Combination Receptacle Shutter and Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional receptacles with single-type USB ports become inadequate as technology advances, and they often face issues with increased power capacity and heat generation when providing power through multiple USB Type-C PD ports, leading to potential overheating and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A combination receptacle with multiple USB ports, including USB Type-C PD and non-PD ports, equipped with a shutter mechanism to selectively enable access to specific ports and circuitry with a temperature sensor that adjusts power levels based on temperature to manage heat and power capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple USB Type-C PD ports are provided to support various USB specifications, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but power capacity requirements increase and heat generation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic shutter mechanism that can move between different positions to selectively expose different USB port types. This dynamic configuration allows the receptacle to adapt to different USB specifications (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB Type-C) by physically revealing only the appropriate port type, thereby providing versatility without requiring all ports to be simultaneously active and generating excessive heat.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple USB ports of different types are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the receptacle into separate functional segments, each housing a specific USB port type (USB 2.0 port, USB 3.0 port, USB Type-C port). These segmented sections are independently configured and can be selectively accessed through the shutter mechanism. This segmentation allows each port type to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall control logic, as the controller only needs to manage which segment is currently accessible rather than managing all ports simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a physical barrier for security, a selection interface for different USB types, and a thermal management component by limiting exposure to only the necessary ports. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining adaptability across different USB specifications.
3Productivity
If power is provided to multiple USB ports simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but heat generation and power management complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism enables periodic or sequential access to different USB ports rather than simultaneous access to all ports. The system can switch between exposing different port types based on demand, allowing power to be provided to one port type at a time. This periodic action reduces cumulative heat generation from multiple high-power ports operating simultaneously while maintaining the ability to charge multiple devices sequentially or through different port types as needed.
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 solution allows for flexible USB port access and power management, reducing heat generation and costs by selectively enabling USB ports and adjusting power delivery based on temperature, ensuring efficient and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor structured to sense temperature in the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
The receptacle will include circuitry to convert utility power to that which is usable by the USB ports
Data Source
AI summary
A combination receptacle includes a first universal serial bus (USB) port having a first type, a second USB port having a second type, a shutter structured to have a first state to allow access to the first USB port and block access to the second USB port and a second state to block access to the first USB port and allow access to the second USB port, and circuitry structured to control and provide power to the first and second USB ports.