Access Terminal External Power Management via Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless access terminals lack sufficient battery power for extended outdoor use due to high power consumption and small battery capacity, necessitating a solution for reliable external power supply.
Innovation Solution
An access terminal design incorporating a controller, interface, and power manager that detects and connects to external mobile power supplies, enabling the terminal to be powered by these sources, thereby increasing portability and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a built-in battery is added to the access terminal, then the terminal can work during power failure, but the battery capacity is small and power consumption is large, resulting in short working time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the built-in battery and relocates it to an external mobile power supply. The access terminal includes an interface configured to connect to the external mobile power supply, allowing the terminal to be powered externally without being constrained by internal battery capacity limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power manager as an intermediary component between the interface and the power supply system. The power manager is configured to manage power supplied to the access terminal, optimizing power distribution and extending working time by efficiently managing power from the external mobile power supply.
2Ease of operation
If the access terminal uses an external mobile power supply, then portability and mobility are increased, but the system complexity increases due to additional interface and power management components
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is designed to support multiple functions: it can connect to external mobile power supplies for power supply and also support data communication. The communication interface charging circuit can function both as a charging circuit and a communication interface, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power management function into the existing power manager component, which already exists in the terminal for managing internal battery power. This power manager is extended to also manage power from external mobile power supplies, avoiding the need for a completely separate power management system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the access terminal supports both adapter and mobile power supply, then versatility is improved, but the interface design and power management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate both traditional power adapters and USB mobile power supplies. The controller is configured to identify the connected power source type and automatically switch between different power supply modes, allowing a single interface design to support multiple power sources without requiring separate dedicated interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include an access terminal including a controller, an interface and a power manager. The interface can be connected to an external adapter and/or an external mobile power supply. The power manager can be connected to the interface and the controller, and can be configured to manage power supplied to the access terminal. The controller can be configured to, when confirming that the interface is not connected to the external adapter and is connected to the external mobile power supply, control the external mobile power supply to power the access terminal through the power manager.