Multi-Port USB Power Delivery With Dynamic Voltage and Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB charging systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust output voltages based on the specific needs of multiple connected devices, leading to inefficient power distribution and potential overheating issues.
Innovation Solution
A USB charging system with a power supply and controller that converts input voltage to multiple output voltages, communicates with devices to determine their needs, and adjusts power delivery based on parameters like current draw, charge level, and priority, using USB Type-C ports and integrated circuits to manage power distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a USB charging system provides fixed output voltage to multiple ports, then the system structure is simple, but power distribution efficiency is poor and devices cannot receive optimal charging voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by enabling each power converter to switch between multiple output voltage levels (5V, 9V, 15V, 20V) based on real-time device requirements. The controller dynamically selects appropriate voltage levels for each charging port, transforming the static power supply into a dynamic system that adapts to varying device needs, thereby resolving the contradiction between charging efficiency and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter of the power output by providing multiple discrete voltage levels (5V, 9V, 15V, 20V) through programmable power converters. The controller adjusts these voltage parameters based on device identification and charging stage, allowing optimal power delivery while managing thermal conditions, thus improving charging efficiency without requiring overly complex hardware.
2Loss of energy
If the system dynamically adjusts voltage for each device, then power distribution efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by implementing independent control logic for each power converter while maintaining centralized coordination through the controller. Each power converter can be independently configured for different voltage outputs, allowing granular power management. This segmentation enables efficient power distribution to multiple devices simultaneously while keeping the controller's decision-making process manageable through modular control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle device identification, voltage selection, power allocation, and thermal management across multiple charging ports. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single universal controller, the system achieves efficient power distribution without proportionally increasing control complexity, as the controller manages multiple tasks through integrated logic.
3Productivity
If multiple devices are charged simultaneously with different voltages, then charging optimization improves, but thermal management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts output voltage levels based on real-time thermal conditions and device requirements. When thermal thresholds are approached, the controller automatically reduces voltage levels or redistributes power load across available ports. This dynamic response allows simultaneous charging of multiple devices at optimized voltage levels while actively managing thermal conditions to prevent overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial power delivery to devices based on available thermal headroom and priority levels. When thermal conditions are constrained, the controller provides sufficient but not excessive power to each device, prioritizing critical charging needs while maintaining safety margins. This approach enables multi-device charging capability while keeping thermal management within safe operating parameters through controlled power allocation.
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 ensures optimal power delivery to multiple devices by dynamically adjusting voltages, prioritizing charging, and reducing overheating risks, thereby improving charging efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply including a plurality of power converters and a plurality of power supply outputs electrically coupled to the plurality of power converters, respectively, each of the plurality of power converters configured to convert an input voltage to a plurality of different output voltages
Data Source
AI summary
A universal serial bus (USB) charging system includes a power supply including a plurality of power converters and a plurality of power supply outputs electrically coupled to the plurality of power converters, respectively. Each of the plurality of power converters is configured to convert an input voltage to a plurality of output voltages. A plurality of charging ports are electrically connected with the plurality of power supply outputs, respectively. Each of the plurality of charging ports provides an output voltage selected from the plurality of output voltages to an electronic device. A logic circuit is in electrical communication with the power supply and the plurality of charging ports. The logic circuit provides direct feedback to the power supply to output a particular output voltage of the plurality of output voltages to the plurality of charging ports and regulates a temperature of the plurality of charging ports.