Reset Circuit Integrated with Battery Terminal for Power Cycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices often require complex and user-unfriendly methods for power cycling or resetting, such as pressing combinations of keys or removing batteries, which can be costly, increase the risk of electrostatic discharge, and are not easily accessible, making it difficult for users to recover from hangs or crashes.

Innovation Solution

A power cycling system that uses a reset circuit with a reset switch positioned between the reset circuit and system ground, activated by a battery's electrical connection, allowing for a simple and safe reset process without additional user action or device access points, utilizing a battery pack with cathode and anode terminals and reset pads to provide a reset signal to the data processor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional reset methods (key combinations, battery removal) are used, then the device can be reset, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereset functionalityVSAvoidreset mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reset switch with the battery terminal structure, merging two separate components (reset mechanism and battery connection) into a single integrated component. This reduces device complexity while maintaining reset functionality, as the reset switch is now part of the battery terminal assembly rather than a separate mechanism requiring additional housing access points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery terminal is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides electrical connection for power supply and simultaneously houses the reset switch functionality. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reset hardware, reducing manufacturing costs and device complexity while ensuring reliable reset capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If reset button is recessed or requires extra tools, then device housing is protected, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice housing protectionVSAvoidreset accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the reset switch with the battery terminal, the patent eliminates the need for recessed buttons or special access points in the device housing. The reset functionality becomes accessible through the battery compartment, which users must open anyway to replace batteries, thus maintaining housing protection while dramatically improving reset accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system leverages the necessary user action of opening the battery compartment for battery replacement or inspection as the means to access the reset switch. Users perform the reset operation during their routine battery maintenance, eliminating the need for separate access points or tools while maintaining device housing integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If additional hardware access points are added for reset, then reset accessibility improves, but risk of electrostatic discharge and liquid ingress increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereset accessibilityVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge and liquid ingress risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates additional housing access points by integrating the reset switch into the existing battery terminal structure. Users access the reset functionality through the battery compartment, which is already a sealed access point for battery installation. This approach improves reset accessibility without creating new vulnerabilities for electrostatic discharge or liquid ingress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery compartment serves as an intermediary space that provides safe access to the reset switch without requiring direct exposure of internal circuitry. The compartment's sealed design protects against electrostatic discharge and liquid ingress while still allowing users to operate the reset switch during battery maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Extent of automation

If timing out reset is used, then automatic reset is achieved, but loss of time increases and user control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic resetVSAvoidreset time delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides automatic reset capability through the power cycling sequence that occurs naturally during battery installation or removal. The reset circuit automatically activates during the power-on sequence without requiring user intervention or timing delays, achieving both automation and immediate reset when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9465420B2Electronic devices having integrated reset systems and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC

AI summary

Methods and devices for power cycling an electronic device are provided. Also provided are systems and kits.