USB Power Role Switching by Connector Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual-role power (DRP) devices using USB-PD technology often incorrectly determine the power transmission direction between connected devices based on connection timing, leading to unintended power flow.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a power supply, connector, and switch that detects the connection direction of the USB connector and automatically adjusts the power transmission state to match the user's intended direction without requiring an operation unit, using a CPU to manage the power supply circuit and negotiate with the connected device to swap roles as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector is alternatively connected in first and second directions without direction detection, then the device structure is simple, but the power transmission direction cannot be correctly determined according to user intention
Solution Approach 1:
The detector automatically detects the connection direction of the connector and the CPU automatically switches the power supply state according to the detected direction, enabling the device to self-adjust without user intervention. This resolves the contradiction by making the system self-sufficient in determining power transmission direction while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector provides feedback information about the connector's connection direction to the CPU, which then adjusts the power supply state accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate power transmission direction determination while keeping the device structure relatively simple through automated control.
2Ease of operation
If an operation unit is added to allow users to switch power supply state, then the user can control power direction, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses automatic detection and control mechanisms where the detector identifies connection direction and the CPU automatically switches power supply state. This eliminates the need for manual operation units while maintaining ease of use through automated decision-making based on detected connection states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical operation units (buttons, switches) with an automated detection and control system using detectors and CPU-based logic. This substitution maintains full user control capability while eliminating physical operation components, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector connection direction is reversed, then the power transmission direction becomes opposite to user intention, but no manual switching is available
Solution Approach 1:
The detector continuously monitors the connector's connection direction and provides real-time feedback to the CPU. When the connection direction changes (including reversed connections), the CPU receives this feedback and automatically switches the power supply state to match the new connection orientation, ensuring power transmission direction always aligns with user intention regardless of connection orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply state is made dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the power transmission direction based on the detected connector orientation, allowing the device to adapt to any connection scenario (normal or reversed) while maintaining correct power flow direction through real-time state switching.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a power supply, a connector, a detector, and a switch. The connector is configured to be alternatively connectable in a first direction and in a second direction. The detector is configured to detect which of the first direction and the second direction the connector has been connected in. The switch is configured to switch a state of the electronic device between a first state to supply power to another device and to a second state to receive power from said another device. The switch is configured to switch the state of the electronic device to the first state or the second state according to a connection direction of the connector detected by the detector.