Cellular Channel Control in Dual-Network Apps to Cut Battery Drain

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Solution Overview

Problem

The continuous power consumption in mobile devices due to multiple applications connecting to both cellular and Wi-Fi networks, leading to inefficient battery usage.

Innovation Solution

A method to disconnect the cellular network channel when an application that has used it switches to the background and does not generate data for a preset duration, allowing other applications to switch to Wi-Fi for data exchange, thereby conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications connect to both cellular and Wi-Fi networks simultaneously, then network service availability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork service availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts network connection states based on application activity. When an application transitions to background and stops generating data, the cellular network channel is automatically disconnected. When the application returns to foreground, the connection is restored. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining network availability when needed while reducing power consumption when applications are inactive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the connection state parameter of the cellular network channel based on application status. The channel transitions between connected and disconnected states depending on whether applications are actively using the network. This parameter change enables the system to balance between service availability and power consumption efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If cellular network channel remains connected for background applications, then network access is maintained, but battery life deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork accessVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic connection management where the cellular network channel is disconnected when applications enter background state and reconnected when they return to foreground. This dynamic approach maintains network reliability when applications need access while extending battery life by avoiding continuous connections for inactive applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects application state changes and autonomously manages network connection states without requiring manual user intervention. When applications transition between foreground and background, the system self-adjusts the cellular network connection accordingly, resolving the contradiction between maintaining access and conserving battery power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4436265B1Control method for cellular network, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4436265B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4436265B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4436265B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a cellular network control method and an electronic device, and relate to the field of terminal device technologies. The method includes: When the electronic device performs data exchange with an application server through a Wi-Fi network and a cellular network, the cellular network is applied for by a first application and used by the first application and a second application that does not apply for the cellular network. When the first application is switched, as a last application that has applied for the cellular network and used the cellular network, from the foreground to the background for running, and does not generate application data for specific duration, a channel of the cellular network of the electronic device may be disconnected, to prevent an application that does not apply for the cellular network from continuing to use the cellular network when the electronic device has a Wi-Fi connection, so that power of a mobile phone can be conserved in a dual-network environment.