Rechargeable Battery Firmware Update Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Updating firmware in portable communication devices, such as land mobile radios, typically requires individual device removal from service, leading to significant downtime and inconvenience, and existing over-the-air methods can congest RF networks and be slow due to data transfer rates.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery with stored firmware update data is used to transfer the update directly to the portable communication device upon connection, eliminating the need for device removal and reducing downtime by utilizing the battery's memory to disseminate the update transparently to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware is updated individually by removing each device from service, then the updating process is simple and reliable, but the downtime and operational disruption are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading firmware update data into the memory of rechargeable batteries before they are used to power devices. This allows updates to be automatically transferred to devices without requiring manual intervention or device removal, thus maintaining reliability while eliminating downtime. The update data is prepared in advance and ready for immediate transfer when the battery connects to the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the rechargeable battery as an intermediary carrier to transfer firmware update data from a central system to portable devices. Instead of updating devices individually or using RF communication, the battery serves as a mediating storage device that automatically transfers update data during normal charging operations, resolving the contradiction between reliable updates and minimal downtime.
2Loss of time
If firmware is updated over the air using RF bandwidth, then device downtime is reduced, but the RF network becomes congested and update speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the rechargeable battery as an intermediary data transfer medium, eliminating the need for RF communication during firmware updates. Update data is loaded into batteries at a charging station and automatically transferred to devices through the battery connection, bypassing the RF network entirely. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining zero downtime while preventing RF network congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the wireless RF communication system with a physical data transfer mechanism through battery connections. Instead of transmitting data through electromagnetic waves that congest the RF network, the system uses direct electrical and data contacts through the battery interface, achieving faster and more reliable data transfer without affecting network performance.
3Productivity
If a shared battery pool is used for updates, then update dissemination speed increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing rechargeable batteries with dual functionality: they serve both as power sources and as data storage/transfer devices. The same battery that charges the device also automatically transfers firmware updates through integrated memory and data contacts. This multi-functionality enables the shared battery pool to rapidly disseminate updates without requiring separate update infrastructure, managing complexity through consolidation rather than expansion.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for updating portable electronic devices using a rechargeable battery are provided. The method includes accessing update data stored in a battery removably connected to a portable electronic device and transferring the stored update data from the battery to the portable electronic device. The method further includes updating the portable electronic device with the transferred update data.