Protective Case Power Management Circuit for Simultaneous Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for electronic devices' power management, such as supplemental battery packs, face limitations in charging efficiency and flexibility, including sequential charging, excessive current draw, and inability to selectively control battery charging, which can lead to reduced device usability and potential damage to power sources.
Innovation Solution
A protective case with a rechargeable battery and electrical circuitry that allows for simultaneous power distribution from both internal and external batteries, with user-selectable modes and current control to manage power efficiently and safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If supplemental battery packs are used to extend battery life, then device usability is improved, but charging efficiency deteriorates due to sequential charging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple batteries (internal device battery and external supplemental battery) into a single integrated power system managed by a unified power management circuit. This allows simultaneous charging of both batteries through intelligent current distribution, eliminating the sequential charging requirement of prior art and improving overall charging efficiency while extending total battery life.
2Speed
If high current is drawn to charge both batteries simultaneously, then charging speed is improved, but power source damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management circuit dynamically adjusts charging parameters (current distribution ratios, voltage levels) based on real-time battery states, power source capabilities, and device power consumption. This intelligent parameter control enables fast simultaneous charging while preventing excessive current draw that could damage the power source, resolving the contradiction between charging speed and safety.
3Duration of action of moving object
If existing battery pack solutions are used, then power extension is achieved, but device complexity increases due to manual battery swapping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic power management where the power management circuit autonomously monitors battery levels, controls charging current distribution, and manages power flow between batteries and device without user intervention. This eliminates the need for manual battery swapping or configuration, reducing operational complexity while maintaining extended power capability.
4Duration of action of moving object
If supplemental battery is charged first before device battery, then supplemental battery readiness is improved, but device battery charging is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parallel charging architecture where both the supplemental battery and device battery are charged simultaneously through a single power source, with intelligent current distribution. This eliminates the time delay inherent in sequential charging approaches while ensuring both batteries are ready for use, as the power management circuit dynamically allocates charging current to both batteries concurrently.
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
Enhances device usability by extending battery life, reducing charging time, and preventing power source overload, while allowing flexible power management and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
The protective case includes a rechargeable battery... distribute stored electrical power from the rechargeable battery of the protective case to the installed electronic device
Implementation Method 2
The electrical circuitry is configured to distribute a first portion of the received electrical power to the installed electronic device through the second electrical connector and to distribute a second portion of the received electrical power to the rechargeable battery of the protective case
Data Source
AI summary
A protective case for an electronic device includes a cover, a rechargeable battery, first and second electrical connectors, and electrical circuitry. The first electrical connector is accessible at an outer surface of the cover for electrically connecting to an external power source. The second electrical connector is accessible at an inner surface of the cover for electrically connecting the protective case to the electronic device. The electrical circuitry distributes the received electrical power to the electronic device and to the rechargeable battery. The electrical circuitry also distributes stored electrical power from the rechargeable battery to the electronic device. Distribution of the stored electrical power to the electronic device is conditioned upon an input received from the electronic device, a mode of the protective case, and or a signal received at the protective case.