Communication Device Dual Mode Battery Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication devices, such as fire alarm systems, face battery exhaustion issues due to continuous power consumption, leading to the need for frequent battery replacements, and there is a risk of the device becoming unusable if the battery is removed during emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a battery that operates in two modes: a low-power stand-by mode for extended battery life and a high-power detection mode activated upon user instruction or fulfillment of specific conditions, ensuring the device remains functional during emergencies while prolonging battery life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the communication device operates in high-power detection mode continuously, then the device can detect emergencies immediately, but the battery life is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency detection capabilityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device dynamically switches between two operation modes: a stand-by mode with low power consumption and a detection mode with high power consumption. The processing unit determines whether to activate the detection mode based on received signals or specific conditions, allowing the device to adapt its power consumption level to current operational needs rather than operating continuously at full power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device operates periodically by transitioning between stand-by periods and active detection periods. During stand-by mode, the device consumes minimal power while remaining ready to activate. When a signal is received or a condition is met, the device activates detection mode for a specific duration to perform emergency detection, then returns to stand-by mode, creating a periodic operational pattern that balances detection readiness with battery conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Duration of action of moving object

If the battery is removed to replace it, then battery exhaustion can be prevented, but the device becomes unusable during emergencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoiddevice functionality during emergency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary actions by extending battery life through stand-by operation, ensuring the battery lasts throughout the intended service period without requiring removal or replacement. This preliminary extension of battery duration prevents the need for battery removal, thereby maintaining device functionality during emergencies without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of moving object

If the device operates in stand-by mode, then battery life is extended, but the device cannot detect emergencies in real-time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidemergency detection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The device dynamically adjusts its operational state based on external signals or internal conditions. When a signal is received or a predetermined condition is met, the device transitions from stand-by mode to detection mode, enabling rapid emergency detection at the moment it is needed rather than continuously. This dynamic switching allows the device to maintain battery life while ensuring detection capability is available when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3330936B1Communication device
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3330936B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3330936B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3330936B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A communication device capable of extending the life of a battery is provided. A communication device (10) includes a main unit (10A) and an operation unit (12), a processing unit (23), a first determining unit (21) and a second determining unit (22). The main unit (10A) includes a communication unit (14) and is supplied with electric power from a battery (11) to be activated. While an operation mode is a second operation mode, power consumption in which is smaller than that in a first operation mode, the processing unit (23) changes the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode when the first determining unit (21) determines receipt of a changeover instruction to the first operation mode, and when the second determining unit (22) determines fulfilment of a changeover condition of the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode.