Electronic Device Power Controller for Hot Swap Battery Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with multiple battery configurations face challenges in efficiently managing power supply and battery life, particularly when one battery is depleted or removed, leading to potential interruptions in operation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a first and second detachable battery mounting unit, a built-in battery, and a power controller that switches between the batteries based on detection of latch states and remaining battery amounts, ensuring continuous operation by automatically selecting the most suitable power source, including a hot swap function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple detachable batteries are used to extend operation time, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple mounting units and switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detachable batteries (first and second batteries) with a built-in battery into a unified power system. The power controller integrates battery selection, switching control, and power management functions into a single control unit that automatically manages multiple battery sources, thereby extending operation time while managing system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The power controller serves multiple functions: detecting battery installation status, monitoring battery remaining amounts, automatically selecting appropriate batteries, controlling switching between batteries, and managing power distribution. This multi-functional design allows the system to handle multiple battery types and configurations without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If automatic battery switching is implemented to ensure continuous operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to detection means and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The power controller automatically detects battery installation status and remaining amounts, then autonomously selects and switches between batteries without user intervention. The system self-manages the power supply configuration, detecting latch opening/closing states and battery levels, and automatically transitions between power sources to ensure continuous operation, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the need for complex manual control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery status through detection means that track latch opening/closing states and battery remaining amounts. This feedback information is fed to the power controller, which uses real-time status data to make intelligent switching decisions, ensuring reliable continuous operation based on actual battery conditions rather than predetermined sequences.
3Ease of operation
If hot swap function is added for seamless battery replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The power controller continuously monitors battery installation status through latch detection before battery removal or insertion occurs. By detecting latch opening/closing states in advance, the system prepares for battery transitions proactively, enabling seamless hot swap operations. The controller anticipates battery changes and pre-configures power switching, making battery replacement straightforward for users while the system manages the complexity of transition control.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device is provided with built-in battery (93), a first latch for locking first battery (91), and a second latch for locking second battery (92). The electronic device also includes: first switch (211) alternatively selecting a battery for supplying power to the electronic device from first battery (91) and second battery (92); and second switch (212) for switching on and off the supply of power from built-in battery (93) to the electronic device. The electronic device is additionally provided with a latch opening/closing detector for detecting opening and closing of the first latch and the second latch, battery remaining amount detector (195) for detecting remaining amounts of first battery (91) and second battery (92), and a power controller for controlling first switch (211) and second switch (212). The power controller controls first switch (211) and second switch (212) based on detection results of latch opening/closing detector (170) and battery remaining amount detector (195).