Guide Pin Structure for USB Type-C Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges with power transfer efficiency and connector port strength in small form factors, where limited power delivery and mechanical weakness are issues due to the small size of connectors, and existing solutions like Type C USB connectors do not adequately address these problems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of guide pins and guide connectors external to the connector port, with a controller coordinating power transfer, allows for pre-negotiated power settings to adapt to load changes and enhance power transfer efficiency, and the use of a connector port in a cavity with an intermediary board and spring clips increases robustness and replaceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single physical connector is used to provide both data and power interface in small form factor systems, then device footprint is reduced, but power transfer capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into two distinct components: a standard USB Type-C connector for data communication and external guide pins for power transfer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, resolving the contradiction between compact form factor and high power transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pins serve multiple functions: they provide high-power electrical connection, mechanical alignment guidance during insertion, and structural reinforcement for the connector assembly. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high power transfer capability without increasing overall device footprint.
2Length of moving object
If connector size is reduced to achieve thin form factor, then device thickness is reduced, but mechanical strength and durability are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly uses asymmetric reinforcement where robust guide pins with large cross-sectional areas are positioned externally, while the main connector body remains compact. This asymmetric design provides mechanical strength exactly where needed (at the power connection points) without increasing overall device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pins perform preliminary mechanical alignment and guidance during the connector insertion process, ensuring proper positioning before the main connector engages. This preliminary action prevents misalignment stresses that would weaken the compact connector structure.
3Volume of moving object
If connector footprint is minimized, then device form factor is improved, but alignment difficulty during insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pins act as intermediary elements between the user and the compact connector. They provide visible, externally accessible alignment references that are larger and easier to align with than the small connector itself, mediating the alignment task without increasing the connector footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guidance function is moved from the horizontal plane (connector footprint) to the vertical dimension (external guide pin height). This dimensional transition allows alignment references to be larger and more accessible without increasing the connector's footprint on the device surface.
4Loss of energy
If power transfer settings are negotiated dynamically, then power efficiency is optimized, but response time for load changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary power negotiation during the initial connection phase, establishing baseline power transfer settings before actual power delivery begins. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly respond to load changes by switching between pre-negotiated power levels without requiring time-consuming renegotiation protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transfer system implements dynamic switching between multiple pre-negotiated power states, allowing rapid adaptation to changing load conditions. The controller can dynamically select from available power levels based on real-time system needs, combining the efficiency of negotiated settings with the responsiveness of dynamic adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A USB Type C connector port adapts to support docking solutions with enhanced power transfer features, including increased power transfer levels supported through a guide pin and connector interface, rapid power transfer configuration changes by applying pre-negotiated power settings, external battery charge and discharge at an information handling system with improved efficiency accomplished by transitioning voltage between native and boosted levels responsive to information handling system load, and robust connector port coupling in a cavity of a connector shell.