Power Switching Circuit for Seamless External Power Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices without batteries may lose power and reset when the external power supply is replaced, leading to temporary interruptions and potential device initialization.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a first and second interface, an input device generating signals for disconnection, and a processor that manages power transfer between the interfaces to ensure continuous operation by switching to an alternative power source before the primary source is disconnected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic device receives power from a single external power supply, then the device operation is simple, but the device resets when the power supply is disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidpower management system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device detects disconnection signals from the first external power supply in advance and activates the second power supply before the first power supply is fully disconnected, ensuring continuous power delivery without interruption to the load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the first and second power supplies, managing the power transition by detecting disconnection signals and controlling the switching between power sources to maintain continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the electronic device switches power sources immediately upon disconnection, then continuous operation is maintained, but power conflict or instability occurs during transition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidpower transition time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of disconnection signals and initiates power source switching before actual disconnection occurs, eliminating power gaps while avoiding simultaneous connection conflicts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit prepares the second power supply in advance by monitoring the state of the first power supply, ensuring a smooth transition without sudden power changes that could cause instability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11449115B2Method for receiving power from other external device connected to electronic device, on basis of disconnection of external electronic device that is supplying power, and electronic device implementing same

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device. According to an embodiment disclosed in this specification, an electronic device may include a first interface, a second interface, an input device generating a specified signal associated with disconnection of a first external electronic device, and a processor operatively connected to the first interface, the second interface, and the input device. The processor may be configured to receive power from the first external electronic device through the first interface in a state where the first external electronic device is connected to the first interface and a second external electronic device is connected to the second interface, and to receive power from the second external electronic device through the second interface when receiving the specified signal generated by the input device. Other various embodiments as understood from the specification are also possible.