Power Sharing Interface for Dynamic Battery Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack efficient methods for bidirectional power sharing between devices, limiting the ability to dynamically transfer power based on battery status and user preferences.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a power management module within electronic devices that recognizes power sharing cables, requests and displays battery information, and allows users to control power transfer through a user interface, enabling both unidirectional and bidirectional power sharing via USB or wireless connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bidirectional power transfer connector is implemented, then power sharing capability between devices is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower sharing capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The USB connector is designed to perform multiple functions: standard data communication and charging, as well as bidirectional power transfer. The power management module automatically detects the connection type and configures the connector for appropriate power sharing operations, allowing the same hardware interface to serve universal purposes without increasing physical complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The power management module automatically detects battery status, determines power transfer direction, and controls power flow without requiring manual configuration or complex user intervention. The system self-configures the power sharing parameters based on detected device states, reducing the need for complex control interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If power management module with automatic detection is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management module continuously monitors battery levels of connected devices and automatically determines the optimal power transfer direction and amount. The system self-configures power sharing parameters, selects transfer mode (unidirectional or bidirectional), and manages the entire power exchange process without user intervention, making operation simple while the backend complexity is handled automatically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power management module continuously detects battery status information from connected devices and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust power transfer parameters. The system monitors power flow, battery levels, and connection states in real-time, automatically modifying operations based on detected conditions to maintain optimal performance without complex user controls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2911036B1Method and apparatus for power sharing
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2911036B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2911036B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2911036B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method is provided comprising: detecting an electrical connection between a first device having a first battery and a second device having a second battery; receiving an indication of a residual power of the second battery; displaying, by the first device, a power sharing interface based on the indication of the residual power of the second battery; detecting an input to the interface specifying a threshold amount of power; transmitting power from the first battery to the second device until the threshold amount of power is transmitted.