Power Switching Circuit for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices require high-cost waterproof connectors to connect with expansion devices, which is costly and inefficient for power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A power switching circuit with a single waterproof power pin and multiple switch modules that control power direction, allowing for charging or discharging via the same pin, reducing the need for multiple connectors and lowering costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power pins are used for charging and discharging, then power transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single power pin that can perform multiple functions: charging the battery, discharging to power external devices, and supporting bidirectional power flow. The switch modules enable this universal functionality by dynamically routing power in different directions based on operational mode, eliminating the need for separate charging and discharging pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses switch modules that can dynamically change their state (on/off) based on the operational mode. When charging, the first switch module is on and the second is off; when discharging, the first switch module is off and the second is on. This dynamic switching allows a single power pin to adapt to different power flow directions, reducing connector complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If waterproof connector is used, then waterproof function is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the waterproof requirement from the entire connector assembly and applies it only to the essential power pin. By using a single power pin instead of multiple pins, the waterproof design scope is reduced, lowering the overall cost while maintaining the necessary waterproof protection for power transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switch modules are added for power control, then power direction control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power control function into separate switch modules (first switch module for charging, second switch module for discharging) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows precise control over power direction while keeping each switch module's control logic simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple switch modules and power terminals into a single integrated power management system that shares one power pin. The switch modules work together to control bidirectional power flow, merging what could be separate charging and discharging circuits into a unified, space-efficient design.
Data Source
AI summary
A power switching circuit of a portable electronic device is disclosed. The portable electronic device can be coupled to an expansion device. The power switching circuit includes a first power terminal, a second power terminal, a first switch module, a second switch module, and a power pin. The first switch module is coupled to the first power terminal. The second switch module is coupled to the second power terminal. The power pin is coupled to the first switch module and the second switch module, respectively. When the portable electronic device is not coupled to the expansion device, the first switch module and the second switch module are turned off, such that first power provided by the first power terminal and second power provided by the second power terminal fail to be provided for the power pin via the first switch module and the second switch module.