USB-C Power Switching With Battery Warning Threshold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices that use battery power, such as video cameras, face issues with sudden power loss when a USB Type-C cable is unintentionally disconnected, leading to shutdowns due to insufficient remaining battery power, especially when power is being supplied from both a removable battery and an external power source.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus and method that includes a power switching circuit to prioritize power from an external USB Type-C power supply when connected, using different thresholds for warning notifications based on the power source, reducing unnecessary warnings and minimizing the risk of shutdowns by displaying tailored warnings based on the operating mode and power supply configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the apparatus uses a removable battery with a voltage detection circuit to monitor power levels, then the device can provide power status information and warnings, but the apparatus may still shut down suddenly when the cable is disconnected and the battery power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power source switching that automatically transitions between external power supply and removable battery based on connection status. The power management system continuously monitors the connection state and dynamically adjusts the power source, selecting external power when connected and switching to battery power when disconnected, thereby maintaining operational reliability without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through voltage detection circuits that continuously monitor power levels from both the external power supply and removable battery. The control unit receives real-time power status information and adjusts power source selection accordingly, providing feedback-based power management that prevents sudden shutdowns while maintaining system reliability
2Ease of operation
If the apparatus displays power warnings based on a fixed voltage threshold, then the warning system is simple to implement, but the warning may be displayed inappropriately when external power is connected and battery power is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment based on power source detection. When external power is connected, the system raises the voltage threshold for triggering warnings, preventing inappropriate warnings during charging. When external power is disconnected, the threshold returns to normal levels, ensuring accurate warnings are displayed only when battery power is genuinely insufficient, thus maintaining both simplicity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage threshold parameter dynamically based on the connection status of the external power supply. By adjusting this critical parameter according to operating conditions, the patent maintains simple warning logic while improving warning accuracy, ensuring users are notified only when battery power is truly insufficient and external power is not available
3Duration of action of moving object
If the apparatus prioritizes using external power supply when connected, then battery power consumption is reduced and operation time is extended, but the apparatus may shut down if the cable is unintentionally disconnected and battery power is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a buffer mechanism that monitors battery charge levels during external power supply operation. When the battery charge drops below a predetermined threshold while external power is connected, the system displays a warning to alert the user of potential cable disconnection risks. This beforehand cushioning approach prepares users in advance, allowing them to take preventive actions before a sudden shutdown occurs, thus maintaining continuous operation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback about battery charge status during external power supply operation. When the battery level falls below the threshold, the control unit activates a warning display, giving users real-time information about the power situation. This feedback mechanism enables users to respond appropriately to potential power issues before they result in shutdowns, maintaining operational reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic apparatus (120) obtains (S401), from a battery (100), information about remaining power in the battery; detects (S403) a connection with a power supply apparatus, performs control (S404-S407) to supply power from the power supply apparatus instead of from the battery, in a case where the connection with the power supply apparatus is detected; and displays (S408) a warning related to the remaining power in the battery when the remaining power in the battery is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, in a case where the electronic apparatus operates using the power from the battery. In a case where the connection with the power supply apparatus is detected, the electronic apparatus displays the warning related to the remaining power in the battery when the remaining power in the battery is less than or equal to a second threshold.