Dual Battery Handset Lifecycle Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable batteries in portable electronic devices deteriorate over time, affecting their charge capacity and equivalent series resistance, leading to reduced performance and the need for frequent replacements, especially in non-removable battery scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a power supply unit with an embedded battery and a replaceable battery, a battery monitoring system to detect deterioration, and a battery control system to manage discharge rates, allowing the replaceable battery to be operated in a sacrificial mode to extend the lifespan of the embedded battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a non-removable embedded battery is used in a portable electronic device, then the device achieves better integration and portability, but the battery cannot be easily replaced when it deteriorates, leading to device obsolescence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of battery replacementVSAvoiddevice usability over time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two independent batteries: a primary embedded battery and a secondary replaceable battery. This segmentation allows the replaceable battery to be independently replaced when deteriorated, while the embedded battery remains integrated in the device, thus resolving the contradiction between device integration and battery replaceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the embedded battery by monitoring its state of charge and deterioration level, and dynamically adjusting its discharge rate and charging schedule. This parameter adjustment extends the embedded battery's lifespan, delaying the need for device replacement and maintaining long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the embedded battery is continuously used to power the device, then the device operates without interruption, but the battery deteriorates faster due to constant charge-discharge cycles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operational continuityVSAvoidbattery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by alternately using the embedded and replaceable batteries for power supply. The embedded battery can be periodically recharged from external sources while the replaceable battery powers the device, or vice versa. This periodic switching reduces the charge-discharge cycle frequency for each battery, extending their lifespans while maintaining continuous device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The embedded battery acts as an intermediary between external power sources and the device's power consumption. It buffers and regulates power delivery, allowing the replaceable battery to be periodically recharged or replaced without interrupting device operation. This intermediary role extends the overall system lifespan by managing battery wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the battery is designed to be small to maintain device portability, then the device remains lightweight and compact, but the battery capacity is limited and requires frequent recharging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery operating durationVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The total battery capacity requirement is segmented between two batteries: a small embedded battery for immediate device operation and a larger replaceable battery for extended power supply. This segmentation allows the device to maintain portability with the small embedded battery while providing extended operating duration through the larger replaceable battery that can be carried separately and swapped when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2575234B1Battery lifecycle management of a dual battery handset
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2575234B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2575234B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2575234B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Portable electronic devices, systems and methods are provided for managing battery usage of a dual-battery handset including a embedded battery and for receiving a replaceable battery operatively connected to the embedded battery. An embedded battery of a portable electronic device is monitored and in response to detection of a battery deterioration event, controlling a discharge rate of the embedded battery and a discharge rate of the replaceable battery.