Operation Mode Switching for Battery Charging During Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices powered by batteries face inefficiencies in charging and operation when using low maximum current standards, such as those provided through USB connections, leading to restricted apparatus operation and poor usability due to insufficient power supply for both charging and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a charging/discharging control unit that switches between two operation modes based on battery capacity, using external power preferentially for charging and supplementing with battery power when necessary, allowing continuous operation and efficient charging even with low external power input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operation charging is enabled with low maximum current standard (e.g., USB feeding at 500mA), then apparatus operation can be maintained, but charging efficiency deteriorates and sufficient battery charging cannot be executed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between two operation modes based on battery capacity: first operation mode for high-power operations when battery capacity is sufficient, and second operation mode for low-power operations when battery capacity is low. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting power consumption to match available battery capacity during operation charging, enabling both continuous operation and effective charging under low current standards.
2Power
If high power is consumed during apparatus operation, then operational performance is improved, but battery capacity depletes faster and charging cannot keep up with consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operation power based on real-time battery capacity monitoring. When battery capacity is high, the first operation mode with higher power consumption is enabled. When battery capacity drops below a threshold, the system switches to the second operation mode with reduced power consumption, ensuring that power consumption never exceeds what can be replenished by operation charging, thus resolving the contradiction between operational performance and charging speed.
3Productivity
If apparatus operation is restricted until battery charging is completed, then charging efficiency is maintained, but usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous apparatus operation during charging by dynamically switching between two operation modes based on battery capacity. The second operation mode is specifically designed to operate within the power constraints of operation charging, allowing users to perform low-power tasks while the battery charges. This resolves the contradiction by providing usable functionality during charging without compromising charging efficiency.
4Reliability
If maximum current standard is low (e.g., USB feeding), then power supply safety is improved, but insufficient power is available for both data transmission and charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments apparatus operations into two categories: first operation mode for high-power operations requiring full battery capacity, and second operation mode for low-power operations compatible with operation charging. This segmentation allows the system to safely utilize the limited power from low current standards while still providing functional capabilities through appropriate mode selection, resolving the contradiction between power supply safety and available power.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus is provided with a processing unit that has a first operation mode in which an operation is enabled using only external power from a feeding device and a second operation mode in which the operation is enabled by feeding from a battery in addition to the external power from the feeding device. When the remaining capacity of the battery is sufficient, the processing unit executes an apparatus operation in the second operation mode. However, when the remaining capacity of the battery decreases, the processing unit changes an operation mode to the first operation mode and executes charging of the battery while continuously executing the apparatus operation.