In-Battery Module Control via Data Activity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable communication devices face challenges in upgrading radio features without requiring manual on/off switching, which is typically factory-set or service-shop dependent, leading to increased parts count and cost, especially when retrofitting older devices.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack with automated internal control using a three-wire interface and monitoring circuitry to detect data activity on a single-wire signal, automatically turning on/off the in-battery radio application module, eliminating the need for external switches and additional interface contacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an additional contact is used to provide on/off capability for the in-battery module, then the module can be manually controlled, but the parts count and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual on/off controlVSAvoidparts count
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The in-battery application module automatically detects radio data activity and self-regulates its power state without requiring manual user intervention or additional control contacts. The module monitors the data bus for radio activity and autonomously transitions between active and inactive states, eliminating the need for external on/off switching hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If an additional contact is used to provide on/off capability for the in-battery module, then the module can be manually controlled, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual on/off controlVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates the need for additional control contacts and associated manufacturing costs by implementing self-service automation. The module uses existing data bus signals to detect radio activity and automatically controls its own power state, reducing parts count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If the radio electronics in the battery pack are turned off when the radio is turned off, then battery drainage is prevented, but automated detection and control capability is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery drainageVSAvoidcontrol capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the data bus for radio activity signals. When no radio data activity is detected, the module automatically transitions to an inactive power state, preventing battery drainage. This feedback mechanism enables automated energy management using existing communication bus signals without requiring additional control hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Extent of automation

If monitoring circuitry is added to detect data activity, then automated on/off control is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated on/off controlVSAvoidcircuitry
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring circuitry leverages the existing data bus infrastructure already present in the battery-radio interface for its dual purpose: both for radio communication and for detecting radio activity to control module power state. This multi-functional use of existing signals minimizes the need for separate monitoring hardware and reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7725138B2Apparatus for control of in-battery module
Publication Date: 2010.05.25 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC
  • US7725138B2 patent drawing
  • US7725138B2 patent drawing
  • US7725138B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus (100) is provided for powering an in-battery electronic application module (118) without the use of an external on/off switch. A battery pack (102) is electrically coupled to a radio (104) via three interface contacts: power (108), ground (112) and single-wire serial data port (110). Circuitry is included within the battery pack (102) to sense and monitor data activity on the single-wire serial data port (110) generated as the radio (104) is turned on. Based on the level and timing (200) of the data activity present on the single-wire serial port (110), the electronic application module (118) can automatically be turned on (208), remain on (210) and turned off (212).