Wireless Access Charging Control Under 5G Power Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable Wi-Fi hotspots face challenges in providing fast charging experiences due to high power consumption when operating in 5G networks, leading to charging exceptions and poor user experience, as the sum of power consumption and charging power often exceeds the maximum output power provided by the device's battery.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a charging control method that dynamically limits the maximum output current for external charging based on the network type and battery status, switching between current-limiting and normal states to avoid exceeding the maximum output power and ensure efficient charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fast charging mode is used for external charging, then charging speed is improved, but power consumption exceeds maximum output power causing charging exceptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcharging stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between two charging modes (first charging mode with current limiting and second charging mode without current limiting) based on real-time detection of network type and battery level. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize charging speed while preventing power consumption from exceeding maximum output power, thereby resolving the contradiction between charging speed and charging stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes charging parameters (maximum output current and charging power) based on detected conditions. In the first charging mode, a first maximum output current is applied which limits power consumption. In the second charging mode, a second maximum output current is applied which enables faster charging. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting charging intensity to system capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If 5G network is accessed, then network speed is improved, but power consumption increases causing charging exceptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the wireless access device continuously detects the current network type and battery level, then automatically adjusts the charging mode accordingly. When 5G network is detected, the system switches to current-limiting charging mode to compensate for increased power consumption, maintaining charging stability while allowing fast network access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively limiting charging current when 5G network is detected, before power consumption can exceed maximum output power. This preventive measure counteracts the increased power demand of 5G networking, ensuring charging stability is maintained despite high-speed network operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Weight of moving object

If battery level is low, then device portability is maintained, but charging power is insufficient for fast charging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidcharging power
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts charging parameters based on battery level detection. When battery level is below the threshold value, the system automatically switches to the first charging mode with current limiting, which reduces power consumption to match the reduced battery capacity. This ensures charging stability while maintaining the portable form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the maximum output current parameter based on battery level conditions. When battery level is low, a first maximum output current is applied which provides sufficient charging power for the battery's capacity. When battery level is high, a second maximum output current is applied which enables faster charging. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between portability and charging power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4054049B1Charging control method and device
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4054049B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4054049B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4054049B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a charging control method and a device. The charging control method and the device relate to the field of electronic technologies, and are used to limit a maximum output current for external charging in a fast charging mode. This provides better charging user experience. A specific solution is as follows: A wireless access device starts a wireless communications module; determines an external charging state based on a network status and/or a power status, where the external charging state includes a current-limiting state or a normal state, a charging parameter corresponding to the current-limiting state includes a first charging voltage and a first maximum output current, a charging parameter corresponding to the normal state includes a second charging voltage and a second maximum output current, the first charging voltage is the same as the second charging voltage, and the first maximum output current is less than the second maximum output current; detects a charged device; performs charging negotiation based on the charging parameter corresponding to the normal state; and charges the charged device based on a charging parameter corresponding to the external charging state. The embodiments of this application are used for charging control.