Mobile Device Power Management for Low Battery Wake-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with very low battery charge struggle to operate normally, and fast charging methods can cause undue stress to the battery and generate excessive heat.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that disconnects the rechargeable battery from the operating voltage when an external supply is connected, allowing immediate operation of the device without excessive charging current, and uses a switched mode power supply to efficiently convert and manage charging, minimizing heat and battery stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fast charging is applied to a very low battery, then the device can operate immediately, but undue stress is caused to the battery and excessive heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is segmented into distinct phases: an initial trickle charge phase for very low battery states, and a subsequent continuous charge phase for normal battery states. This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate charging rates for each battery state, enabling immediate operation while preventing battery stress and heat generation during the critical low-battery phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging current parameter is dynamically changed based on battery voltage thresholds. When battery voltage is below a first threshold, the system applies trickle charging with limited current. When voltage exceeds the threshold, the system transitions to continuous charging with higher current. This parameter change enables the device to wake up immediately when connected to external power without subjecting the battery to excessive stress.
2Reliability
If a very low battery is used to power the device, then the device cannot operate normally, but disconnecting the battery prevents immediate operation when external supply is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary power management mechanism that temporarily manages the battery connection state. When external power is detected and battery voltage is below the threshold, the system acts as an intermediary by controlling the battery disconnect switch to isolate the battery from the power circuit, allowing the device to operate immediately on external power alone without requiring the weak battery to participate.
3Loss of energy
If the battery is disconnected from the power circuit, then power dissipation and heat generation are reduced, but the battery cannot be charged simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action through threshold-based switching between charging modes. The battery disconnect switch operates periodically based on battery voltage thresholds: disconnecting when voltage is below the first threshold to minimize power dissipation, and reconnecting when voltage exceeds the threshold to enable charging. This periodic switching optimizes the balance between reducing power loss and enabling battery charging.
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
Enables mobile devices to wake up immediately from a very low battery state without causing stress, reducing power dissipation and heat generation, while ensuring safe and efficient charging.
Implementation Method 1
The external supply voltage is converted into an operating voltage to supply at least a circuit of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a mobile device, an apparatus and a wireless device are provided. The method of operating a mobile device comprises receiving an external supply voltage, converting the external supply voltage into an operating voltage and operating a circuit with the operating voltage. The method may include disconnecting a rechargeable battery from the operating voltage. The method may include charging a rechargeable battery in a trickle charge manner or in a continuos manner depending on a battery voltage. An apparatus is configured to carry out the method. The method may be used by a wireless device.