CHARGING SYSTEM

The present disclosure provides a charging system. The charging system includes a first device. The first device includes a first power interface. The first device further includes a first communication module. The first communication module includes at least one first transceiver. The first device further includes a second communication module. The second communication module includes at least one second transceiver. The first device further includes an intrinsic barrier disposed between and physically separating the first communication module from the second communication module. The first communication module and the second communication module are configured to wirelessly exchange data signals therebetween. The charging system further includes a second device including a second power interface. The first power interface and the second power interface are configured to be electrically connected to each other to transfer electrical power between the first and second devices.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an intrinsically safe charging system.

BACKGROUND

Some electronic devices may require exchange of electric power as well as exchange of data signals with one another. In some cases, there may be a requirement for a high-speed data transmission between the electronic devices. Conventionally, the electronic devices may include intrinsic safety circuits including safety components that may limit a maximum electrical power within the electronic devices in order to protect the electronic devices from an overcurrent, a surge current, and other electrical overload conditions. However, the safety components of the intrinsic safety circuit may also inhibit the high-speed data transmission between the electronic devices.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a charging system. The charging system includes a first device. The first device includes a first power interface. The first device further includes a first communication module. The first communication module includes at least one first transceiver. The first device further includes a second communication module. The second communication module includes at least one second transceiver. The first device further includes an intrinsic barrier disposed between and physically separating the first communication module from the second communication module. The first communication module and the second communication module are configured to wirelessly exchange data signals therebetween. The charging system further includes a second device including a second power interface. The first power interface and the second power interface are configured to be electrically connected to each other to transfer electrical power between the first and second devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and is made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

As used herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about”. As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within +/−20% for quantifiable properties).

As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” are used as identifiers. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limiting of this disclosure. The terms “first” and “second” when used in conjunction with a feature or an element can be interchanged throughout the embodiments of this disclosure.

As used herein, the term “an article of personal protective equipment (PPE)” may include any type of equipment or clothing that may be used to protect a user from hazardous or potentially hazardous environmental conditions. In some examples, one or more individuals, such as the users, may utilize the article of PPE while engaging in tasks or activities within the hazardous or potentially hazardous environment. Examples of the articles of PPE may include, but are not limited to, hearing protection (including ear plugs and car muffs), respiratory protection equipment (including disposable respirators, reusable respirators, powered air purifying respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus and supplied air respirators), facemasks, oxygen tanks, air bottles, protective eyewear, such as visors, goggles, filters or shields (any of which may include augmented reality functionality), protective headwear, such as hard hats, hoods or helmets, protective shoes, protective gloves, other protective clothing, such as coveralls, aprons, coat, vest, suits, boots and/or gloves, protective articles, such as sensors, safety tools, detectors, global positioning devices, mining cap lamps, fall protection harnesses, exoskeletons, self-retracting lifelines, heating and cooling systems, gas detectors, and any other suitable gear configured to protect the users from injury. The articles of PPE may also include any other type of clothing or device/equipment that may be worn or used by the users to protect against extreme noise levels, extreme temperatures, fire, reduced oxygen levels, explosions, reduced atmospheric pressure, radioactive, and/or biologically harmful materials.

As used herein, the term “hazardous or potentially hazardous environments” may refer to environments that include hazardous or potentially hazardous environmental conditions. The hazardous or potentially hazardous environments may include, for example, chemical environments, biological environments, nuclear environments, fires, industrial sites, construction sites, agricultural sites, mining sites, or manufacturing sites.

As used herein, the term “hazardous or potentially hazardous environmental conditions” may refer to environmental conditions that may be harmful to a human being, such as high noise levels, high ambient temperatures, lack of oxygen, presence of explosives, exposure to radioactive or biologically harmful materials, and exposure to other hazardous substances. Depending upon the type of safety equipment, environmental conditions and physiological conditions, corresponding thresholds or levels may be established to help define hazardous and potentially hazardous environmental conditions.

As used herein, the terms(s) “electrically connecting” and/or “electrically connected” refer to direct coupling between components and/or indirect coupling between components via one or more intervening electric components, such that an electric signal can be passed between the two components. As an example of indirect coupling, two components can be referred to as being electrically connected, even though they may have an intervening electric component between them which still allows an electric signal to pass from one component to the other component. Such intervening components may comprise, but are not limited to, wires, traces on a circuit board, and/or another electrically conductive medium/component.

As used herein, the term “communicably coupled to” refers to direct coupling between components and/or indirect coupling between components via one or more intervening components. Such components and intervening components may comprise, but are not limited to, junctions, communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functional blocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signal conveyed from a first component to a second component may be modified by one or more intervening components by modifying the form, nature, or format of information in a signal, while one or more elements of the information in the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can be recognized by the second component.

As used herein, the term “signal,” includes, but is not limited to, one or more electrical signals, optical signals, electromagnetic signals, analog and/or digital signals, one or more computer instructions, a bit and/or bit stream, or the like.

As used herein, the term “a power interface” may refer to an electrical device or a component configured to receive an electric power and transmit a portion of the received electric power to other devices or components. The power interface may receive the electric power from a power source. In some cases, the power interface may be electrically connected to the power source through physical connections. In other words, the power interface may receive the electric power from the power source through a direct transmission of charged particles between the power interface and the power source. The power interface may be electrically connected to the power source through female connectors, such as receptacles, or through male connectors, such as plugs. The power interface may include technologies such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), micro-USB, mini-USB, C-type USB, 30-pin, Lightning, and the like. In some cases, the power interface may be galvanically isolated from the power source, and the power interface may receive the electric power through wireless power transmission. The wireless power transmission may be through near-field technologies such as inductive coupling and capacitive coupling. The wireless power transmission may be through far-field technologies by using electromagnetic radiation, such as millimeter waves, microwaves, lasers, and the like. In some aspects, millimeter waves are electromagnetic (radio) waves typically defined to lie within the frequency range of 30 to 300 GHz. In some aspects, the microwave band is just below the millimeter-wave band and is typically defined to cover the 3 to 30 GHz range.

As used herein, the term “galvanically isolated” refers to any two components of an electrical system, such that charge carrying particles cannot move from one component to another, i.e., there is no electric current flowing directly from the one component to the other. However, energy and/or other signals may be exchanged between the one component and the other component by other means, such as capacitance, induction, electromagnetic waves, optical, acoustic, or mechanical means.

An electronic device may include intrinsic safety circuit(s) to ensure that the electronic device is intrinsically safe (IS). The intrinsic safety circuit may include intrinsic safety components, such as fuses, resistors, diodes, etc. The electronic device may include the intrinsic safety circuit to limit a maximum electrical power in the electronic device in order to prevent damaging electrical conditions, such as an overcurrent, a surge current, or other electrical overloads. Thus, the intrinsic safety circuit may prevent damage to the electronic device.

In some cases, a first electronic device including intrinsic safety circuits may be required to exchange power as well as data signals with a second electronic device. The intrinsic safety circuits may limit a data exchange rate between the intrinsically safe first electronic device and the second electronic device. In other words, the intrinsic safety circuits may inhibit high-speed data transmission between the first and second electronic devices. The high-speed data transmission may be required for timely transmission of large size data, such as video data, or audio data, between the first and second electronic devices.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a charging system. The charging system includes a first device. The first device includes a first power interface. The first device further includes a first communication module. The first communication module includes at least one first transceiver. The first device further includes a second communication module. The second communication module includes at least one second transceiver. The first device further includes an intrinsic barrier disposed between and physically separating the first communication module from the second communication module. The first communication module and the second communication module are configured to wirelessly exchange data signals therebetween. The charging system further includes a second device including a second power interface. The first power interface and the second power interface are configured to be electrically connected to each other to transfer electrical power between the first and second devices.

As the intrinsic barrier is disposed between and physically separates the first communication module from the second communication module, the first communication module and the second communication module may not require the intrinsic safety circuits including the intrinsic safety components to prevent the overcurrent, the surge current, or any other electrical overload from being transferred between the first communication module and the second communication module. Therefore, the data signals may be exchanged between the first communication module and the second communication module at a high data transfer rate while the first and second components are intrinsically safe.

Therefore, the intrinsic safety circuit provided in the first device or the second device in order to provide protection to the first device and the second device, against the overcurrent, the surge current or the other electrical overload conditions may not negatively affect the data exchange rate between the first device and the second device.

Referring to figures,FIG.1Aillustrates a schematic block diagram of a charging system100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The charging system100includes a first device102. In some embodiments, the first device102may include an electronic device (e.g., first electronic devices302shown inFIG.3A). In some embodiments, the electronic device may include, without limitations, a USB adapter, charging adapter, a laptop, a mobile phone, a tablet, a camera, a personalized digital assistant, and the like.

The first device102includes a first power interface104. In some embodiments, the first power interface104of the first device102is configured to be electrically connected to an external power source180. The first power interface104of the first device102is further configured to receive an external electrical power106from the external power source180. In some embodiments, the external power source180may include a direct current (DC) power source, such as a battery, a fuel cell, an ultracapacitor, and/or any other suitable voltage source. In some embodiments, the battery may be any type of battery, such as a lead acid battery, coin cells, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal battery, and/or any other rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the ultracapacitor may include a supercapacitor, an electrochemical double layer capacitor, and/or any other electrochemical capacitor with high energy density. In some embodiments, the external power source180may include an alternating power (AC) power source. In some embodiments, the external power source180may include an electrical socket.

In some embodiments, the first power interface104of the first device102may be galvanically isolated from the external power source180. In such embodiments, the first power interface104of the first device102may be configured to receive the external electrical power106from the external power source180wirelessly.

The first device102further includes a first communication module108. In some embodiments, the first power interface104may be configured to transmit a portion106-1of the external electrical power106to the first communication module108. The first communication module108includes at least one first transceiver110.

In some embodiments, the at least one first transceiver110may be a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) transceiver. In such embodiments, the at least one first transceiver110may transmit and/or receive data signals (e.g., data signals114-1and/or data signals114-2) through an NFMI network.

NFMI is a short-range wireless technology where communication between any two components may occur through a tightly coupled magnetic field. NFMI may be human body friendly, reliable, secure, and a power efficient method of wireless communication. A modulated signal is transmitted by a transceiver of one component in the form of a magnetic field. The magnetic field induces a voltage on a transceiver of another component, which may be measured by an NFMI transceiver of the other component. A power density of NFMI signals attenuates at a rate inversely proportional to a distance between the transceivers of the two components. This type of wireless transmission may be referred to as a near-field communication (NFC).

In some embodiments, the at least one first transceiver110may be a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver. In such embodiments, the at least one first transceiver110may transmit and/or receive data signals (e.g., the data signals114-1and/or the data signals114-2) through an RF network. In some examples, the RF network may utilize an extremely high frequency (EHF) spectrum between about 30 Gigahertz (GHz) and about 300 GHz. The EHF spectrum may be a low power, short range, and high data rate transmission means. In some examples, the RF network may facilitate data transfer at a rate of up to about 6 gigabits per second. Such an RF network may exhibit improved wireless transmission, including through non-conducting materials, such as wood, glass, plastic, etc.

In some other examples, the RF network may utilize any other transmission spectra, such as one or more of an extremely low frequency (ELF), a super low frequency (SLF), an ultra-low frequency (ULF), a very low frequency (VLF), a low frequency (LF), a medium frequency (MF), a high frequency (HF), a very high frequency (VHF), an ultra-high frequency (UHF), or a super high frequency (SHF).

In some embodiments, the at least one first transceiver110includes a plurality of first transceivers. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.1A, the at least one first transceiver110includes four first transceivers110-1,110-2,110-3,110-4. The four first transceivers110-1to110-4may be collectively referred to as “the at least one first transceiver110”, or “the plurality of first transceivers110”.

In some embodiments, the plurality of first transceivers110may be substantially similar to each other. In some cases, the plurality of first transceivers110may include one or more primary transceivers (e.g., the first transceiver110-1) and one or more secondary transceivers (e.g., the first transceivers110-2to110-4). The one or more secondary transceivers may be utilized by the first communication module108when the one or more primary transceivers fail.

In some other embodiments, one or more first transceivers from the plurality of first transceivers110may be different from the others. In some cases, the first communication module108may transmit and/or receive the data signals through respective types of networks associated with the different types of the first transceivers110.

The first device102further includes a second communication module158. In some embodiments, the first power interface104may be configured to transmit a portion106-2of the external electrical power106to the second communication module158. The second communication module158includes at least one second transceiver160.

In some embodiments, the at least one second transceiver160may be a NFMI transceiver. In such embodiments, the at least one second transceiver160may transmit and/or receive data signals (e.g., data signals192) through the NFMI network. Therefore, in some embodiments, each of the at least one first transceiver110and the at least one second transceiver160is the NFMI transceiver.

In some embodiments, the at least one second transceiver160may be a RF transceiver. In such embodiments, the at least one second transceiver160may transmit and/or receive data signals (e.g., the data signals192) through an RF network. Therefore, in some embodiments, each of the at least one first transceiver110and the at least one second transceiver160is the RF transceiver.

In some embodiments, the at least one second transceiver160includes a plurality of second transceivers. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.1A, the at least one second transceiver160includes four second transceivers160-1,160-2,160-3,160-4. The four second transceivers160-1to160-4may be collectively referred to as “the at least one second transceiver160”, or “the plurality of second transceivers160”.

In some embodiments, the plurality of second transceivers160may be substantially similar to each other. In some cases, the plurality of second transceivers160may include one or more primary transceivers (e.g., the second transceiver160-1) and one or more secondary transceivers (e.g., the second transceivers160-2to160-4). The one or more secondary transceivers may be utilized by the second communication module158when the one or more primary transceivers fail.

In some other embodiments, one or more second transceivers from the plurality of second transceivers160may be different from the others. In some cases, the second communication module158may transmit and/or receive the data signals through respective types of networks associated with the different types of the second transceivers160.

For example, the first transceivers110-1,110-2may be NFMI transceivers and the second transceivers160-1,160-2may be corresponding NFMI transceivers. Similarly, the first transceivers110-3,110-4may be RF transceivers and the second transceivers160-3,160-4may be corresponding RF transceivers. In some examples, the first transceivers110-1,110-2and the second transceivers160-1,160-2may be primary transceivers, and the first transceivers110-3,110-4and the second transceivers160-3,160-4may be secondary transceivers.

In some embodiments, the plurality of first transceivers110and the corresponding plurality of second transceivers160may exchange data signals using other wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, long-term evolution (LTE), etc.

For example, the first transceiver110-1may be the NFMI transceiver and the second transceiver160-1may be the corresponding NFMI transceiver. Similarly, the first transceiver110-2may be the RF transceiver and the second transceiver160-2may be the corresponding RF transceiver. The first transceiver110-3may be an LTE transceiver and the second transceiver160-3may be the corresponding LTE transceiver. Similarly, the first transceiver110-4may be Wi-Fi transceiver and the second transceiver160-4may be the corresponding Wi-Fi transceiver. In some cases, the first transceiver110-1and the second transceiver160-1may be the primary transceivers, and the first transceivers110-2to110-4and the second transceivers160-2to160-4may be the secondary transceivers. In some cases, there may be a predetermined hierarchy for use of the secondary transceivers. For example, the first transceiver110-2and the corresponding second transceiver160-2may have a higher priority and may be prioritized in case of a failure of the primary transceivers. Further, the first transceiver110-3and the corresponding second transceiver160-3may have a lower priority than the first transceiver110-2and the corresponding second transceiver160-2. The hierarchy for use of the secondary transceivers may be based on one or more of parameters, such as bandwidth required for the transmission of the data signals, a required data transmission rate, a power consumption of the at least one first and second transceivers110,160, etc.

In some embodiments, the first device102further includes a first controller112. In some embodiments, the first controller112is communicably coupled to the first communication module108. The first controller112may include a processor (not shown) and a memory (not shown) storing executable instructions. The processor may execute the instructions stored in the memory to implement a method or an algorithm. In some embodiments, the first power interface104may be configured to transmit a portion106-3of the external electrical power106to the first controller112.

In some embodiments, the first controller112is configured to control the at least one first transceiver110of the first communication module108to transmit the data signals114-1. In some embodiments, the first controller112is further configured to receive the data signals114-2from the at least one first transceiver110of the first communication module108.

In some embodiments, the first device102further includes a first memory116communicably coupled to the first controller112. The first memory116may include any computer-readable storage medium.

The first device102further includes an intrinsic barrier190disposed between and physically separating the first communication module108from the second communication module158. In some embodiments, the intrinsic barrier190includes an air gap or a dielectric.

The intrinsic barrier190physically and electrically separates the first communication module108from the second communication module158. In some cases, the intrinsic barrier190physically and electrically separates the at least one first transceiver110of the first communication module108from the at least one second transceiver160of the second communication module158. As a result, the intrinsic barrier190may reduce a likelihood of an overcurrent, a surge current, or any other electrical overload from being transferred between the first communication module108and the second communication module158.

In some embodiments, the intrinsic barrier190may separate the first communication module108and the second communication module158by a distance. The distance between the first communication module108and the second communication module158is shown schematically by a distance D inFIG.1A. In some embodiments, the distance D between the first and second communication modules108,158is less than or equal to 10 centimeters (cm). In some embodiments, the distance D between the first and second communication modules108,158is less than or equal to 8 cm, less than or equal to 6 cm, less than or equal to 4 cm, less than or equal to 2 cm, or less than or equal to 1 cm.

The first communication module108and the second communication module158are configured to wirelessly exchange the data signals192therebetween. In some embodiments, the first communication module108and the second communication module158are configured to automatically exchange the data signals192therebetween.

The charging system100further includes a second device152. In some embodiments, the second device152includes an article of personal protective equipment (PPE). In some other embodiments, the second device152may include another electronic device (e.g., a second electronic device352-1and/or a second electronic device352-2shown inFIG.3A). In some embodiments, the electronic device may include, without limitations, a laptop, a mobile phone, a tablet, a camera, a personalized digital assistant, and the like.

The second device152includes a second power interface154. The first power interface104and the second power interface154are configured to be electrically connected to each other to transfer electrical power between the first and second devices102,152. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.1A, the second power interface154of the second device152is configured to receive at least a portion107of the external electrical power106from the first power interface104. Therefore, the first device102may be configured to provide the portion107of electrical power106from the external power source180to the second power interface154of the second device152. The second power interface154may further provide the received portion107of the electrical power106to one or more components of the second device152. In some embodiments, the second device152may include a battery169. In such embodiments, the second power interface154may further charge the battery169via the received portion107of the electrical power106.

In some embodiments, the first power interface104and the second power interface154may be galvanically isolated from each other. In such embodiments, the second power interface154may be configured to receive the at least the portion107of the external electrical power106from the first power interface104wirelessly.

The at least the portion107of the external electrical power106may be interchangeably referred to as “the transferred electrical power107”. In some embodiments, the second device152includes at least one second barrier circuit168configured to limit the transferred electrical power107transferred from the first power interface104to the second power interface154. In some embodiments, the at least one second barrier circuit168includes one or more of a resistor (not shown), a diode (not shown), and a fuse (not shown). In some embodiments, the at least one second barrier circuit168may include other electrical components, such as capacitors, inductances etc.

In some embodiments, the second device152further includes a second charging circuit170. In some embodiments, the second charging circuit170includes the at least one second barrier circuit168. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.1A, the second device152includes one second barrier circuit168and the second charging circuit170includes the one second barrier circuit168. In some embodiments, the second charging circuit170may be communicably coupled to the battery169. In such embodiments, the second charging circuit170may be configured to charge the battery169via the received portion107of the electrical power106.

As discussed above, the at least one second barrier circuit168is configured to limit the transferred electrical power107transferred from the first power interface104to the second power interface154. Therefore, the at least one second barrier circuit168may limit a maximum electrical power in the second device152. Thus, the at least one second barrier circuit168may protect the second device152from damaging electrical conditions, such as an overcurrent, a surge current, and other electrical overloads.

In some embodiments, the second device152further includes a second controller162. In some embodiments, the second controller162is communicably coupled to the second communication module158. The second controller162may include a processor (not shown) and a memory (not shown) storing executable instructions. The processor may execute the instructions stored in the memory to implement a method or an algorithm. In some embodiments, the second power interface154may be configured to transmit a portion107-1of the transferred electrical power107to the second controller162.

In some embodiments, the second controller162is configured to control the at least one second transceiver160of the second communication module158to transmit data signals164-1. In some embodiments, the second controller162is further configured to receive data signals164-2from the at least one second transceiver160of the second communication module158.

In some embodiments, the second device152further includes a second memory166communicably coupled to the second controller162. The second memory166may include any computer-readable storage medium.

Due to the physical and electrical separation of the first communication module108from the second communication module158by the intrinsic barrier190, there may not be a need for the first communication module108or the second communication module158to include intrinsic safety circuits. As a result, the data signals192may be exchanged between the first communication module108and the second communication module158at a higher data exchange rate than between conventional electronic devices including the intrinsic safety circuits including intrinsic safety components. Specifically, presence of the intrinsic safety circuits including the intrinsic safety components, such as fuses, resistors, diodes, etc., may negatively affect the data exchange rate between the conventional electronic devices. In some examples, the data signals192may be exchanged at a rate of up to about 100 megabits per second, up to about 1000 megabits per second, up to about 1 gigabit per second, up to about 6 gigabits per second, or up to about 10 gigabits per second.

Further, as the second barrier circuit168may be provided in the first and/or second device102,152, for example, in the second device152, in order to provide protection to the first and/or second device102,152, against the overcurrent, the surge current or the other electrical overload conditions without negatively affecting the data exchange rate between the first and second devices102,152.

FIG.1Billustrates a schematic block diagram of a charging system101, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The charging system101ofFIG.1Bis substantially similar to the charging system100ofFIG.1A. However, in the charging system101, the first device102further includes a first power source185. In some embodiments, the first power source185may include a DC power source, such as a battery, a fuel cell, an ultracapacitor, and/or any other suitable voltage source. In some embodiments, the battery may be any type of battery, such as a lead acid battery, coin cells, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal battery, and/or any other rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the ultracapacitor may include a supercapacitor, an electrochemical double layer capacitor, and/or any other electrochemical capacitor with high energy density.

In some embodiments, the first power interface104of the first device102is configured to be electrically connected to the first power source185. In some embodiments, the first power interface104of the first device102is configured to receive a first electrical power156from the first power source185. Further, in some embodiments, the second power interface154of the second device152is configured to receive at least a portion157of the first electrical power156from the first power interface104.

In some embodiments, when the first power interface104and the second power interface154may be galvanically isolated from each other, the second power interface154may be configured to receive the at least the portion157of the first electrical power156from the first power interface104wirelessly.

In some embodiments, the first power interface104may be configured to transmit a portion156-1of the first electrical power156to the first communication module108. In some embodiments, the first power interface104may be further configured to transmit a portion156-2of the first electrical power156to the second communication module158. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first power interface104may be configured to transmit a portion156-3of the first electrical power156to the first controller112.

The at least the portion157of the first electrical power156may be interchangeably referred to as “the transferred electrical power157”. In some embodiments, the at least one second barrier circuit168may be configured to limit the transferred electrical power157transferred from the first power interface104to the second power interface154.

In some embodiments, the second power interface154may be configured to transmit a portion157-1of the transferred electrical power157to the second controller162. Therefore, the first device102may be configured to provide the portion157of electrical power156from the first power source185to the second power interface154of the second device152. The second power interface154may further provide the received portion157of the electrical power156to one or more components of the second device152. In some embodiments, the second power interface154may further charge the battery169via the received portion157of the electrical power156. In some embodiments, the second charging circuit170may be configured to charge the battery169via the received portion157of the electrical power156.

In some embodiments, the charging system101may include the external power source180(shown inFIG.1A) in addition to the first power source185. In such cases, the external power source180may be configured to be electrically connected with the first power source185and/or the first power interface104.

FIG.2Aillustrates a schematic block diagram of a charging system200, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The charging system200ofFIG.2Ais substantially similar to the charging system100ofFIG.1A. Common components between the charging system100ofFIG.1Aand the charging system200are illustrated by same numerals. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.2A, the second power interface154of the second device152is configured to be electrically connected to the external power source180. The second power interface154of the second device152is further configured to receive an external electrical power206from the external power source180. In this embodiment, the first device102may include an article of personal protective equipment (PPE). In some other embodiments, the first device102may include another electronic device (e.g., the second electronic device352-1and/or the second electronic device352-2shown inFIG.3A). In some embodiments, the electronic device may include, without limitations, a laptop, a mobile phone, a tablet, a camera, a personalized digital assistant, and the like. Further, the second device152may include an electronic device (e.g., the first electronic devices302shown inFIG.3A). In some embodiments, the electronic device may include, without limitations, a USB adapter, charging adapter, a laptop, a mobile phone, a tablet, a camera, a personalized digital assistant, and the like.

In some embodiments, the second power interface154of the second device152may be galvanically isolated from the external power source180. In such embodiments, the second power interface154of the second device152may be configured to receive the external electrical power206from the external power source180wirelessly.

In some embodiments, the second device152may further include the at least one second barrier circuit168(as shown inFIG.1A). The at least one barrier circuit168may be configured to limit the external electrical power206transferred from the external power source180to the second power interface154. Therefore, the at least one second barrier circuit168may limit a maximum electrical power in the second device152. Thus, the at least one second barrier circuit168may protect the second device152from damaging electrical conditions, such as an overcurrent, a surge current, and other electrical overloads.

In some embodiments, the second power interface154may be configured to transmit a portion206-1of the external electrical power206to the second controller162.

In some embodiments, the first power interface104of the first device102is configured to receive at least a portion207of the external electrical power206from the second power interface154. Therefore, the second device152may be configured to provide the portion207of the electrical power206from the external power source180to the first power interface104of the first device102. The first power interface104may further provide the received portion207of the electrical power206to one or more components of the first device102. In some embodiments, the first device102may include a battery269. In such embodiments, the first power interface104may further charge the battery269via the received portion207of the electrical power206.

The at least the portion207of the external electrical power206may be interchangeably referred to as “the transferred electrical power207”. In some embodiments, the first device102includes at least one first barrier circuit208configured to limit the transferred electrical power207transferred from the second power interface154to the first power interface104. In some embodiments, the at least one first barrier circuit208includes one or more of a resistor (not shown), a diode (not shown), and a fuse (not shown). In some embodiments, the at least one first barrier circuit208may include other electrical elements, such as capacitors, inductances etc.

In some embodiments, the first device102further includes a first charging circuit210. In some embodiments, the first charging circuit210includes the at least one first barrier circuit208. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.2A, the first device102includes one first barrier circuit208and the first charging circuit210includes the one first barrier circuit208. In some embodiments, the first charging circuit210may be communicably coupled to the battery269. In such embodiments, the first charging circuit210may be configured to charge the battery269via the received portion207of the electrical power206.

As discussed above, the at least one first barrier circuit208is configured to limit the transferred electrical power207transferred from the second power interface154to the first power interface104. Therefore, the at least one first barrier circuit208may limit a maximum electrical power in the first device102. Thus, the at least one first barrier circuit208may protect the first device102from damaging electrical conditions, such as an overcurrent, a surge current, and other electrical overloads.

In some embodiments, the second power interface154and the first power interface104may be galvanically isolated from each other. In such embodiments, the first power interface104may be configured to receive the at least the portion207of the external electrical power206from the second power interface154wirelessly.

In some embodiments, the first power interface104may be configured to transmit a portion207-1of the transferred electrical power207to the first communication module108. Further, in some embodiments, the first power interface104may be configured to transmit a portion207-2of the transferred electrical power207to the second communication module158. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first power interface104may be configured to transmit a portion207-3of the transferred electrical power207to the first controller112.

As discussed above, due to the physical and electrical separation of the first communication module108from the second communication module158by the intrinsic barrier190, there may not be a need for the first communication module108or the second communication module158to include intrinsic safety circuits. As a result, the data signals192may be exchanged between the first communication module108and the second communication module158at a higher data exchange rate than between conventional electronic devices including the intrinsic safety circuits including intrinsic safety components. Specifically, presence of the intrinsic safety circuits including the intrinsic safety components, such as fuses, resistors, diodes, etc., may negatively affect the data exchange rate between the conventional electronic devices. In some examples, the data signals192may be exchanged at a rate of up to about100megabits per second, up to about 1000 megabits per second, up to about 1 gigabit per second, up to about 6 gigabits per second, or up to about 10 gigabits per second.

Further, as the first barrier circuit208may be provided in at least one of the first and second device102,152, for example, in the first device102, in order to provide protection to the first and second device102,152, against the overcurrent, the surge current or the other electrical overload conditions without negatively affecting the data exchange rate between the first and second devices102,152.

FIG.2Billustrates a schematic block diagram of a charging system201, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The charging system201ofFIG.2Bis substantially similar to the charging system200ofFIG.2A. However, in the charging system201, the second device152further includes a second power source285. In some embodiments, the second power source285may include a DC power source. The second power source285may be substantially similar to the first power source185shown inFIG.1B.

In some embodiments, the second power interface154of the second device152is configured to be electrically connected to the second power source285. In some embodiments, the second power interface154of the second device152is configured to receive a second electrical power256from the second power source285. Further, in some embodiments, the first power interface104of the first device102is configured to receive at least a portion257of the second electrical power256from the second power interface154.

In some embodiments, when the second power interface154and the first power interface104may be galvanically isolated from each other, the first power interface104may be configured to receive the at least the portion257of the second electrical power256from the second power interface154wirelessly.

In some embodiments, the second power interface154may be configured to transmit a portion256-1of the second electrical power256to the second controller162.

The at least the portion257of the second electrical power256may be interchangeably referred to as “the transferred electrical power257”. In some embodiments, the at least one first barrier circuit208may be configured to limit the transferred electrical power257transferred from the second power interface154to the first power interface104.

In some embodiments, the first power interface104may be configured to transmit a portion257-1of the transferred electrical power257to the first communication module108. Further, in some embodiments, the first power interface104may be configured to transmit a portion257-2of the transferred electrical power257to the second communication module158. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first power interface104may be configured to transmit a portion257-3of the transferred electrical power257to the first controller112. Therefore, the second device152may be configured to provide the portion257of the second electrical power256from the second power source285to the first power interface104of the first device102. The first power interface104may further provide the received portion257of the second electrical power256to one or more components of the first device102. In some embodiments, the first power interface104may further charge the battery269via the received portion257of the second electrical power256. In some embodiments, the first charging circuit210may be configured to charge the battery269via the received portion257of the second electrical power256.

In some embodiments, the charging system201may include the external power source180(shown inFIG.2A) in addition to the second power source285. In such cases, the external power source180may be configured to be electrically connected with the second power source285and/or the second power interface154.

FIG.3Aillustrates an exemplary representation of a charging system300. The charging system300includes the first and second devices102,152according to the charging system100ofFIG.1A.

In some embodiments, the second device152includes the second electronic device352-1. In some other embodiments, the second device152includes the second electronic device352-2. In some embodiments, the second electronic devices352-1,352-2may include, without limitations, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, cameras, personalized digital assistants, and the like. In some embodiments, the second electronic devices352-1,352-2may be articles of PPE.

In some embodiments, the second device152further includes interface devices354-1,354-2. Specifically, the second electronic device352-1may be configured to couple with the interface device354-1and the second electronic device352-2may be configured to couple with the interface device354-2.

In yet other embodiments, the second device may be a single electronic device, i.e., the second device152may not include separate second electronic device and an interface device.

In some embodiments, the interface devices354-1,354-2may provide an interface to exchange electrical power and/or data signals with the respective second electronic devices352-1,352-2. In some embodiments, the interface devices354-1,354-2may exchange the electrical power and/or the data signals with the respective second electronic devices352-1,352-2wirelessly. For example, the interface device354-1may exchange the electrical power and/or the data signals with the second electronic device352-1wirelessly. In some embodiments, the interface devices354-1,354-2may exchange the electrical power and/or the data signals with the respective second electronic devices352-1,352-2through wired connections. In some examples, the interface device354-2may exchange the electrical power and/or the data signals with the second electronic device352-2through the wired connections. For example, the wired connections may include first contacts356-1provided on the second electronic device352-2, and second contacts356-2provided on the interface device354-2. In some embodiments, when the first and second contacts356-1,356-2are connected, exchange of the electrical power and/or the data signals may occur between the second electronic device352-2and the interface device354-2.

In some embodiments, the first device102includes the first electronic device302. In some embodiments, the first electronic device302may be configured to receive electrical power and/or data signals from an external device (not shown) and transmit at least a portion of a received electrical power and/or data signals to the second electronic devices352-1,352-2. In some cases, the first electronic device302may be electrically connected to the external power source180(depicted inFIG.1A). In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.3A, the first electronic device302may be a charging adapter302-1. The charging adapter302-1may be configured to be plugged into an external power source180(not shown), such as an electrical socket to receive electrical power from the external power source180.

In some cases, the first electronic device302may be connected to the external device. In some examples, the external device may include, without limitations, a laptop, a mobile phone, a tablet, a camera, a personalized digital assistant, and the like. The external device may be configured to exchange electrical power and/or data signals with the first electronic device302. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.3A, the first electronic device302may be a USB adapter302-2. The USB adapter302-2may be configured to be plugged into a USB receptacle (not shown) of the external device. The USB adapter302-2may be configured to receive electrical power and/or data signals.

In some embodiments, the charging adapter302-1may be configured to transfer electrical power and/or data signals to the second electronic device352-1or the second electronic device352-2. In some embodiments, the USB adapter302-2may be configured to transfer electrical power and/or data signals with the second electronic device352-1or the second electronic device352-2. Further, the second electronic device352-1or the second electronic device352-2may include barrier circuits in order to provide protection to the second device152, against the overcurrent, the surge current or the other electrical overload conditions without negatively affecting the data exchange rate between the first and second devices102,152.

FIG.3Billustrates a detailed schematic block diagram for the charging system300ofFIG.3A. In some embodiments,FIG.3Billustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram for the charging system300ofFIG.3A, wherein the first electronic device302(shown inFIG.3A) is the USB adapter302-2.

In some embodiments, the USB adapter302-2includes the first controller112, the first communication module108, the second communication module158and the intrinsic barrier190. The data signals192may be wirelessly exchanged between the first and second communication modules108,158.

The first power interface104may be electrically connected with the second power interface154and may be configured to transfer the portion107of the external electrical power106to the second power interface154. In some embodiments, the first power interface104and the second power interface154may be connected to a common ground320. The external power source180may be configured to be electrically connected with the first power interface104to provide the external electrical power106.

In some embodiments, the second power interface154may be the interface device354-1or the interface device354-2(shown inFIG.3A). Thus, the second power interface154may receive an electrical power and may supply a portion of the electrical power to the second electronic devices352-1,352-2(shown inFIG.3A) to charge the second electronic devices352-1,352-2. In some embodiments, the interface devices354-1,354-2may include the second controller162. In some other embodiments, the second electronic devices352-1.352-2may include the second controller162.

As the intrinsic barrier190is disposed between and physically separates the first communication module108from the second communication module158, the first communication module108and the second communication module158may not require the intrinsic safety circuits including the intrinsic safety components in order to prevent an overcurrent, a surge current, or any other electrical overload from being transferred between the first communication module108and the second communication module158. As discussed above, the presence of the intrinsic safety circuits including the intrinsic safety components may negatively affect the data exchange rate between two components. In other words, the intrinsic safety components may inhibit high speed data transmission between the two components. Since the first communication module108and the second communication module158do not require such intrinsic safety circuits, the data signals192may be exchanged between the first communication module108and the second communication module158at a high data exchange rate while the first and second devices102,152are intrinsically safe.

As used herein, when an element, component, or layer for example is described as forming a “coincident interface” with, or being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled with,” “stacked on” or “in contact with” another element, component, or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, directly coupled with, directly stacked on, in direct contact with, or intervening elements, components or layers may be on, connected, coupled or in contact with the particular element, component, or layer, for example. When an clement, component, or layer for example is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly coupled with,” or “directly in contact with” another element, there are no intervening elements, components or layers for example. The techniques of this disclosure may be implemented in a wide variety of computer devices, such as servers, laptop computers, desktop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, hand-held computers, smart phones, and the like. Any components, modules or units have been described to emphasize functional aspects and do not necessarily require realization by different hardware units. The techniques described herein may also be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. Any features described as modules, units or components may be implemented together in an integrated logic device or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. In some cases, various features may be implemented as an integrated circuit device, such as an integrated circuit chip or chipset. Additionally, although a number of distinct modules have been described throughout this description, many of which perform unique functions, all the functions of all of the modules may be combined into a single module, or even split into further additional modules. The modules described herein are only exemplary and have been described as such for better case of understanding.

If implemented in software, the techniques may be realized at least in part by a computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed in a processor, performs one or more of the methods described above. The computer-readable medium may comprise a tangible computer-readable storage medium and may form part of a computer program product, which may include packaging materials. The computer-readable storage medium may comprise random access memory (RAM) such as synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). FLASH memory, magnetic or optical data storage media, and the like. The computer-readable storage medium may also comprise a non-volatile storage device, such as a hard-disk, magnetic tape, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disk, holographic data storage media, or other non-volatile storage device.

The term “processor,” as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structure or any other structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described herein. In addition, in some aspects, the functionality described herein may be provided within dedicated software modules or hardware modules configured for performing the techniques of this disclosure. Even if implemented in software, the techniques may use hardware such as a processor to execute the software, and a memory to store the software. In any such cases, the computers described herein may define a specific machine that is capable of executing the specific functions described herein. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements, which could also be considered a processor.

In some examples, a computer-readable storage medium includes a non-transitory medium. The term “non-transitory” indicates, in some examples, that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium stores data that can, over time, change (e.g., in RAM or cache).