Handheld Scanner Shutdown Indicator for Over-Discharge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion supercapacitor batteries in handheld scanners must be completely shut down to prevent damage from over discharge, leading to user confusion and dissatisfaction as they appear dead or malfunctioning, without the option to wake back up for low battery indications.
Innovation Solution
Implement a non-volatile indicator, such as an E ink display or mechanical indicator, to provide shutdown state indications without powering the primary internal power source, and a secondary power source for a shutdown state indicator circuit to signal the shutdown state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the internal power source is completely shut down to prevent over discharge damage, then the reliability of the power source is improved, but the user experience deteriorates due to confusion about device status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a shutdown state indication before the power source is completely depleted. The indicator communicates the shutdown state to users in advance, preventing confusion about device status while maintaining the necessary complete shutdown for power source protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the shutdown state indicator - that mediates between the power source shutdown state and user perception. This indicator serves as a communication bridge, translating the internal shutdown state into visible information for users without requiring the power source to remain active.
2Loss of energy
If the internal power source is completely shut down, then energy loss is reduced by preventing over discharge, but information loss occurs as users cannot determine device status
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator provides status information in advance of complete power loss. By communicating the shutdown state before the power source is fully depleted, the system preserves energy while preventing information loss about device status.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutdown state indicator acts as an intermediary that transfers status information to users without requiring continuous power source operation. This allows energy conservation through complete shutdown while maintaining information availability through the indicator mechanism.
3Loss of information
If the primary internal power source is used for indication, then the indicator can provide real-time feedback, but energy consumption increases reducing operational duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply function by introducing a secondary power source dedicated to the indicator circuit. This separates the indication function from the primary power source, allowing the indicator to operate independently without consuming primary battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary power source provides multi-functionality by serving both as a power source for the indicator circuit and as a means to maintain indication capability during primary power source shutdown. This universal element handles both power provision and status communication functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for providing indications of shutdown states for handheld devices are disclosed herein. An example handheld device includes a power source, a power source monitor, an indicator, and a processor disposed inside a housing. The power source monitor is configured to detect whether the power source has reached a pre-determined amount of discharge at which the internal power source is to be shut down to prevent damage. The processor configured to, when the internal power source has reached the pre-determined amount of discharge: configure the indicator to provide, while the internal power source is in the shutdown state, an indication that the internal power source is shutdown, and configure the internal power source into the shutdown state such that the processor is de-energized.