Sustainable solution for Legacy Mobile Devices

Background

Mobile device owners usually upgrade their phones very often, 18 to 20 months for postpaid users and only 7 to 8 months for prepaid users[1]. The average lifespan of a mobile device has been limited to 1-2 years, usually due to failure of components such as the batteries, screen and etc. In recent years, it has been found that periodic upgrades to mobile phones are not required, mostly due to manufacturers rushing their releases thus not having much improvements[2].

Problem

The lifespan of the lithium based batteries are usually about 1-1.5 years; after about 250 cycles of charging cycles, the capacity decreases to about 73%-84% of its initial capacity[3]. This issue is common across all types of mobile phones(i.e. Flagships to Budget phones). Manufacturers often want consumers to purchase their latest offerings, however most consumers do not have the means to do so. Manufacturers often do not find a need to stock up replacement parts of legacy models as excess stocks are often considered as an liability.

Solution

This proposal is to integrate standard sized lithium ion/ batteries into smartphone designs. 3 standard sizings of the batteries would be released to cater to the different group of available(mainly 4.5, 5.0, 5.5inch phones). Interchangeable connectors are part of the battery designs, this connector allow manufacturers to be able to use their own proprietary connectors on top of the standard Flexible Printed Circuit and Low Profile Battery connectors options. These batteries will be fitted with the latest QI standard wireless charging plates and will be able to get the latest updates via future revisions.

Benefits

Latest battery technologies can now be easily updated into older hardwares. Manufacturers can now provide for legacy models. Mobile chip designers can now design their chips around the shape of these batteries, thus enabling slimmer and more efficient devices. Cost previously incurred from storage can now be spent on R&D. The resale value of every phones would improve greatly due to the increase in its useful life. Not only consumers are able to easily reuse their old phones,but they can also play a part on saving our planet.

Implementation

We will be able to make it a universal standard by:

1. Creating an open sourced sharing system where specification sheets and technical drawings

would be available.

2. Having a central knowledge database of findings in battery research.

3. Incorporating the designs into ’s latest NEXUS and series(benchmark

Google set for manufacturers to follow)

4. Informing production plants about the new standards for them to follow.

Cost /Budget Est Cost

Battery (4, 4.7, 5, 5.5 Inch) $4-8

Interchangeable connector assembly $0.20

Standard connectors/FPC connectors $0.10

Wireless Charging Plate $1.00

Total $5.30-9.30

Conclusion

This solution would reduce phones of good conditions ending up in landfills, this in turn reduces the toxic chemicals leaching into the surroundings[4]. After this is implemented, the same concept can be applied on other components. Companies should do their part in helping to build a sustainable environment for the future generations to live, work, and play. Towards the dream of a fully modular mobile device[5].(Project ARA)

Appendix

Example of a propitiatory Flexible Printed Circuit battery connector.[6]

Example of a Low Profile Battery Connector.[7]

References

[1] Tim Kridel. (2014, August 31). Trends in Device Turnover[Online]. Available: http://www.digitalinnovationgazette.com/platforms/mobile_device_turnover/index.html#axzz3l1Grr VYw [Accessed: 26- Sep- 2015].

[2]Pulser_G2. (2015, August 8). Flagship Furore - Why the Market Changed[Online]. Available: http://www.xda-developers.com/flagship-furore-why-the-market-changed/ [Accessed: 26- Sep- 2015].

[3]Cadex Electronics. (2015, April 29). BU-808: How to Prolong Lithium-based Batteries[Online]. Avaliable: http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries [Accessed: 26- Sep- 2015].

[4]Shaun Oshman. (2015, April 14). How Often Should You Upgrade Your Smartphones?[Online]. Avaliable: http://isupportu.biz/2015/04/how-often-should-you-upgrade-your- smartphone/ [Accessed: 26- Sep- 2015].

[5]Google Inc. (2015, September 6). Project Ara FAQ[Online] Avaliable: http://www.projectara.com/faq/ [Accessed: 26- Sep- 2015].

[6]Steve. Hemmerstoffer, iPhone 6 Air: The battery is exposed 2.915mAh video. (2014, September 07) [Online]. Available: http://www.nowhereelse.fr/video-batterie-iphone-6-air-101019/ [Accessed: 5- Oct- 2015]

[7]jpoyann. Jose Poyan, Projects HP 42EL and HP20S. (Unknown) [Online]. Available: http://s550.photobucket.com/user/jpoyann/media/Projects%20HP%2042EL%20and%20HP20S/T2e C16VHJHIE9nyseFPoBRTBfeTVHQ60_57.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0 [Accessed: 5- Oct- 2015]