Electronic Device Charging Control via Orientation Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices shipped in a charged state may drain over time, and shipping regulations prohibit charging during transit, such as on airplanes, necessitating a solution to maintain charge levels while adhering to regulations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with sensors, such as accelerometers and light sensors, that detect shipping conditions to automatically switch between low power and high power modes, preventing charging during transit and enabling charging once shipping is complete, allowing for efficient battery management between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If devices are shipped in a charged state to ensure immediate usability, then consumer convenience is improved, but battery drain occurs over time during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with charging capability and sensors before shipping, but the actual charging action is delayed until delivery. The low power mode is activated in advance to prevent drain, and charging is automatically enabled when shipping conditions are no longer detected, ensuring immediate usability without premature energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically switches between low power mode and normal charging mode based on detected shipping conditions. Sensors continuously monitor environmental parameters and automatically adjust power consumption and charging states, optimizing the balance between maintaining charge and enabling immediate usability upon delivery.
2Quantity of substance
If charging is enabled during transit to maintain full charge, then battery level is improved, but shipping regulations are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses sensors to detect shipping conditions and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines whether charging should be enabled or restricted, ensuring continuous compliance with shipping regulations while maintaining optimal battery charge levels through automatic state adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously monitors its own charging state and environmental conditions, then self-regulates power consumption and charging without external intervention. This self-service capability ensures regulatory compliance during transit while automatically enabling charging when appropriate, eliminating the need for manual monitoring or external control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and automatic mode switching are added to manage charging states, then battery management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors serve multiple functions: detecting shipping conditions, triggering mode transitions, and providing feedback for charging control. The same sensor system that monitors environmental parameters also directly controls power state transitions, eliminating the need for separate control circuits and reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The methods and systems described herein provide for restricting charging of a second electronic device by a first electronic device during transit, and triggering charging after transit is complete but prior to receipt by a consumer. The electronic devices are shipped in a low power state, and boxed in a particular orientation. An accelerometer in the device, detecting this particular orientation, maintains the device in the low power state. While in this state, a battery of the device is prevented from transmitting a charge to another device or receiving a charge from another device. Once the device is taken out of the shipping environment for a threshold period of time, a movement or change in orientation triggers the device to switch to a high power state. In the high power state, charging of one device by another may be enabled.