Foldable Dual-Battery Power Regulation for Balanced Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable mobile computing devices with multiple power storage devices often experience imbalanced discharge rates, leading to premature shutdowns despite one power storage device still having charge remaining, due to differences in available volume and current loads on each side of the fold.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a first and second regulator, electrically coupled to the respective power storage devices, allows a controller to adjust the impedance of these regulators based on the power storage capacities of each device, thereby balancing the discharge rates and ensuring both devices reach an empty charge state at approximately the same time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If multiple power storage devices are used to balance weight, then weight distribution is improved, but discharge rate imbalance occurs leading to premature shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (impedance) of the regulators connected to each power storage device. By adjusting the impedance of the first regulator versus the second regulator, the system balances the discharge rates despite differences in power storage capacity, allowing both devices to deplete at similar rates and preventing premature shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the power storage capacities and discharge states of both power storage devices, then dynamically adjusts the regulator impedances based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures that the discharge rates remain balanced throughout operation, resolving the reliability issue caused by uneven discharge
2Duration of action of moving object
If regulator impedance is adjusted to balance discharge rates, then runtime is prolonged, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it monitors power storage capacities, determines discharge rates, calculates required impedance adjustments, and controls both regulators. This multi-functionality consolidates the complexity into a single control unit rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each regulator
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the impedance parameters of the regulators based on real-time monitoring of power storage capacities. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying discharge rates and extend runtime while managing complexity through automated control algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
An example foldable mobile computing device includes a first side including a first power storage device coupled to a first regulator. The device includes a second side including a second power storage device coupled to a second regulator and connected in parallel with the first power storage device. The second side is configured to articulate relative to the first side about a hinge. The device includes processing circuitry configured to determine a power storage capacity of the first power storage device and to determine a power storage capacity of the second power storage device. The device is also configured to adjust, based on the power storage capacity of the first power storage device and the power storage capacity of the second power storage device, at least one of an impedance of the first regulator or an impedance of the second regulator.