Concurrent Battery Charging and Device Operation via Power Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices, such as laptops, are limited in accepting power from various sources like phone AC adapters, wireless chargers, and power banks, as they typically require a specific voltage and current, often switching to charging mode and disengaging from battery power when an adapter is plugged in, thus not utilizing available power effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enable an electronic device to detect and utilize power from different sources through a DC input port, allowing concurrent operation on battery power while charging, using a processor and memory to manage power supply from adapters with wireless charging capabilities, and employing buck/boost chargers to convert inputs to suitable voltage and current for battery charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the device switches to adapter power supply mode during charging, then the battery can be charged efficiently, but the device loses the ability to operate independently on battery power and reduces power source flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between battery power mode and adapter power mode based on real-time detection of adapter connection status and power availability. The power management circuit continuously monitors the power source state and adjusts the operating mode accordingly, enabling the device to adapt between different power sources without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by detecting voltage and current levels from the power plug to determine whether to operate in battery mode or adapter charging mode. By monitoring electrical parameters, the device intelligently transitions between power sources, allowing concurrent battery operation and charging when appropriate conditions are met.
2Reliability
If the device requires specific voltage and current from adapters, then power delivery is reliable, but the device cannot utilize power from diverse sources like phone adapters and wireless chargers
Solution Approach 1:
The DC input port is designed to universally accept various adapter types including phone AC adapters and wireless charger outputs. The power management circuitry detects and adapts to different power source characteristics, enabling the single port to serve multiple functions and兼容 diverse power sources while maintaining reliable power delivery through intelligent parameter detection and adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If the device uses a standard DC adapter for charging, then the charging process is simple, but the adapter becomes oversized and cannot be effectively used for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the DC input port to accept various adapter sizes and types by implementing intelligent power detection and management. Instead of requiring a dedicated oversized adapter, the device can utilize standard phone adapters and other common power sources through the same port, making the charging solution both simple to operate and versatile in practice.
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
Enables electronic devices to utilize power from diverse sources, including phone adapters and wireless chargers, while maintaining battery operation, effectively supplementing battery charging without requiring additional ports like USB PD, thus enhancing power management and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a battery pack comprising one or more battery cells
Implementation Method 2
an AC/DC adapter
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a device, including: an input port; a battery pack comprising one or more battery cells; a processor; and a memory that stores instructions executable by the processor to: determine that a connected power plug supplies one or more of a current and a voltage; and thereafter provide current supply from the input port to the battery pack for charging the one or more battery cells; wherein said device operates using battery power concurrent with charging of the one or more battery cells with the current supply from the input port. Other aspects are described and claimed.