Universal Current Measuring Apparatus with Adjustable Impedance

Solution Overview

Problem

The industry faces challenges in developing a single testing instrument that can efficiently measure current consumption across various handheld electronic devices with different specifications, as existing solutions require multiple test instruments to accommodate diverse product designs, leading to increased costs and complexity in maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A current measuring apparatus comprising a power supply unit, impedance setting module, and current measuring unit that simulates batteries by outputting different impedance values, including resistance, capacitance, and inductance, to activate and measure the current consumption of electronic devices, allowing for universal testing without damaging the devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple test instruments are used to accommodate diverse product designs, then measurement capability across different electronic devices is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidinstrument quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal testing instrument that can measure current consumption across multiple types of electronic devices (mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras, etc.) by integrating adjustable impedance settings and multiple power supply modes into a single device, eliminating the need for separate testing instruments for each product type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs adjustable impedance parameters (resistance, capacitance, inductance) and power supply voltage/current parameters to adapt the single testing instrument to different electronic device specifications, allowing the instrument to simulate various battery characteristics and match different product requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple test instruments are used to accommodate diverse product designs, then measurement capability across different electronic devices is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidinstrument cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal testing instrument that can measure current consumption across multiple types of electronic devices (mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras, etc.) by integrating adjustable impedance settings and multiple power supply modes into a single device, eliminating the need for separate testing instruments for each product type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple testing functions (different impedance values, multiple power supply modes, various measurement capabilities) into a single integrated instrument, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate devices into one cost-effective solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If different testing instruments are made for different product specifications, then measurement accuracy for specific products is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable impedance parameters (resistance, capacitance, inductance) and power supply voltage/current parameters to adapt the single testing instrument to different electronic device specifications, allowing the instrument to simulate various battery characteristics and match different product requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamically adjustable impedance and power supply parameters that can be changed during operation to match different product specifications, allowing maintenance staff to quickly adapt the instrument to various devices without switching between multiple fixed-instrument configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8143882B2Current measuring apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.03.27 HTC CORP

AI summary

A current measuring apparatus is disclosed. The current measuring apparatus comprises a power supply unit, an impedance setting module, and a current measuring unit. The power supply unit is adapted to provide an electric power to an electronic apparatus. The impedance setting module is adapted to provide at least one impedance value to the electronic apparatus so that the electronic apparatus is able to be activated in response to the electric power and the impedance value. The current measuring unit is adapted to show a current consumption value of the electronic apparatus under the activated state.