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Codeable power cell

A simple precaution
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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.

8th of 7, Jan 03 2019

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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.//   

       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!
Loris, Jan 04 2019
  

       That was the first design.   

       Apparently there's this pernicious thing called "product liability" ...   

       The second design ... we could tell you, but then we'd have to kill you.   

       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.   

       The fourth design was immediately bought up by a government agency who insist on total confidentiality.   

       This is design number five.
8th of 7, Jan 04 2019
  

       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.
MaxwellBuchanan, Jan 05 2019
  

       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.
notexactly, Jan 14 2019
  
      
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