Battery Connector Mode Switching via Cable Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery devices require separate ports or switches for power supply and power receiving operations, leading to increased cost, size, and user complexity.
Innovation Solution
A battery device with a single connector that can function as both a power supply and power receiver, using a control device to switch between modes based on the cable's orientation, eliminating the need for additional switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate receiving port and supplying port are provided, then power receiving and power supply operations can be clearly distinguished, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the receiving port and supplying port functions into a single connector. The connector includes multiple terminals that can be coupled to different cables depending on the desired operation mode, eliminating the need for separate physical ports while maintaining clear functional distinction through cable orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric cable design where the cable has a predetermined orientation (first orientation vs. second orientation). By coupling the cable in different orientations to the same connector, the system distinguishes between power receiving and power supply operations without requiring separate symmetric ports.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an external switch is provided for switching between power receiving and power supply modes, then mode switching is possible, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service mode switching by automatically determining the operational mode based on the cable's coupling orientation. The control device detects which terminals are connected and autonomously switches between power receiving and power supply modes without requiring user intervention via external switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device receives feedback information about the cable coupling state (which terminals are connected) and uses this feedback to automatically determine and switch between operational modes. This eliminates the need for manual switches while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If separate ports are provided, then functional distinction is clear, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single connector is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a receiving port and a supplying port depending on the cable coupling orientation. This universal design reduces the number of components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining clear operational distinction through the asymmetric cable interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector of a battery device includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is coupleable to an opposed unit through a cable in a first state. The second terminal is coupleable to the opposed unit through the cable in the second state which is inverted upside down from the first state. A control device of the battery device is configured to charge the battery device with electric power from the opposed unit, when it is coupled to the opposed unit through the cable in the first state, and to supply the opposed unit with electric power from the battery device, when it is coupled to the opposed unit through the cable in the second state.