Dual-Battery Power Switching for Camera Accessory Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently managing power supply when connected to external devices or accessories, particularly in scenarios where internal batteries have low capacity or when external power sources are unavailable, leading to potential functionality loss and increased size, weight, or cost.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device system that includes a first battery, a power supply circuit, and a processor, which controls power distribution from the first battery to internal circuits when connected to a connection device with a second battery, and from the connection device's second battery when not connected, optimizing power usage and maintaining functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the electronic device uses only its internal first battery for power supply, then the device structure remains simple and cost is reduced, but the operating time is limited and functionality may be lost when battery capacity is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating timeVSAvoidpower supply system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two independent battery units: a first battery integrated into the electronic device and a second battery integrated into the connection device. This segmentation allows each battery to independently contribute to the power supply, extending the overall operating time without requiring a single large-capacity battery that would increase device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply circuit is designed to universally accept power from either the first battery or the second battery, or both simultaneously. The processor dynamically selects and switches between power sources based on availability and requirements, enabling the system to adapt to different operating scenarios without structural changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Duration of action of moving object

If the electronic device increases battery capacity to ensure continuous operation, then operating time is extended, but device weight and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating timeVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The total battery capacity is segmented between two separate battery units located in different devices. The first battery in the electronic device maintains its original small capacity, while the second battery in the connection device provides additional capacity. This segmentation allows the electronic device to extend operating time without increasing its own battery size or weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device acts as an intermediary that carries the second battery and mediates power supply to the electronic device through the connection interface. This intermediary approach allows the electronic device to access additional power capacity without physically incorporating the larger battery, thus avoiding weight and size increases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the electronic device uses only its internal first battery for power supply, then device cost is reduced, but functionality is lost when battery capacity is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality reliabilityVSAvoidpower supply system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Duration of action of moving object

If the electronic device integrates a larger battery to ensure continuous operation, then operating time is extended, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating timeVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250330031A1Electronic device, connection device, system, power supply method, and power supply program

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A digital camera includes a first battery, a power supply circuit, and a power supply management unit, and an accessory having second batteries and a communication unit is connectable to the digital camera. The power supply management unit performs control to supply power to the communication unit from the first battery and to supply power to the power supply circuit from any one of the second batteries, in a state in which the accessory is connected, and performs control to supply power to the power supply circuit from the first battery in a state in which the accessory is not connected.