Wall-Mounted USB PD Charger for Universal Multi-Voltage Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current USB chargers are limited in their universality as they typically support only one voltage output and have low output power, making them unsuitable for a wide range of electronic devices and requiring users to carry them constantly, with the need to adapt to different socket types across regions.

Innovation Solution

A socket-type USB charger with a USB PD protocol that supports multiple voltage outputs, integrated circuit boards for reduced space, and a Type-C interface for higher power transmission, allowing for flexible installation on walls and easy use with universal cables, while being protected by a robust outer shell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a pluggable USB charger is used, then portability is improved, but convenience deteriorates because users need to carry the charger all the time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidconvenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the charging function from the power source by integrating the USB charger body into the wall socket infrastructure. The charger body remains fixed in the wall while only the USB cable needs to be moved, effectively eliminating the need to carry a charger. This segmentation of fixed infrastructure from movable components resolves the contradiction between portability and convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a USB charger supports only one voltage output, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as it cannot adapt to various electronic devices simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharger structureVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The USB charger body is designed to support the USB PD protocol, enabling it to provide multiple voltage outputs (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V) through a single interface. This multi-functional design allows the charger to adapt to various electronic devices with different power requirements without increasing structural complexity, as the voltage negotiation is handled automatically through the USB PD protocol.

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

3Device complexity

If a USB charger has low output power, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as it can only support low-power devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidapplication range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The USB charger implements dynamic power delivery through USB PD protocol support, allowing the output power to adjust from 5W to 100W based on the connected device's requirements. This dynamic capability enables the charger to support both low-power devices like smartphones and high-power devices like laptops, dramatically expanding the application range without requiring multiple chargers with different power ratings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If different socket types are used in different countries, then regional adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for changeover plugs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregional compatibilityVSAvoidplug configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the power delivery function with the wall socket infrastructure, creating an integrated charging solution. By installing the USB charger body directly in the wall socket, the need for separate plugs and adaptors is eliminated. Users simply connect the USB cable to the wall-mounted charger, unifying the charging interface across different regions and eliminating the complexity of carrying multiple plug types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3648262B1Socket-type USB charger
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3648262B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a socket-type USB charger. The socket-type USB charger comprises: a USB charger body disposed in a wall the USB charger body comprising a USB interface and supporting a USB PD protocol; an intermediate connection framework coupled to the USB charger body and securing the USB charger body onto the wall; and a panel coupled to the intermediate connection framework to cover the USB charger body and the intermediate connection framework. With the socket-type USB charger described herein, only a unified USB cable is needed to charge the electronic devices without the need of a changeover plug due to different types of sockets. Moreover, the USB charger is also applicable to devices with various power levels, indicating a wide application range.