Dual-purpose compartment for a hybrid battery and fuel cell powered device

摘要

A compartment interchangeably holds either a battery or a fuel cartridge for powering a portable electronic device. The compartment includes electrical contacts to access energy stored in a battery. The compartment further includes a fuel port to access fuel stored in a fuel cartridge. Either of the battery or the fuel cartridge may be installed in the compartment. A portable electronic device, which is powered interchangeably by either a battery or a fuel cell, includes the compartment. A method of powering the portable electronic device includes installing either a battery or a fuel cartridge into a compartment that interchangeably holds the battery and the fuel cartridge, and powering the device using energy stored in the respectively installed battery or energy stored in fuel contained in the respectively installed fuel cartridge.