Electronic Device Power Management via USB Charging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices powered by batteries, such as digital cameras and smartphones, face challenges in reducing charging time due to inefficient power management when connected to external USB devices, as they do not control power distribution based on the type or purpose of the connected device, leading to unintended transitions into power-saving modes.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an interface unit for receiving power, a charging unit for prioritizing battery charging, and a control unit that stops non-essential operations when charging, allowing for efficient power allocation based on the type and purpose of the connected device, utilizing the USB Type-C standard to optimize charging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the electronic device continues all operations while charging from USB, then the device maintains full functionality, but the charging time increases due to power being consumed by operating components
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device dynamically adjusts its operational state based on charging conditions. The control unit monitors whether the device is being charged via USB and automatically switches between a first operation state (with full functionality) and a second operation state (with restricted functionality) to optimize charging speed while maintaining usability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The operations of the electronic device are segmented into essential and non-essential components. During USB charging, non-essential operations are stopped while essential functions continue, allowing power to be prioritized for charging the battery pack rather than being consumed by all operational components
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electronic device transitions to power saving mode based on bus terminal voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but the device may transition at unintended timing not aligned with user purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback-based power management by monitoring multiple parameters including bus terminal voltage, charging current, and charging power. This multi-parameter feedback mechanism allows the device to accurately determine when to transition between operation states, preventing unintended power-saving mode transitions while optimizing power consumption based on actual charging conditions
3Productivity
If the electronic device does not control power distribution based on connected device type, then the system maintains simplicity, but charging efficiency is reduced due to power being consumed by non-essential components
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device performs self-service power management by automatically detecting USB charging conditions and adjusting its operational state without requiring external control or complex user intervention. The control unit autonomously monitors charging parameters and switches between operation states to optimize charging efficiency, implementing intelligent power management through self-monitoring and self-adjustment mechanisms
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
This solution enables faster battery charging by selectively stopping non-essential operations and prioritizing charging, improving usability by aligning power management with the user's intended functions and device type, while maintaining compatibility with both USB Type-C and legacy devices.
Implementation Method 1
a battery pack containing rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ion batteries
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes an interface unit that receives power from an external device, a charging unit that charges a battery with power received from the external device via the interface unit, and a control unit that stops operations of units excluding the interface unit and the charging unit, when the charging unit charges the battery with the power received from the external device via the interface unit and a predetermined function is selected.