Abstract:
The mechanical energy of an actuator is used for producing vibration alerts in a portable electronic device. The same mechanical energy is also utilized to control the flow of fuel or to mix the fuel in a fuel cell of the portable electronic device. Thus, the flow of fuel into a reaction area of a fuel cell is controlled or fuel is mixed in a fuel storage area of a fuel cell assembly. Such fuel flow control and mixing is performed passively whenever a vibration alert occurs, or is performed actively in response to monitoring the status of the fuel cell assembly.

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to portable electronic devices with vibrators and fuel cells. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some portable electronic devices having fuel cells for charging internal batteries and/or directly powering device functions. Devices with fuel cells often also include additional components (e.g., fuel conditioners, fuel pumps, heat exchangers) and routines for ensuring proper operation of the fuel cell. Active fuel cell management can increase the cost and complexity of and require additional components take up valuable space in a portable device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures. 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram of components including internal components of a portable electronic device; 
         FIG. 2A  schematically illustrates a portable electronic device with a fuel cell and a vibration actuator according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2B  schematically illustrates a portable electronic device with a fuel cell and a vibration actuator according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 2C  schematically illustrates a portable electronic device with a fuel cell and a vibration actuator according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 2D  schematically illustrates a portable electronic device with a fuel cell and a vibration actuator according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  shows an example linkage coupled to a rotatable element of an actuator according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an example attachment position of the linkage of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 3B  schematically illustrates the fuel gate of  FIG. 3  in an open position relative to an inlet conduit according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3C  shows the fuel gate of  FIG. 3B  in a closed position. 
         FIG. 3D  schematically illustrates an example fuel gate according to another embodiment in an open position relative to an inlet conduit. 
         FIG. 3E  shows the fuel gate of  FIG. 3D  in a closed position. 
         FIG. 4  shows an example linkage coupled to a rotatable element of an actuator according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally, the present disclosure provides apparatus and methods for efficiently harnessing the mechanical energy of actuators used for producing vibration alerts in portable electronic devices to control the flow of fuel and mix the fuel in devices with fuel cells. Embodiments disclosed herein may be used, for example, to control the inlet of fuel into a reaction area of a fuel cell to periodically introduce new fuel, and/or to mix fuel in a fuel tank. Such techniques may be especially useful with fuel cells that use liquid fuel. 
     In one aspect there is provided a portable electronic device including a fuel cell assembly, an actuator for inducing vibration in the portable electronic device, the actuator comprising a fixed portion and a moveable portion, and, a linkage extending between the actuator and the fuel cell assembly having a first end connected to the moveable portion of the actuator and a second end coupled to a portion of the fuel cell assembly to transfer motion of the actuator to a portion of the fuel cell assembly. 
     In another aspect there is provided a method for controlling fuel flow in a portable electronic device comprising a fuel cell assembly and an actuator for inducing vibration in the portable electronic device, the fuel cell assembly comprising a reaction area and a conduit for controlling fuel flow to the reaction area, the actuator comprising a fixed portion and a moveable portion. The method comprises providing a linkage extending between the actuator and the fuel cell assembly, the linkage having a first end connected to the moveable portion of the actuator and a second end moveable to open and close the conduit, and activating the actuator to control fuel flow to the reaction area of the fuel cell assembly. 
     In another aspect there is provided a method for mixing fuel in a portable electronic device comprising a fuel cell assembly and an actuator for inducing vibration in the portable electronic device, the fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel storage area, the actuator comprising a fixed portion and a moveable portion. The method comprises providing a linkage extending between the actuator and the fuel cell assembly, the linkage having a first end connected to the moveable portion of the actuator and a second end coupled to the fuel storage area, and activating the actuator to mix fuel in fuel storage area of the fuel cell assembly. 
     In another aspect there is provided a portable electronic device comprising a fuel cell assembly, an actuator for inducing vibration in the portable electronic device, the actuator comprising a fixed portion and a moveable portion, and means for coupling the moveable portion of the actuator to a portion of the fuel cell assembly for transferring motion of the actuator to the portion of the fuel cell assembly. 
     Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. 
     A block diagram of an example of a portable electronic device  100  is shown in  FIG. 1 . The portable electronic device  100  includes multiple components, such as a processor  102  that controls the overall operation of the portable electronic device  100 . Communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through a communication subsystem  104 . Data received by the portable electronic device  100  is decompressed and decrypted by a decoder  106 . The communication subsystem  104  receives messages from and sends messages to a wireless network  120 . The wireless network  120  may be any type of wireless network, including, but not limited to, data wireless networks, voice wireless networks, and networks that support both voice and data communications. 
     The processor  102  interacts with other components, such as Random Access Memory (RAM)  108 , memory  110 , an input device  114 , an auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystem  124 , the data port  126 , a speaker  128 , a microphone  130 , short-range communications  132 , and other device subsystems  134 . The processor  102  may interact with an orientation sensor such as an accelerometer  136  that may be utilized to detect direction of gravitational forces or gravity-induced reaction forces. The processor  102  further interacts with a display  112 . The display  112  may be a touch-sensitive display or, alternatively, may not be touch-sensitive, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), for example. A power pack  122 , such as one or more rechargeable batteries or a port to an external power supply, powers the portable electronic device  100 . 
     To identify a subscriber for network access, the portable electronic device  100  uses a Subscriber Identity Module or a Removable User Identity Module (SIM/RUIM) card  138  for communication with a network, such as the wireless network  120 . Alternatively, user identification information may be programmed into memory  110 . 
     The portable electronic device  100  includes an operating system  116  and software programs or components  118  that are executed by the processor  102  and are typically stored in a persistent, updatable store such as the memory  110 . Additional applications or programs may be loaded onto the portable electronic device  100  through the wireless network  120 , the auxiliary I/O subsystem  124 , the data port  126 , the short-range communications subsystem  132 , or any other suitable subsystem  134 . 
     A received signal such as a text message, an e-mail message, or web page download is processed by the communication subsystem  104  and input to the processor  102 . The processor  102  processes the received signal for output to the display  112  and/or to the auxiliary I/O subsystem  124 . A subscriber may generate data items, for example e-mail messages, which may be transmitted over the wireless network  120  through the communication subsystem  104 . For voice communications, the overall operation of the portable electronic device  100  is similar. The speaker  128  outputs audible information converted from electrical signals, and the microphone  130  converts audible information into electrical signals for processing. 
     The processor  102  further interacts with an actuator  140 . Actuator  140  may be utilized to induce (generate or produce or otherwise cause) physical motions (which for simplicity may also be referred to as vibrations) in the portable electronic device  100  to provide vibration alerts to a user (e.g., when a message or phone call is received, when an appointment or reminder is scheduled, when a timer expires, etc.). 
     The power pack  122  of the portable electronic device  100  includes a fuel cell assembly  150 . The fuel cell assembly  150  may, for example, be connected to provide charging current to one or more rechargeable batteries, provide supplemental power for the portable electronic device  100  during periods of high demand, power certain components of the portable electronic device  100  directly, and/or provide primary power for the portable electronic device  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A-D , an example portable electronic device  100  including an actuator  140  and a fuel cell assembly  150  is shown according to various embodiments. In  FIGS. 2A and 2B  a generic actuator  140  having a moveable portion  142  is shown, which may comprise any type of actuator for producing vibrations as known in the art, including, without limitation, rotary actuators, piezoelectric actuators, and linear actuators. In  FIGS. 2C and 2D , the actuator  140  comprises a rotary actuator having a rotatable element  144  which may be rotated by a motor  146 . The rotatable element  144  may, for example, comprise an unbalanced weight or the like. Generally speaking, a typical actuator includes a fixed portion, which remains substantially immobile with respect to the device  100  as a whole, and a moveable portion, which is configured to physically move with respect to the device  100  as a whole. The movable portion may include a mass that can move (e.g., rotatably or linearly or otherwise) as well. It is the physical movement of the moveable portion with respect to the fixed portion that causes the actuator  140  to cause all or part of the device  100  to seem to vibrate or otherwise move. 
     The fuel cell assembly  150  may include one or more components that generate electric current by way of a fuel cell reaction. In an example fuel cell reaction, hydrogen in a fuel (which may be in a liquid form, such as in the form of liquid methanol) reacts with oxygen (which may come from the atmosphere) to produce water and electric current. Depending upon the particular fuel and the particular fuel cell, there may be other products of the reaction as well. As schematically illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-D , the fuel cell assembly  150  comprises a reaction area  152  having an inlet conduit  154  for introducing fuel from a fuel area  156  into the reaction area  152 . In some embodiments, used fuel may exit the reaction area  152  through a recycling conduit  158  to return to the fuel area  156 . A refill port  160  may be provided for introducing new fuel into the fuel cell assembly  150 . An outlet port  162  may be provided for discharging spent fuel from the reaction area  152 . In some embodiments the fuel area  156  comprises a storage tank or the like, and may include one or more settling zones where particulate contaminants in used fuel accumulate. In other embodiments fuel may simply be stored in an extended recycling conduit  158  connected back to the inlet conduit  154 . Filters and other fuel conditioning elements (not shown) may be provided at various locations within the fuel system as known in the art. 
     In the examples illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-D , linkages  200 A-D are respectively provided between the actuator  140  and the fuel cell assembly  150 . By leveraging the motion of the actuator  14 , improved performance of the fuel cell assembly  150  and/or increased efficiency may be provided in some embodiments as described below. Also, use of the actuator  140  for inducing motion in portions of the fuel cell assembly  150  may avoid the need for separate components for fuel cell management, thereby advantageously reducing form factor and/or cost in some embodiments. 
     In the  FIG. 2A  example, the linkage  200 A has a first end  210 A connected to the moveable portion  142  of actuator  140 , and a second end  220 A which passes through the inlet conduit  154 . The second end  220 A has one or more apertures (not shown in  FIG. 2A ) therein, and is moveable with respect to the inlet conduit  154  between an open position wherein the apertures are within the inlet conduit  154  such that fuel may pass into the reaction area  152 , and a closed position wherein the apertures are outside the inlet conduit  154  such that fuel may not pass into the reaction area  152 . The second end  220 A may, for example, be slidably received in pressure seals (not shown in  FIGS. 2A-D , see  FIGS. 3B-C ) in opposed walls of the inlet conduit  154 , to permit linear motion of the second end  220 A between the open and closed positions. Alternatively, the second end  220 A may be slidably received in a single pressure seal (see  FIGS. 3D-E ) in one of the walls of the inlet conduit  154  and may be configured to abut an opposite wall of the inlet conduit  154 . The second end  220 A of linkage  200 A thus acts as a fuel gate for controlling the flow of fuel into the reaction area  152 . In some embodiments, the fuel in the fuel area  156  may be maintained at a higher pressure than the interior of the reaction area  152 , such that when the second end  220 A is in the open position, fuel will be automatically forced through the inlet conduit  154 . In some embodiments, the actuator  140  and linkage  200 A may be configured such that when the actuator  140  is not being used to induce vibration, the second end  220 A of linkage  200 A is in the closed position, such that fuel is only introduced into the reaction area  152  when vibration is induced. In some embodiments, vibration is only induced by the actuator  140  through the normal operation the portable electronic device (e.g., due to incoming messages/calls, etc.), thus providing increased efficiency. In some embodiments, the processor  102  may monitor the status of the fuel cell assembly  150  and cause the actuator  140  to induce vibration when fuel is needed in the reaction area  152 , thus providing improved fuel cell performance. 
     In the  FIG. 2B  example, the linkage  200 B extends between (or is physically disposed between) the actuator  140  and the fuel cell assembly  150 . In  FIG. 2B , the linkage  200 B has a first end  210 B connected (or physically coupled) to the moveable portion  142  of the actuator  140 , and a second end  220 B connected to or abutting the fuel area  156 . Motions, such as vibrations induced or generated by the actuator  140  when the moveable portion moves with respect to the fixed portion, are transferred to the fuel area  156 . The physical motion transferred from the actuator  140  to the fuel cell area  156  may, for example, mix the fuel contained therein. The physical motion may have other effects as well, such as moving the fuel, stopping movement of the fuel, controlling the flow or rate of movement of fuel, moving the products of the reaction, separating out contaminants or bubbles, or urging the fuel into particular places or spaces, In some embodiments, the second end  220 B extends into the fuel area  156  (for example through one or more suitable pressure seals, not shown) for directly mixing the fuel. In some embodiments, the second end  220 B abuts a portion of the fuel area such as, for example, the lid of a fuel tank, for inducing vibrations in the fuel area  156  to mix the fuel. In some embodiments, vibration is only induced by the actuator  140  through the normal operation the portable electronic device (e.g., due to incoming messages/calls, etc.), thus providing increased efficiency. In some embodiments, the processor  102  may monitor the status of the fuel cell assembly  150  and cause the actuator  140  to induce vibration when mixing of the fuel in the fuel area  156  is needed, thus providing improved fuel cell performance. 
     The  FIG. 2C  example is similar to the  FIG. 2A  example, in that the second end  220 C of the linkage  200 C acts as a fuel gate for controlling the flow of fuel through the inlet conduit  154  into the reaction area  152 . The linkage  200 C in  FIG. 2C  differs from the linkage  200 A in  FIG. 2A  in that the first end  210 C is pivotally connected to the rotatable element  144  by a pivot mount  212 C. The linkage  200 C thus converts rotary motion of the rotatable element  144  into substantially linear movement of the second end  220 C. The radial location of the pivot mount  212 C on the rotatable element  144  may be selected based on a desired range of motion of the second end  220 C. In some embodiments, the pivot mount  2120  may be positioned near an outer edge of the rotatable element  144  to maximize the range of motion of the second end  220 C. 
     The  FIG. 2D  example is similar to the  FIG. 2B  example, in that the second end  220 D of the linkage  200 D is connected to or abuts the fuel area  156  for mixing the fuel contained therein. The linkage  200 D in  FIG. 2D  differs from the linkage  200 B in  FIG. 2B  in that the first end  210 D is pivotally connected to the rotatable element  144  by a pivot mount  212 D. The linkage  200 D thus converts rotary motion of the rotatable element  144  into substantially linear movement of the second end  220 D. The radial location of the pivot mount  212 D on the rotatable element  144  may be selected based on a desired range of motion of the second end  220 D. In some embodiments, the pivot mount  212 D may be positioned near an outer edge of the rotatable element  144  to maximize the range of motion of the second end  220 D. 
       FIG. 3  shows an example linkage  300  according to one embodiment. The linkage  300  comprises a first end  310  coupled to an actuator  340  and a second end  320  moveable to control fuel flow in a conduit. The actuator  340  comprises a motor  342  mounted on a base  344 . The base  344  may be coupled to any convenient surface within an electronic device. The motor  342  spins an axle  346  having an unbalanced weight  348  attached thereto. 
     The first end  310  of linkage  300  is pivotally connected to the weight  348  by a pivot mount  312 . A plunger  315  extends toward a fuel cell assembly (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the weight  348 . A second pivot mount  322  at the second end  320  of linkage  300  pivotally connects a fuel gate  324  to the plunger  315 . An aperture  326  is provided in the fuel gate  324  for controlling fuel flow as described below with reference to  FIGS. 3B and 3C . 
       FIG. 3A  is a view of the actuator  340  looking along the axis of rotation of the weight  348  illustrating an example relative positioning of the pivot mount  312  and the axle  346 . The spacing between the pivot mount  312  and the axle  346  may be selected to produce a desired range of motion of the fuel gate  324 . 
       FIGS. 3B and 3C  schematically illustrate the fuel gate  324  of  FIG. 3  in relation to an example conduit  328  in an open position and a closed position, respectively. The conduit  328  is slightly wider than the portion of the fuel gate  324  which extends therethrough. The conduit  328  has pressure seals  327  in opposed walls to permit the fuel gate  324  to slidably move therethrough without allowing fuel to leave the conduit  328 . In the illustrated example, the fuel gate  324  is in the open position wherein the aperture  326  is within the conduit  328  as shown in  FIG. 3B  when it is closest to the actuator  340 , and in the closed position when it is farthest from the actuator  340 , but this is not required in all embodiments. For example, by altering the position of the aperture  326 , the fuel gate  324  could be configured to be in the open position when farthest from the actuator  340  and in the closed position when closest to the actuator  340 . 
       FIGS. 3D and 3E  schematically illustrate an example fuel gate  325  according to another embodiment in relation to an example conduit  329  in an open position and a closed position, respectively. The conduit  329  has a single pressure seal  327  in one wall thereof to permit the fuel gate  325  to slidably move therethrough without allowing fuel to leave the conduit  329 . The fuel gate  325  of  FIGS. 3D and 3E  differs from the fuel gate  324  of  FIGS. 3B and 3C  in that the fuel gate  325  has no aperture therein, and in that the end of the body of the fuel gate  325  is configured to abut the wall of the conduit  329  opposite the single pressure seal  327 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an example linkage  400  according to another embodiment. The  FIG. 4  embodiment is substantially similar to the  FIG. 3  embodiment, and corresponding elements are identified with the same reference numerals and will not be described again to avoid repetition. The linkage  400  of  FIG. 4  differs from the  FIG. 3  embodiment in that an extension  410  is provided at the second end  310  of the linkage  400 . The extension  410  is only illustrated schematically in  FIG. 4 , and may have different configurations depending on the function performed by the extension  410  and the particular structure of the fuel cell assembly with which the linkage  400  is to be used. In some embodiments, the extension  410  is configured to extend into a fuel storage area (e.g. a fuel tank) for directly mixing fuel. In some embodiments, the extension  410  is configured to be directly attached to a portion of a fuel storage area (e.g. a lid of a fuel tank) for inducing vibrations in the fuel storage area. In some embodiments, the extension  410  is configured to abut a portion the fuel area, and a flexible connection may be provided between the portion of the fuel area abutted by the extension  410  and an inlet conduit leading from the fuel area to a reaction area, in order to permit the fuel gate  324  to open and close the inlet conduit as discussed above. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, a variety of particular structures of the extension  410  are possible. 
     One or more embodiments may realize one or more benefits, some of which have been mentioned already, such as enhanced efficiency, improved fuel cell performance, reduced cost and/or adaptability to small form factors. Further, various embodiments are generally adaptable to a variety of devices and sizes and form factors. The concepts are further applicable to a variety of geometries and arrangements of device components. 
     In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required. In other instances, well-known electrical structures and circuits are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the understanding. For example, specific details are not provided as to whether the embodiments described herein are implemented as a software routine, hardware circuit, firmware, or a combination thereof. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure can be represented as a computer program product stored in a machine-readable medium (also referred to as a computer-readable medium, a processor-readable medium, or a computer usable medium having a computer-readable program code embodied therein). The machine-readable medium can be any suitable tangible, non-transitory medium, including magnetic, optical, or electrical storage medium including a diskette, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), memory device (volatile or non-volatile), or similar storage mechanism. The machine-readable medium can contain various sets of instructions, code sequences, configuration information, or other data, which, when executed, cause a processor to perform steps in a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other instructions and operations necessary to implement the described implementations can also be stored on the machine-readable medium. The instructions stored on the machine-readable medium can be executed by a processor or other suitable processing device, and can interface with circuitry to perform the described tasks. 
     The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.