Standalone Charger Firmware Update via Bootloader Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Standalone battery chargers deployed in remote locations face challenges in updating their firmware, requiring costly and time-consuming processes involving physical transportation to service centers or technician visits, as factory-installed firmware cannot be conveniently updated once deployed.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for updating firmware in standalone battery chargers, which includes a micro-controller-based hardware circuitry with separate sections for charging and updating functions, allowing for firmware updates via an external updating device inserted into a charging slot, using a bootloader to execute updates efficiently and securely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If firmware is factory-installed and permanently installed in standalone battery chargers, then firmware reliability is improved, but firmware update capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware reliabilityVSAvoidfirmware update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The firmware is divided into two separate sections: a first section that stores charging function instructions and a second section (bootloader) that stores updating function instructions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable charging operations while enabling firmware updates through the separate bootloader section, resolving the contradiction between firmware reliability and update capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If charging devices are deployed in remote locations, then operational versatility is improved, but firmware update ease deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoidfirmware update ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device is equipped with a bootloader that enables it to autonomously perform firmware updates without requiring external assistance. When an updating device is inserted into the charging slot, the bootloader automatically executes the update process, allowing remote devices to update their own firmware without technician intervention, thus maintaining operational versatility while improving update ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A bootloader acts as an intermediary between the charging device and the updating device. The bootloader section stores instructions that facilitate communication and coordination between these two components, enabling automated firmware updates in remote locations without requiring specialized technicians or complex update procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If firmware updates require technician visits or physical transportation, then firmware update security is improved, but update time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update securityVSAvoidupdate time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bootloader section is pre-configured with firmware update instructions during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that the charging device is already equipped with the capability to perform secure automated updates, eliminating the need for technician visits or physical transportation while maintaining security through the pre-established update mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of technician visits and physical transportation is replaced with an automated electronic update mechanism. The bootloader enables wireless or direct electronic communication between the charging device and the updating device, substituting the mechanical update process with an automated electronic one that reduces time and cost while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If firmware updates are performed manually by technicians, then firmware integrity is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware integrityVSAvoidupdate productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging device autonomously performs firmware updates through its bootloader, eliminating the need for manual technician intervention. The device automatically detects the presence of an updating device, executes the update process, and verifies firmware integrity, thereby maintaining firmware integrity while dramatically improving update productivity by updating multiple devices simultaneously without human involvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9960626B2Apparatus and method for updating remote standalone firmware

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A charging device may include firmware configured to execute and control charging functions and updating functions performed by the charging device. The firmware includes a first section configured to store instructions associated with the charging functions and a second section configured to store instructions associated with updating the first section. The charging device may also include a charging slot for insertion of one of a rechargeable device and an updating device. The charging device may further include a micro-controller configured to execute instructions stored on the firmware. Responsive to the updating device being inserted into the charging slot, the charging device executes instructions stored in the second section to enter an updating mode and update the firmware.