Dual Battery Power Distribution in Hinged Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with multiple parts, such as mobile phones, face manufacturing complexities, heat removal issues, and increased power consumption due to large batteries and complex power transfer mechanisms, leading to high costs and reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
The use of two separate batteries, one in each housing part, connected via a hinge joint or slide mechanism, with inductive power transfer and simplified electrical connectors, allowing for easier power management and reduced component count, enhancing reliability and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large battery is used to provide sufficient power to all functional elements, then the power capacity is improved, but the heat removal capability deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large battery into multiple smaller batteries distributed across different housing parts. Each battery serves its local functional elements, reducing the power capacity of individual batteries while improving heat dissipation through distributed thermal management. The fixing element with integrated electrical connectors enables this segmentation while maintaining power supply continuity.
2Reliability
If power is transferred over long distances with flex and coaxial cables, then the connection between battery and display is maintained, but power consumption increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transfer function from the mechanical fixing element (hinge or slide) and implements it through integrated electrical connectors within the same structure. This eliminates the need for separate flex cables and coaxial cables, reducing power consumption and manufacturing costs while maintaining connection reliability through direct electrical contact in the fixing element.
3Power
If complex fixing elements with electronic connectors are used to join housing parts, then power transfer is enabled, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical fixing function (hinge or slide mechanism) with the electrical power transfer function into a single integrated structure. The fixing element contains embedded electrical connectors that automatically connect when housing parts are joined, eliminating the need for separate cable assemblies and reducing manufacturing steps. This integration simplifies the overall assembly process while ensuring reliable power transfer.
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
This configuration simplifies manufacturing, reduces power consumption, improves reliability, and facilitates easier heat removal, while enabling robust and efficient power distribution with reduced voltage variation and increased battery capacity, making the device more cost-effective and resilient.
Implementation Method 1
the first part of a housing comprises a first battery configured to provide power to functional elements comprised by the first part of a housing, and the second part of a housing comprises at least a second battery configured to provide power to functional elements comprised by the second part of a housing
Implementation Method 2
the means for transmitting power further comprise means for induction
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprising at least a first part of a housing and a second part of a housing joined together with a fixing element and configured to be movable with respect to each other, wherein the first part of a housing comprises a first battery configured to provide power to functional elements comprised by the first part of a housing, and the second part of a housing comprises at least a second battery configured to provide power to functional elements comprised by the second part of a housing, and a method for managing power distribution in the electronic device.