Switching Unit for Bidirectional Power and Status Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable device power solutions, such as battery extension docks and external battery chargers, either fail to charge the device's internal battery or lack status information sharing, leading to user inconvenience and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A terminal system with a switching unit and charging unit configuration that allows a battery to either supply power or charge another terminal, while also providing status information sharing between connected terminals, enabling seamless power management and user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external battery charger is used to charge the mobile phone battery, then the battery can be charged, but the mobile phone cannot obtain status information of the external battery charger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the external battery charger and mobile phone into a unified terminal system where the switching unit can connect either the charging unit or battery unit to the coupling interface. This merging allows status information from either battery to be accessible through a single interface, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling interface is designed with multi-functionality to support both charging operations and status information exchange. The interface can universally connect to either the charging unit or battery unit, enabling it to perform both power transfer and data communication functions, thus obtaining status information while charging.
2Power
If a battery extension dock is coupled to the notebook computer, then power can be supplied to the notebook computer, but the extension dock cannot be used to charge the computer's battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability through the switching unit, which can dynamically connect to either the charging unit or battery unit based on operational needs. This dynamic adaptability allows the terminal to switch between power supply mode and battery charging mode, resolving the inflexibility of the extension dock.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is designed with universal functionality through the coupling interface that can both receive power from external sources and charge internal batteries. The switching unit enables the terminal to universally perform either function depending on connection configuration, making the device adaptable to different power management scenarios.
3Power
If the battery in the extension dock is used to supply power only, then power can be provided to the notebook computer, but the user has to carry the extension dock in addition to the notebook computer
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal integrates multiple functions into a single device that can both supply power to external devices and charge its own battery. This universal design eliminates the need to carry separate extension docks, as the terminal itself can function as both power source and power recipient, improving user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of power supply and battery charging into a single terminal unit. By combining these previously separate functions (extension dock power supply and internal battery charging) into one integrated system, the user only needs to carry the terminal itself, enhancing ease of operation.
4Reliability
If the external battery charger is coupled to the mobile phone, then the battery can be charged, but there is no power supply strategy and the battery in the mobile phone will be changed as soon as coupling occurs, causing loss in electric power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through the switching unit, which proactively selects the optimal power source (charging unit or battery unit) before power transfer begins. This preliminary selection based on status information prevents unnecessary battery switching and associated energy losses during charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring status information from both the charging unit and battery unit. This feedback enables the switching unit to make informed decisions about power source selection, optimizing power supply strategy and avoiding energy loss from inappropriate battery switching during charging.
Data Source
AI summary
Terminals, terminal systems, charging/discharging methods for the terminals, charging/discharging methods for the terminal systems, and discharging methods are disclosed. The terminal is coupled to a second terminal including a second switching unit, a second charging unit and a second battery unit. The second charging unit is coupled to the second battery unit. The terminal includes a first switching unit and a first battery unit. The first switching unit is coupled to each of the second switching unit and the first battery unit. The first switching unit is configured to receive a control instruction or a control signal, and to switch to the second switching unit based on the control instruction or the control signal so as to supply power to the second terminal with the first battery unit, or switch to the second charging unit based on the control instruction or the control signal so as to charge the second battery unit with the first battery unit. Thus, the battery of the terminal can be used to charge the battery of the second terminal or used directly as a second battery for supplying power to the second terminal. This improves user convenience and usability of the terminals.