Portable Device Power Pack Remote Disable Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to effectively disable internal power packs in portable electronic devices, particularly in scenarios such as manufacturer recalls or unauthorized use, to ensure user safety and device functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow a portable electronic device to receive commands from external sources to disable its internal power pack by setting switching devices to a non-conductive state, using a protection IC and microcontroller to control power flow, and providing user warnings before disabling the power pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the internal power pack is disabled remotely to ensure safety during recalls or unauthorized use, then device safety and security are improved, but device functionality and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary that receives disable requests and communicates them to the portable device. This mediator enables safe remote disabling without requiring direct user interaction with the device, resolving the contradiction by allowing safety actions to be taken externally while preserving normal functionality when not disabled.
Solution Approach 2:
The power pack disablement status is made dynamic rather than static. The system can transition between enabled and disabled states based on remote commands, allowing the device to adapt its functionality according to safety requirements while maintaining full operation during normal use.
2Reliability
If the internal power pack is disabled to prevent unauthorized use, then security is improved, but device accessibility and user convenience worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The remote server acts as an intermediary that authenticates and manages disable requests. This allows security to be enforced through external authorization rather than requiring physical access to or complex interactions with the device, maintaining accessibility for authorized users while preventing unauthorized use.
3Reliability
If switching devices are set to non-conductive state to disable power pack, then power isolation and safety are improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power control function is segmented into separate switching devices (first and second switching devices) that can independently control different aspects of power flow. This segmentation enables precise power isolation while keeping each individual switching component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
A control circuit acts as an intermediary between the switching devices and the power pack, managing the complexity of coordinating multiple switches to achieve proper power isolation. This mediator handles the circuit complexity centrally while keeping the overall system design manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
This document discusses, among other things, a method for disabling an internal power pack comprising receiving a command from an external source at a processor for a portable electronic device. The command can instruct the portable electronic device to disable an internal power pack for the portable electronic device. The method also includes sending a signal from the processor to the internal power pack to disable the internal power pack in response to the command.