Bidirectional USB Power Transfer via Reversible Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing USB and local connection interfaces do not allow devices to supply power to the host system, limiting power transfer capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where a device with a USB connector can send current to a host device with a USB port for charging its battery, using a reversible interface that allows power to flow from the device to the host, and vice versa, through a method involving controller circuits and protocols to manage the power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing USB and local connection interfaces are used, then data transfer between host system and device is simplified and standardized, but power transfer capability is limited to one direction only (host to device)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The USB interface is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transfer data bidirectionally and transfer power bidirectionally. The same physical interface and protocol framework are used for both host-to-device and device-to-host power transfer, eliminating the need for separate power transfer interfaces and reducing overall system complexity while increasing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables reverse power flow through the USB interface by inverting the traditional power transfer direction. Instead of only host-to-device power transfer, the system allows device-to-host power transfer by reversing the polarity and controlling the power flow direction through protocol negotiation and circuit switching, thus achieving bidirectional power capability without adding new interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a reversible interface allowing bidirectional power transfer is implemented, then power transfer flexibility is improved, but circuit path control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer flexibilityVSAvoidcircuit path control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit path control is made dynamic through switches that can change their state based on the required power transfer direction. The system can dynamically reconfigure the circuit paths to route power from host to device or from device to host, allowing flexible adaptation to different power transfer scenarios without requiring multiple fixed circuit configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where controllers negotiate and detect the desired power transfer direction through the USB protocol before establishing the power path. The controllers exchange information about power capabilities and requirements, and based on this feedback, they automatically configure the appropriate circuit paths and switch states to enable the correct power flow direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8788852B2System and method for providing power through a reverse local data transfer connection

Publication Date: 2014.07.22 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A power source device supplies power to a host for charging a finite power source of the host. The power is supplied through an interface connecting the host device. The interface may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable or another type of local connection cable.