Battery Management Unit Discharge Pattern Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face challenges in managing battery charging and discharging patterns when in a powered off state, leading to inefficient battery management and potential excessive charging cycles.
Innovation Solution
A battery management unit (BMU) that operates independently in the powered off state to monitor and control battery charge and discharge patterns, transmitting this information to the processor upon powering on, allowing for user-controlled charging and discharging decisions based on historical data and user overrides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the processor manages battery charging when the system is powered off, then battery management functionality is available, but the processor cannot operate in the powered off state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery management function into two separate components: a dedicated Battery Management Unit (BMU) that operates independently when the system is powered off, and a processor that handles battery management when the system is powered on. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its functional capabilities without conflict, resolving the contradiction between needing processor-level management and processor inoperability during powered-off states.
Solution Approach 2:
The BMU acts as an intermediary between the battery and the processor. It monitors battery parameters, controls charging/discharging patterns, and stores management information independently when the processor is inactive. When the system powers on, the BMU transfers control and data to the processor, enabling seamless handoff and continuous battery management across power state transitions.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the BMU independently controls battery charging when powered off, then battery management is continuous, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The BMU is designed as a self-contained unit with its own power supply, memory, and control logic that operates autonomously when the system is powered off. It can independently monitor battery status, control charging/discharging patterns, and make decisions based on stored algorithms without requiring external processor intervention. This self-service capability ensures continuous battery management while minimizing the need for complex inter-component communication during powered-off states.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the processor handles all battery management decisions, then centralized control is achieved, but battery management cannot occur when the system is powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery management functions into a single integrated BMU that consolidates monitoring, control, and decision-making capabilities. This unified structure handles all battery management tasks regardless of system power state, eliminating the need for separate management paths for powered-on and powered-off states. The BMU's integrated design reduces overall system complexity while providing adaptability across different power states.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system (IHS) may include a battery management unit (BMU) that remains operational when the IHS in general is in a powered off state. A processor is operational when the IHS in general is in a powered on state but not when the IHS in general is in a powered off state. The BMU is configured to obtain charge and discharge pattern information while the IHS in general is in the powered off state, to transmit the charge and discharge pattern information to the processor when the IHS in general is in the powered on state, to receive user control information from the processor, and to control charge and discharge of a battery according to the user control information when the IHS in general is in the powered off state.