USB Adapter Signal Control Module for Charging During Computer Sleep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphones cannot be charged when a computer is in a power-off or sleep state, as they rely on detecting a voltage on differential signal lines to initiate charging, which is not possible when the computer is in this state.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a signal control module that converts AC power to DC and controls the signal line status in the downlink interface to simulate a connection status, allowing charging even when the computer is powered off or in a sleep state by using an external power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the smart phone relies on detecting voltage on differential signal lines to initiate charging, then charging can be properly controlled when the computer is powered on, but charging cannot be initiated when the computer is in a power-off or sleep state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signal control module as an intermediary component between the computer and the smartphone. This module actively manages the differential signal lines (D+ and D-) to simulate a connection status even when the computer is powered off or in sleep mode. By controlling the resistance values between D+ and D- lines through switching circuits, the signal control module creates the electrical conditions that trick the smartphone into believing it is connected to an active computer, thereby enabling charging functionality regardless of the computer's power state.
2Ease of operation
If the computer must be powered on to provide status signals on differential signal lines, then the smartphone can detect connection mode and start charging, but the system cannot be used when the computer is powered off or in sleep state
Solution Approach 1:
The signal control module performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the differential signal lines to present the appropriate electrical characteristics for charging mode. Before the smartphone even attempts to detect connection status, the signal control module has already established the correct resistance relationships between D+ and D- lines, ensuring that the smartphone will immediately recognize charging mode upon connection. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for the computer to be actively powered on during the detection phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal control module enables the system to be self-sufficient by generating the necessary status signals independently of the computer's power state. Instead of relying on the computer to provide status signals on the differential lines, the signal control module autonomously manages these signals using its own power supply and control circuitry. This self-service capability ensures that charging functionality remains available even when the computer is unavailable or in low-power states.
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
Enables smartphones to be charged when the connected computer is in a power-off or sleep state by outputting a status signal on the downlink interface, ensuring continuous charging functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion module configured to convert an AC power from the AC source into a direct current (DC) power
Data Source
AI summary
Adapters, terminal devices, USB connection devices and charging stations are disclosed. The adapter includes a first port configured to connect to an alternate current (AC) source, a conversion module configured to convert an AC power from the AC source into a direct current (DC) power, a second port configured to connect to a first electronic device and provide power thereto, an uplink interface configured to connect to the first electronic device, a downlink interface coupled with the conversion module to obtain an external power supply therefrom and configured to connect to a second electronic device, and a signal control module arranged between the uplink and downlink interfaces, and configured to control a status of a signal in the downlink interface based on a status of a power supply of the uplink interface. The second electronic device enters one of the operating and charging modes based on the status of the signal in the downlink interface, when the second electronic device is coupled with the downlink interface. With the present invention, charging of an electronic device which can be charged only upon recognizing the signal line status of the downlink interface can be enabled even if a computer is powered off or in a sleep state.