USB Type-C Connection Detection for Host-Controlled Error Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing USB Type-C systems require manual re-plugging to correct connection errors, which can disrupt normal charging and data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A detection method that automatically identifies and corrects connection errors by switching between connection states and power supply using commands from a host system, such as switching to different USB types or cutting and restoring power to the Vbus pin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual re-plugging operation is performed to correct Type-C connection errors, then the connection error can be eliminated, but the operation convenience deteriorates and user time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection error correctionVSAvoidmanual re-plugging operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic detection and correction of Type-C connection errors without requiring user intervention. The host system automatically identifies connection states, detects errors, and executes correction commands, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for manual re-plugging operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the Type-C connection state through detection commands and provides feedback on connection status. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines whether connection errors exist and executes appropriate correction actions, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliable connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If automatic detection and correction system is implemented, then operation convenience improves and user time is saved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic connection managementVSAvoiddetection and correction system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages existing USB Type-C hardware components and protocols to perform multiple functions including detection, error identification, and correction. The system uses standard USB commands and existing port structures to achieve automatic connection management, avoiding the need for dedicated complex hardware circuits and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The host system acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the Type-C connection port and the connected device. It manages the detection and correction processes through software control, simplifying the hardware requirements by using existing processing units and communication protocols rather than requiring specialized dedicated circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If connection state switching commands are transferred to correct errors, then connection reliability improves, but the system response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection error correctionVSAvoiderror correction response time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of connection states continuously or at regular intervals, identifying potential errors before they cause functional failures. By detecting issues early and executing correction commands proactively, the system minimizes the actual response time when errors occur and maintains continuous operational reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4641397A1Detection method of universal serial bus type-c
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 GETAC TECH CORP
  • EP4641397A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4641397A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4641397A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A detection method of universal serial bus Type-C includes identifying a first connection state between a universal serial bus Type-C and a connection port through a host system, determining whether the first connection state accords with a default connection state through the host system. When a result of the determination is no, transferring a first command through the host system to cutoff the first connection state between the universal serial bus Type-C and the connection port, and transferring a second command through the host system to connect the universal serial bus Type-C and the connection port in the default connection state.