Device That Adjusts Power for Charging Multiple Devices
This 2016 patent describes a system that intelligently adjusts the power supplied to charge multiple devices, ensuring one device gets a steady charge while another can receive a variable amount.
Original patent title: “Dynamic charging device and method thereof”
This 2016 patent describes a system that intelligently adjusts the power supplied to charge multiple devices, ensuring one device gets a steady charge while another can receive a variable amount. Granted to Wistron Corp in 2016 with 24 claims, and it is expected to expire in 2033.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a device that manages power for charging. It has a detection module that senses an incoming power signal (like current or voltage). This signal goes to a control module, which creates a control signal. An output module then uses both the input signal and the control signal to adjust the power. The key is how it handles a 'load module' which connects a 'master control device' and a 'portable electronic device' in parallel. The portable device gets an adjustable current, while the master device gets a fixed current. For example, imagine charging a laptop (master control device) and a phone (portable electronic device) from the same power source. This device would ensure the laptop gets a stable, fixed amount of power it needs to operate, while the phone's charging rate can be adjusted dynamically, perhaps to prevent overcharging or to prioritize power flow.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Charging systems that only manage a single device.
- Charging systems that do not adjust the power dynamically based on feedback or control signals.
- Systems where both devices receive a fixed amount of power.
- Systems where both devices receive an adjustable amount of power.
- Charging methods that do not involve parallel connection of devices.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The innovation lies in the ability to simultaneously manage different power requirements for multiple devices connected in parallel. It intelligently dedicates a fixed, stable power stream to a primary device while allowing for dynamic, adjustable power delivery to a secondary device, optimizing the charging process for both.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Smart power adapters for laptops and phones
Multi-port USB charging stations
Docking stations for portable electronics
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent addresses the growing need for efficient power management in a world with many connected devices. As more electronics require charging, systems that can intelligently distribute power become crucial for user experience and device longevity. This technology is relevant to power adapters, charging stations, and even in-vehicle charging systems.
Filed
March 12, 2013
Granted
June 14, 2016
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
It's difficult to pinpoint specific companies building directly on this particular patent without more information on its commercial adoption. However, the general area of dynamic power management for charging multiple devices is a focus for many consumer electronics accessory manufacturers and semiconductor companies that design power management integrated circuits.
Market impact
Patents like this contribute to the evolution of charging technology, pushing the market towards more sophisticated power adapters and charging hubs. While this specific patent has limited forward citationsforward citationsLater patents that cite this one as prior art. High counts signal foundational influence.Read more →, the underlying concepts of adaptive charging and power distribution are fundamental to modern multi-device charging solutions, influencing product design across the industry.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a device that manages power for charging. It has a detection module that senses an incoming power signal (like current or voltage). This signal goes to a control module, which creates a control signal. An output module then uses both the input signal and the control signal to adjust the power. The key is how it handles a 'load module' which connects a 'master control device' and a 'portable electronic device' in parallel. The portable device gets an adjustable current, while the master device gets a fixed current. For example, imagine charging a laptop (master control device) and a phone (portable electronic device) from the same power source. This device would ensure the laptop gets a stable, fixed amount of power it needs to operate, while the phone's charging rate can be adjusted dynamically, perhaps to prevent overcharging or to prioritize power flow.
The clever bit
The innovation lies in the ability to simultaneously manage different power requirements for multiple devices connected in parallel. It intelligently dedicates a fixed, stable power stream to a primary device while allowing for dynamic, adjustable power delivery to a secondary device, optimizing the charging process for both.
What it does not cover
- Charging systems that only manage a single device.
- Charging systems that do not adjust the power dynamically based on feedback or control signals.
- Systems where both devices receive a fixed amount of power.
- Systems where both devices receive an adjustable amount of power.
- Charging methods that do not involve parallel connection of devices.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
16/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
5/20
Granted 10–20 years ago
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$19K – $61K
Midpoint $38K · 6.7 yr remaining · industry ×1.4
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
24 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Hsia, W. (2016). Device That Adjusts Power for Charging Multiple Devices (U.S. Patent No. 9,368,994). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9368994/dynamic-charging-device-and-method-thereof
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Device That Adjusts Power for Charging Multiple Devices cover?
This 2016 patent describes a system that intelligently adjusts the power supplied to charge multiple devices, ensuring one device gets a steady charge while another can receive a variable amount.
Who owns patent US 9368994?
Wistron Corp owns this patent, granted in 2016.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on March 12, 2033, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent addresses the growing need for efficient power management in a world with many connected devices. As more electronics require charging, systems that can intelligently distribute power become crucial for user experience and device longevity. This technology is relevant to power adapters, charging stations, and even in-vehicle charging systems.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Charging systems that only manage a single device.
Patent monitoring