Hot-Pluggable Dual Battery Pass Through Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable device accessory charging systems are inflexible and inconvenient, as they rely solely on the connected portable device for power, failing to provide charging when the device is not available or not near a power source.
Innovation Solution
An electronic system with two devices, each equipped with charger ports and batteries, where the controlling circuitry directs electrical power between the devices based on their state of charge, allowing power to flow from one device to the other or from an external source, enhancing flexibility in charging scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the accessory draws power solely from the connected portable device, then the charging system is simple, but the system becomes inflexible and inconvenient when the device is not available or not near a power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional power flow capability where power can flow from the portable device to the accessory device and vice versa. The control circuitry dynamically determines the direction of power flow based on the state of charge of both devices and availability of external power sources, allowing the accessory to charge the portable device when appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the direction of power flow based on real-time conditions. The control circuitry monitors the state of charge of both batteries and the presence of external power sources, then automatically switches between charging modes (device charges accessory, accessory charges device, or both charge from external source) to optimize charging flexibility
2Ease of operation
If the portable device charges the accessory device, then the accessory can be charged when connected, but the accessory cannot be charged when the device is not available or not near a power source
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device is equipped with its own battery and control circuitry that enables it to independently provide power to the portable device. When the portable device's battery is low and the accessory's battery is charged, the accessory automatically charges the device without requiring external power sources or user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows reverse charging where the accessory device charges the portable device. The control circuitry detects when the device needs power and the accessory has sufficient charge, then automatically reverses the power flow direction to charge the device from the accessory's battery
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques of charging electronic devices involve directing electrical power from a first device to the battery of a second device in response to the first device being in a first state, and directing electrical power from the second device to the battery of the first device in response to the first device being in a second state. For example, in response to a connection being established between a first device (e.g., a tablet computer) and a second device (e.g., a monitor), a charger of the first device detects a state of charge of the battery of the first device and a state of charge of the second device.