NFC Authentication for Mobile Device Removable Power Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile wireless communications devices face power consumption issues due to the varied functions they perform, and there is a need to authenticate third-party batteries to ensure optimal operation and prevent damage to the device.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a Near Field Communications (NFC) circuit in both the device and the removable power source for authentication, allowing secure communication and switching between locked and unlocked states based on successful authentication, with additional electrical conduction communication for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If third-party batteries are used to reduce power consumption, then the device can operate longer, but the device reliability deteriorates due to potential damage from poorly designed batteries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery operation durationVSAvoiddevice reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication of the third-party battery using NFC communication before allowing it to power the device. The processor authenticates the removable power source based on communications between the first NFC circuit in the power source and the second NFC circuit in the device, preventing potentially harmful batteries from operating without prior verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC circuit acts as an intermediary between the third-party battery and the device processor. It enables secure communication and authentication without direct electrical connection, allowing the device to verify battery compatibility and safety before establishing power supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If authentication mechanisms are added to verify battery compatibility, then device reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC circuit in the device serves multiple functions: it authenticates third-party batteries, enables wireless charging, and facilitates device-to-device communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated authentication hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex electrical and mechanical authentication mechanisms with NFC-based wireless communication. Instead of requiring physical connectors or electrical contact for verification, the device uses magnetic field-based NFC signals to authenticate batteries, simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures the use of compatible and safe batteries, preventing damage to the device and maintaining optimal performance by authenticating the removable power source, thereby enhancing user satisfaction and device reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The removable power source may comprise a first Near Field Communications (NFC) circuit. A second NFC circuit may be carried by the housing, and may be configured to authenticate the removable power source based upon communication with the first NFC circuit.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear Field Communications (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2546997B1Mobile wireless communications device to authenticate a removable power source via NFC communications and associated methods
Publication Date: 2015.02.18 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2546997B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2546997B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2546997B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing carrying a wireless transceiver and a removable power source. The removable power source includes a first Near Field Communications (NFC) circuit. A second NFC circuit is carried by the housing and is configured to authenticate the removable power source based upon communications the said first NFC circuit.