Power Supply Circuit for Wearables with Dynamic Battery Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices with multiple functions face high power consumption, leading to shorter battery life and the need for frequent recharging, due to the risk of current leakage from dual batteries used to power low and high power components.

Innovation Solution

A power supply circuit that switches power between a primary non-rechargeable battery for low power components and a secondary rechargeable battery for high power components, with a clock switching circuit to minimize current leakage and optimize power usage by disconnecting high power components when the secondary battery is unavailable, ensuring uninterrupted power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If dual batteries are used to power low and high power components simultaneously, then power supply capacity is improved, but current leakage increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidcurrent leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power source selection where the system automatically switches between primary and secondary batteries based on real-time power requirements. The power supply mode is not fixed but adapts dynamically: when high power components are active, the secondary battery is engaged; when only low power components are needed, the system switches to the primary battery, thereby minimizing current leakage and optimizing battery life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different power sources to different components based on their specific power requirements. Low power components (such as clocks and sensors) are powered by the primary battery, while high power components (such as displays and processors) are powered by the secondary battery. This localized power allocation ensures that each component receives appropriate power without causing unnecessary current leakage from the secondary battery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functions are integrated into a single wearable device, then device versatility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device functions into low power functions (timekeeping, basic sensing) and high power functions (display, wireless communication, processing). Each segment is assigned to different power sources: the primary battery handles low power functions continuously, while the secondary battery handles high power functions only when needed. This segmentation allows the device to maintain versatility while controlling overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic activation of high power components rather than continuous operation. The secondary battery is activated only when high power functions are required, and the system periodically monitors and switches power sources based on usage patterns. This periodic action reduces average power consumption while maintaining full functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If secondary battery is always connected to power high power components, then power availability is improved, but current leakage increases when secondary battery is depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidcurrent leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the state of charge of the secondary battery and the power requirements of the device. When the secondary battery is depleted or not available, the system receives feedback and automatically switches to alternative power sources (primary battery for low power functions). This feedback loop ensures power availability is maintained while preventing current leakage when the secondary battery is unavailable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a power management intermediary system that acts as a mediator between the secondary battery and high power components. This intermediary monitors battery status and controls the connection, disconnecting the secondary battery from high power components when it is depleted, thereby preventing current leakage while maintaining system reliability through alternative power arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3583484B1Power supply circuits, wearable devices and methods for providing power to a wearable device

Publication Date: 2023.08.09 RAZER ASIA PACIFIC

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AI summary

According to various embodiments, there is provided a power supply circuit including: a power switch configured to activate one of a primary power source or a secondary power source based on a state of charge of the secondary power source; wherein the primary power source is configured to, when activated, power a low power component; and wherein the secondary power source is configured to, when activated, power the low power component and a high power component; and a clock switch configured to provide a clock signal to the high power component based on the state of charge of the secondary power source.