USB Type-C Plug Role Control Switch for Power Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The random and uncontrollable host/slave relationship between dual-role ports in USB Type-C cables leads to potential logical power supply and utilization errors, making it difficult for users to connect devices correctly.
Innovation Solution
A USB Type-C plug and cable with a role control switch that includes a dual-role port, power pin, CC pin, ground pin, first and second resistors, and a role control switch to explicitly control the host/slave attributes of devices, ensuring correct power supply orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual-role ports randomly determine host/slave relationship, then connection flexibility is improved, but power supply reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the role control switch to determine host/slave attributes before connection is established. The switch allows users to explicitly set which device will be host and which will be slave in advance, preventing random determination and ensuring correct power supply orientation from the start of connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual-role ports allow random host/slave determination, then device compatibility is improved, but operational control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling users to manually control and configure the host/slave roles through the role control switch. Instead of the system automatically determining roles, users actively participate in setting the correct configuration, ensuring both compatibility and operational control.
3Ease of operation
If USB Type-C plug uses reversible design, then user experience is improved, but role identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the role control switch - that bridges the gap between reversible plug design and role identification. The switch serves as a mediator that allows users to explicitly set and communicate role information, compensating for the loss of automatic role identification inherent in reversible designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a USB Type-C plug and a USB Type-C cable. The USB Type-C plug includes: a dual-role port DRP and a role control switch, where the DRP is configured to connect to a USB device; and the role control switch is connected to the DRP and configured to control a port attribute of the DRP, and the port attribute includes a slave device port UFP, a host device port DFP, or no role control. In the embodiments of the present invention, a role control switch controls a port attribute of a DRP, so that a USB Type-C cable that includes a USB Type-C plug can control host/slave attributes of devices on both ends of the cable. In this way, a user can connect different devices more clearly and explicitly, thereby avoiding a scenario in which a power supply orientation is incorrect.