Dual Power Supply Controllers for Detachable 2-in-1 PC Battery Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In detachable 2-in-1 PCs, the power supply switches in the keyboard dock cannot be easily controlled, leading to challenges in managing power sources and battery charging efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of power supply controllers on both the tablet and keyboard dock sides, which include a power supply controller, keyboard controller, current and voltage measurement circuits, and I2C communication, allowing for precise control of power switches and battery charging, as well as notification of battery status through LEDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If power supply switches are included in the keyboard dock for dual battery configuration, then power management capability is improved, but control difficulty and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management capabilityVSAvoidcontrol difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management system is segmented into two independent control ICs: one in the tablet and one in the keyboard dock. Each control IC independently manages power switches and battery charging in its respective device, eliminating the control difficulty caused by having all power switches in one location while maintaining full power management capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If power supply switches are included in the keyboard dock, then battery charging control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery charging controlVSAvoidease of control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control IC in the keyboard dock acts as an intermediary that automatically manages power switch control and battery charging based on system state. This eliminates the need for users to manually control complex power switches while maintaining sophisticated battery charging control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power switches are placed in the keyboard dock, then power supply flexibility is improved, but measurement and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply flexibilityVSAvoidswitch control difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented so that the keyboard dock's control IC manages only the power switches located in the keyboard dock, while the tablet's control IC manages power switches in the tablet. This segmentation reduces the complexity of detecting and measuring switch states while maintaining power supply flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9939849B2System with electronic device and extension device

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 DYNABOOK INC

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a system includes an electronic device and an extension device. The electronic device includes a first connector to which a first AC adapter is connected, a first control IC including a first power supply controller, and a first charger IC to charge a first battery with power from the first AC adapter in response to an instruction from the first power supply controller. The extension device includes a second connector to which a second AC adapter is connected, a second control IC including a second power supply controller, and a second charger IC to charge a second battery with power from the second AC adapter in response to an instruction from the second power supply controller.