Power Source Selection for Wireless and Wired Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless charging systems for mobile devices can supply excessive power when both an AC adapter and a charging device are connected, leading to the need for the device to select between them, which is not efficiently managed.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a connection unit for both wired and wireless power sources, a selection unit to choose the appropriate power source based on capacity, and a control unit for charging and power management, utilizing NFC for communication and power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If both AC adapter and charging device supply power simultaneously, then power availability is improved, but excessive power supply occurs causing safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidexcessive power supply
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that detects the presence and power supply capacity of both power sources (AC adapter and charging device), then selectively activates only one power source based on detected conditions. This intermediary control prevents simultaneous power supply and avoids excessive power input to the battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If device must select between AC adapter or charging device, then excessive power supply is prevented, but power management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcessive power supply preventionVSAvoidpower management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service power management system where the electronic device automatically detects the connected power source type, determines its power supply capacity, and autonomously selects the appropriate power source without user intervention. The system self-regulates power input based on battery charge level and power source characteristics, reducing perceived complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors battery charge level, power source presence, and power supply capacity. Based on this feedback information, the system dynamically adjusts power source selection and activation, creating a closed-loop control system that manages complexity internally while presenting simple operation to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless charging is added to wired charging capability, then charging versatility is improved, but power selection management becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging versatilityVSAvoidpower selection management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal power management system that handles multiple charging modes (wired AC adapter charging and wireless charging) through a single integrated control mechanism. The control unit universally detects power source type, evaluates power supply capacity, and manages both charging methods through unified logic, allowing the device to adapt to different charging scenarios without requiring separate management systems for each charging type.

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

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

Ensures proper power selection and management, preventing excessive power supply by choosing the optimal power source, ensuring safe and efficient charging and operation of the device.

Implementation Method 1

a power receiving unit that receives power from a second power supply device wirelessly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless power transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9425645B2Electronic apparatus, control method of electronic apparatus, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2016.08.23 CANON KK
  • US9425645B2 patent drawing
  • US9425645B2 patent drawing
  • US9425645B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes a connection unit for connecting a first power supply device, a power receiving unit for receiving power from a second power supply device wirelessly. The electronic apparatus selects either the first power supply device or the second power supply device based on the power supply capacity of the first power supply device.