Battery Suspension Mechanism for Mobile Device Shutdown Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users often remove batteries from mobile devices without properly shutting down the device and its applications, leading to potential data loss and corruption.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a suspension mechanism that determines if the mobile device is shut down and releases the power supply based on the time necessary for proper shutdown, using mechanisms like solenoids, clamps, or dynamic alloys to prevent improper battery removal, and includes a mechanical back-up release system for solenoid failure cases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a suspension mechanism is used to prevent improper battery removal, then data loss and corruption are prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical suspension mechanisms with an electronic/software-based solution. The system uses a shutdown indicator flag and timeout mechanism to control battery removal, eliminating the need for physical suspension hardware while achieving the same reliability goal of preventing data loss during improper removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically monitors shutdown status and controls battery removal eligibility without requiring user intervention. The shutdown indicator flag and timeout mechanism autonomously determine when it is safe to remove the battery, making the system self-regulating and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the system waits for complete shutdown before allowing battery removal, then data corruption is prevented, but loss of time occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidbattery removal time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary shutdown of critical processes and sets the shutdown indicator flag before the user attempts battery removal. This preliminary action ensures that essential data protection measures are in place before removal occurs, reducing the required wait time while maintaining data integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a timeout mechanism that allows battery removal after a predetermined time period regardless of complete shutdown status. This partial action approach balances data protection with user convenience, preventing most data loss scenarios while avoiding excessive delays in battery removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures that mobile devices are properly shut down before battery removal, preventing data loss and corruption by varying the forewarning time based on running applications and using alerts to notify users of incomplete shutdowns.

Implementation Method 1

The solenoid is used to hold the battery in place

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

or dynamic alloys to prevent improper battery removal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentEP2038943B1Method for battery removal in a mobile device
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP2038943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2038943B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Described is a system and method for battery removal in a mobile device. The system comprises a battery receiving chamber receiving a battery to power the device and a suspension mechanism holding the battery in the battery receiving chamber, the suspension mechanism releasing the battery after receiving a signal. The method comprises determining if a mobile device is shut down and releasing a power supply from a suspension mechanism after the mobile device is shut down.