h a l f b a k e r yA riddle wrapped in a mystery inside a rich, flaky crust
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Many vehicles now operate systems such as lighting via CANbus control.
This has the advantage that only one common power feed is needed, devices are controlled remotely, and faults can be reported.
Any new component attached to the system needs to be "taught" what its function is, similar to Bluetooth
pairing.
BorgCo are intending to roll out a similar technology for primary power cells, initially in AA and AAA sizes.
When a fresh battery is first inserted into a device, it "pairs" itself automatically.
If the battery is then placed in another device, with which it is not paired, an electronic switch limits the current that can be drawn to a few milliamps, making the battery all but useless. When replaced in its original device, it once again works normally.
The technology will initially be rolled out in devices such as remote controls, clocks and thermometers, all of which have very low current drains. The result is that when someone has flattened all their primary batteries, and also forgotten to put any of their numerous rechargeable batteries in the charger (thus leaving their favourite portable gadget either inoperable or tethered to a wall wart), going round and stealing the cells out of remote controls and clocks will be pointless, and they will be forced to actually go out and actually buy more batteries which they have to pay for themselves, in a shop, with their own actual money.
Each pack of codeable batteries includes a pack of disposable earplugs so it isn't necessary to listen to the resultant whining.
[link]
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//If the battery is then placed in another device, with
which it is not paired, an electronic switch limits the
current that can be drawn to a few milliamps, making the
battery all but useless.// |
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How very unborgian. I was expecting the specification to
have the battery dump all power at once, thus destroying
the proscribed device and solving the problem
immediately.
For Shame! |
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That was the first design. |
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Apparently there's this pernicious thing called "product liability" ... |
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The second design ... we could tell you, but then we'd have to kill you. |
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The third design had a transponder allowing the errant battery to be located, along with the offender, and thus summary judgement could be visited upon their person. |
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The fourth design was immediately bought up by a government agency who insist on total confidentiality. |
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This is design number five. |
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There is surely a simpler way. Just equip all batteries with a
suitably large capacitor between their terminals. Then, when
the battery is first inserted into a remote control or clock, it
will simply weld itself in place, preventing any later attempts
to remove it. |
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I was halfway through writing up an idea inspired by this,
specifically low-power devices, such as remote controls and
thermostats, with internal, preinstalled batteries that last
many years, advertised as a convenience, but also serving as
an inconvenience to those who would take the batteries to
use elsewhatin. Then I remembered that such low-power
devices with internal, preinstalled batteries that last many
years are already on the market. |
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