Power IC Voltage Control for Efficient Device-to-Device Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Charging processes for augmented reality (AR) devices experience power loss due to inefficiencies when external power sources charge the device's case and battery, or when the device's battery is used to charge itself, leading to a desire for improved charging efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A first electronic device adjusts the voltage output to a second electronic device based on the voltage of its own battery, the second electronic device's battery, and the minimum voltage required for its charger, using a power IC to convert power to an optimal level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If an external power source charges the case battery and the case charges the AR device battery, then the AR device can be charged, but power loss occurs in multiple charging steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidcharging process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power conversion function from the multi-step charging process by enabling the external power source to directly charge the AR device battery through wireless power transfer, eliminating the intermediate case battery charging step and reducing overall power loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The external power source is designed to perform multiple functions: it can directly charge the case battery, directly charge the AR device battery wirelessly, or provide power to both simultaneously, making the charging system more versatile and efficient

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

2Loss of energy

If the case battery is used to charge the AR device battery without external power, then charging can occur, but significant power loss occurs due to voltage conversion inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter management by having the external power source directly provide optimized voltage to the AR device battery through wireless transfer, avoiding the double voltage conversion that occurs when the case battery charges the AR device battery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless power transfer module acts as an efficient intermediary between the external power source and the AR device battery, enabling direct power transfer with minimal loss compared to the traditional path through the case battery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach reduces power loss by optimizing voltage delivery, enhancing charging efficiency and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

using a power IC to convert power to an optimal level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4340166B1Electronic apparatus for charging another electronic apparatus, and method for controlling electronic apparatus for charging other electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4340166B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4340166B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4340166B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to various embodiments, a first electronic apparatus comprises: a first battery; a first charger electrically connected to the first battery; a power IC electrically connected to the first charger and configured to convert an output voltage of the first charger; a connector electrically connected to the power IC and capable of being electrically connected to a second electronic apparatus; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor may be configured to check a first voltage on the basis of a voltage of the first battery of the first electronic apparatus, an output voltage of a second battery of the second electronic apparatus, and the minimum voltage for operating a second charger of the second electronic apparatus, and control the power IC to transmit, through the connector, first power having the first voltage to the second electronic apparatus.