) without interruption during configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Adaptability or versatility

If power is increased to support more loads, then the system can accommodate variable loads, but overload conditions may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of variable loadsVSAvoidoverload protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device implements careful power allocation that provides sufficient power for connected loads without exceeding safe limits. Through controlled negotiation and monitoring, the system delivers the necessary power for load operation while preventing excessive power delivery that could cause overload conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9913350B2Interface device and method for supplying power

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

The invention relates to an interface device for supplying power to a variable number of loads, which are configured to be coupled to the interface device by means of a supply line and which are configured to communicate with the interface device, to a system comprising such interface device and one or more loads, to a corresponding method for supplying power and to a corresponding software product. A particular feature of the present invention is that the interface device functions as an intermediate between an USB power source and the loads connected to the interface device by supplying power while being flexible to both sides, i.e. to the supplying side as well as to the load side, in allowing for a flexible number of loads to be coupled to the interface device (i.e. to be supplied by the interface device with power) and in also providing a negotiation with the power supply depending on the necessary power.