Capacitive Power Buffering for Handheld Radio Battery Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld radio communication devices used by emergency personnel face interruptions in operation due to power source swaps, which can be lengthy and undesirable, especially in critical situations, and traditional external power sources are not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive electric energy storage system integrated with the device, allowing continuous power supply through swappable batteries or external power sources, using capacitors to provide immediate power during swaps and power loss, maintaining device functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a swap between electric power sources is performed, then the handheld communication device can be recharged or use alternative power, but the device switches off and requires time to turn on again, causing operational interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive energy storage element is pre-charged before power source swaps occur. When the device is operating from a battery or external power source, the capacitor continuously accumulates energy in parallel, so that when a swap occurs, the capacitor immediately provides the necessary power to keep the device running without interruption while the new power source is being connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive energy storage element acts as an intermediary between the power sources and the communication device. It buffers the power transfer during swaps, absorbing power from incoming sources and supplying power to the device during transition periods, thereby mediating the power flow to eliminate interruptions.
2Reliability
If the handheld communication device is kept continuously connected to a tactical power pack with hot swap batteries, then uninterrupted power supply is achieved, but ordinary external electric power sources such as vehicle batteries cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive energy storage element serves multiple functions: it smooths power delivery during hot swaps, charges from various external power sources (vehicle batteries, power outlets), and provides backup power. This single component enables the device to work with diverse power sources including tactical power packs, vehicle batteries, and wall outlets, making the power system universal and adaptable to different operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor changes its electrical parameters dynamically during operation - charging at different rates from different power sources, discharging at controlled rates to maintain stable voltage, and adjusting its equivalent series resistance based on load conditions. This parameter adaptability allows compatibility with various power sources having different voltage and current characteristics.
3Reliability
If a fully charged swappable battery is always carried with the handheld communication device, then immediate replacement is possible, but in situations where carrying something else is desirable, this option is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive energy storage element serves as a power buffer that decouples the need to physically carry charged batteries. Since the capacitor can be charged from any available power source (vehicle battery, wall outlet, tactical power pack), users don't need to carry spare batteries - they can carry charging cables or use environmental power sources, providing greater flexibility in what can be carried while maintaining continuous operation capability.
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 uninterrupted operation of handheld communication devices during power source changes, reducing downtime to seconds, enabling reliable communication in emergency scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive electric energy storage (102) configured to receive electric power
Implementation Method 2
feeds electric power to said handheld communication unit (106) for a predetermined interval of operation in response to a loss of electric power
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A communication apparatus (100) comprises a handheld communication unit (106), which is in electric contact with a capacitive electric energy storage (102). The handheld communication unit (106) has a wireless connection to a network (150) of a radio system. The capacitive electric energy storage (102), which comprises a capacitor (302) with charge capacity required for an interval of operation of the handheld communication unit (106), is in an electric contact with a source adapter (104) and/or a battery (112) of the handheld communication unit (106) temporarily in a repeated manner. The source adapter (104) and/or the capacitive electric energy storage (102) comprises a connector wire (108) which comprises a connector (110) for repeated connection with different external electric power sources (114(1) to 114(N)) and the battery (112). The capacitive electric energy storage (102) charges in response to the electric connection with said power sources (114(1) to 114(N)) through the source adapter (104), or in response to the electric connection with the electric connection with the battery (112). The capacitive energy storage (102) supplies electric power to the handheld communication unit (106) for the interval of operation in response to a loss of electric power from the external power sources (114(1) to 1148(N)) and the battery (112). The handheld communication unit (106) retains memory and clock functions and reserve connection to the network (150) of the radio system during said interval based on electric power supply from the capacitive energy storage (102).