Cover Switch Control for Laptop Power Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often fail to safely transition mobile electronic devices to a mechanical-off state during component replacement, risking short circuits due to the complexity of disconnecting AC/DC adapters and managing internal batteries, especially when users are unfamiliar with BIOS operations or mistakenly believe the device is in a safe power state.
Innovation Solution
A mobile electronic device with a detachable housing cover and a control circuit that automatically shifts the DC-side switch to the OFF position when the cover is opened, ensuring all power supplies except RTC are stopped, thereby minimizing energization range and preventing accidental power-ons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the device uses an internal battery that cannot be removed, then the device structure is simplified and portability is improved, but the safety during component replacement deteriorates because the battery cannot be easily disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically executes the preliminary action of shifting the DC-side switch to the OFF position when the cover opening is detected, before any component replacement operation begins. This ensures safety is established in advance without requiring manual user intervention or complex procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device requires manual BIOS operations to shut down power supply, then power control flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity and user unfamiliarity
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-service by automatically detecting cover opening and autonomously controlling the DC-side switch through the control circuit. This eliminates the need for manual BIOS operations while maintaining proper power control, making the device both easy to operate and adaptable to safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical/software-based power shutdown procedure (BIOS operations) with an automated electrical control system. The control circuit uses electrical signals to automatically switch the DC-side switch based on cover opening detection, substituting complex manual operations with automated electrical control.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the device maintains power supply during cover opening, then the device remains operational, but the risk of short circuit increases during component replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit takes preliminary anti-action by automatically shifting the DC-side switch to the OFF position when cover opening is detected, before any potential short circuit can occur during component replacement. This preemptive measure eliminates the harmful effect while maintaining normal operation during regular use.
Data Source
AI summary
An energization range of a laptop PC is controlled for safety component replacement. An EC can communicate with a battery unit to control a FET of the battery unit. In a power-off state, a PWC receives electricity from the battery unit or an AC/DC adapter. In the power-off state, a system of the EC stops. When a housing cover of the laptop PC is opened, a cover switch turns ON. When a logic circuit detects the operation of the cover switch, the PWC controls a DC/DC converter group to activate the system. The EC receiving electricity turns the FET OFF. Then the PWC turns the FET OFF.