Electronic Device Case Power Management via Dynamic Current Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for electronic devices' power management, such as supplemental battery packs, face limitations in charging both internal and external batteries simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to power sources due to excessive current draw, and lack flexibility in battery usage.
Innovation Solution
A protective case with a built-in battery, interface for external power, and a computer processor that allocates electrical current based on communications with the device, limiting current draw and managing power distribution between the internal and external batteries to prevent overcharging and ensure safe charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If both internal and external batteries are charged simultaneously, then charging efficiency is improved, but current draw exceeds power source specifications causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between charging modes (simultaneous charging, sequential charging, and single battery charging) based on real-time conditions such as power source availability and battery states, allowing adaptive optimization of charging efficiency while preventing harmful current draw
Solution Approach 2:
The processor continuously monitors battery charge levels, current draw, and power source status to make real-time decisions about charging mode selection, ensuring that simultaneous charging only occurs when power source specifications are not exceeded
2Duration of action of moving object
If supplemental battery pack is used, then battery capacity is extended, but device must be shut down for battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The external battery pack is mechanically and electrically integrated with the electronic device through a connector, creating a unified power system where both internal and external batteries can operate simultaneously without requiring device shutdown or physical battery replacement
3Adaptability or versatility
If external battery pack is used, then power management flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves multiple functions including mechanical attachment, electrical power connection, and data communication between the external battery pack and device processor, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that manages power distribution and communication between the external battery pack and device components, abstracting the complexity of power management and presenting a simple user interface through status indicators
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
This solution enables efficient and flexible power management, preventing battery exhaustion issues and protecting power sources by dynamically allocating current, ensuring both batteries are charged safely and effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A case for an electronic device includes a battery, an interface to receive electrical current from an external power source
Data Source
AI summary
A case for an electronic device is provided. The case includes a battery, an interface to receive electrical current from an external power source, and a computer processor. The computer processor is configured to execute computer-readable instructions to receive a communication from the electronic device, limit the received electrical current to a current limit, and allocate the electrical current among the battery and the electronic device based on the received communication.