Imitated battery device for equipment monitoring and electronic equipment

By designing a battery-like device, the device monitors equipment status and communicates remotely using current changes, solving the problem of difficult monitoring of distributed equipment in existing technologies and realizing low-cost, no-modification equipment status monitoring.

CN122043101APending Publication Date: 2026-05-15HANGZHOU YUNYI INTERNET OF THINGS TECH CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HANGZHOU YUNYI INTERNET OF THINGS TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-02-10
Publication Date
2026-05-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies are insufficient for monitoring the operational status of distributed devices powered by standard batteries, and retrofitting them is costly.

Method used

Design a battery-like device that resembles a standard battery in appearance and incorporates a power supply battery, voltage conversion unit, status monitoring circuit, and wireless communication unit. It can determine the device status by monitoring current changes and communicate remotely, achieving plug-and-play functionality.

Benefits of technology

It enables direct and reliable monitoring of equipment operating status without requiring modifications to existing equipment, reducing the cost of manual inspections and solving the problem of monitoring the status of dispersed equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN122043101A_ABST
    Figure CN122043101A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention discloses a simulated battery device for equipment monitoring and electronic equipment, the simulated battery device for equipment monitoring comprises a shell, the shape and the size of the shell and the size and the position of an electrode on the shell accord with the industrial standard specification of a standard primary battery of a target model; a power supply battery is arranged in the shell; the input end of the voltage conversion unit is connected with the power supply battery, and the output end is electrically connected with the electrode terminal on the shell; the voltage conversion unit is used for performing voltage conversion on the output voltage of the power supply battery and outputting the converted voltage; the input end of the state monitoring circuit is electrically connected with the output end of the voltage conversion unit, and the state monitoring circuit is used for converting current output by the voltage conversion unit into feedback voltage signals and outputting the feedback voltage signals; a wireless communication unit; the control module is respectively connected with the output end of the state monitoring circuit and the wireless communication unit; and the control module is used for sending a signal representing the operation of the equipment through the wireless communication unit under the condition that the feedback voltage signal is greater than the preset voltage.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery simulation device technology, and particularly to a battery simulation device and electronic device for equipment monitoring. Background Technology

[0002] In numerous fields such as industrial equipment, security equipment (e.g., smoke detectors), and household appliances, there are a large number of devices powered by standard batteries (e.g., size D, AA, and AAA batteries). These devices are typically scattered and numerous, making the monitoring of their operational status (whether they are functioning properly) a persistent challenge.

[0003] The market urgently needs a solution that requires no modification to existing equipment, is easy to install, is inexpensive, and can monitor the operating status of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention proposes a battery-like device for equipment monitoring, comprising:

[0005] The casing, its shape and size, and the size and position of the electrodes on the casing, conform to the industry standard specifications of the target model of standard primary battery; The housing contains: Power supply battery; The voltage conversion unit has its input terminal connected to the power supply battery and its output terminal electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal on the casing; the voltage conversion unit is used to convert the output voltage of the power supply battery and then output it. The status monitoring circuit has its input terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage conversion unit, and is used to convert the current output by the voltage conversion unit into a feedback voltage signal and output it. Wireless communication unit; The control module is connected to the output terminal of the status monitoring circuit and the wireless communication unit respectively; the control module is used to send a signal indicating the operation of the device through the wireless communication unit when the feedback voltage signal is greater than the preset voltage.

[0006] Optionally, the voltage conversion unit includes: a DC-DC chip, an inductor, and a feedback circuit; The input terminal of the DC-DC chip is connected to the output terminal of the power supply battery, and the output terminal is connected to the first terminal of the inductor. The second terminal of the inductor is connected to the positive electrode terminal on the housing and the input terminal of the feedback circuit. The output terminal of the feedback circuit is connected to the feedback terminal of the DC-DC chip. The DC-DC chip is used to convert the output voltage of the power supply battery and then output it. The feedback circuit is used to divide the output voltage of the DC-DC chip and output it to the feedback terminal of the DC-DC chip.

[0007] Optionally, the voltage divider feedback circuit includes: a first resistor and a second resistor; The first end of the first resistor is connected to the output terminal of the DC-DC chip, the second end is connected to the feedback terminal of the DC-DC chip and the first end of the second resistor, and the second end of the second resistor is grounded.

[0008] Optionally, the status monitoring circuit includes: a capacitor and a third resistor; The first end of the capacitor is connected to the output terminal of the DC-DC chip, and the second end is connected to the control module and the first end of the third resistor; the second end of the third resistor is grounded.

[0009] Optionally, the state detection circuit further includes: a fourth resistor; The first end of the fourth resistor is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply battery, the second end is connected to the ADC sampling terminal of the control module, and is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the housing.

[0010] Optionally, the control module includes: a fifth resistor, a controller, and a controlled switching device; The first end of the fifth resistor is connected to the output end of the feedback circuit and the feedback end of the DC-DC chip, the second end is connected to the first end of the controlled switching device, the second end of the controlled switching device is grounded, and the controlled end is connected to the controller. The controller is connected to the output of the state monitoring circuit and is used to control the controlled switching device to turn off when the feedback voltage signal is greater than the preset voltage.

[0011] Optionally, the standard primary battery type includes: AAA type battery, AA type battery, C type battery, D type battery or 9V battery.

[0012] The present invention also proposes an electronic device, including a battery compartment, wherein the battery compartment is provided with the aforementioned battery-like device for device monitoring.

[0013] This invention discloses a battery-like device and electronic device for equipment monitoring. The battery-like device for equipment monitoring includes: a housing whose shape, size, and the size and position of the electrodes on the housing conform to the industrial standard specifications of a target model of standard primary battery; the housing contains: a power supply battery; a voltage conversion unit, with its input end connected to the power supply battery and its output end electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal on the housing; the voltage conversion unit is used to convert the output voltage of the power supply battery and output it; a status monitoring circuit, with its input end electrically connected to the output end of the voltage conversion unit, is used to convert the current output by the voltage conversion unit into a feedback voltage signal and output it; a wireless communication unit; and a control module, which is connected to the output end of the status monitoring circuit and the wireless communication unit respectively; the control module is used to send a signal indicating the operation of the equipment through the wireless communication unit when the feedback voltage signal is greater than a preset voltage.

[0014] This invention achieves plug-and-play functionality through the physical compatibility of the biomimetic battery, requiring no modification to existing equipment. By monitoring the power supply circuit current and converting it into a voltage signal, it enables direct and reliable monitoring of the equipment's operating status. Furthermore, wireless communication reporting enables remote and automated status monitoring, significantly reducing the cost of manual inspections and solving the problem of monitoring the status of distributed equipment. In addition, this solution only requires replacing the battery in the monitored equipment with the biomimetic battery device, offering advantages in terms of ease of operation and low cost compared to modifying the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the battery-like device for equipment monitoring according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of an example of the battery-like device for equipment monitoring according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the battery-like device for equipment monitoring according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the battery-like device for equipment monitoring according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the battery-simulated device for equipment monitoring according to the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the battery-like device for equipment monitoring according to the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of icon numbers: 10. Power supply battery; R1. First resistor; 20. Voltage conversion unit; R2. Second resistor; 30. Status monitoring circuit; R3. Third resistor; 40. Control module; R5. Fifth resistor; 50. Wireless communication unit.

[0018] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0023] The inventors of this case noted that the intelligentization and digitalization of electrical / electronic equipment has only emerged in the last decade, allowing users to monitor the battery level and operating status of devices via apps and other means. However, many older devices still operate in society, such as in industrial equipment, security systems, and home appliances. Retrofitting these older devices is prohibitively costly. Addressing the difficulty in monitoring the operating status of battery-powered devices, the inventors proposed a battery-simulating device with a built-in control module 40 and a wireless communication module. By detecting the load current value, it distinguishes between device shutdown and operation, thus determining the operating status. Specifically, the battery-simulating device's shape is identical to the target battery model required by the device, allowing it to replace standard batteries for power supply. Installation is simple, enabling status monitoring of existing devices without modification. Furthermore, it is easily understood that maintaining the monitoring function only requires the battery within the battery-simulating device to have charge; long-term status monitoring can be maintained by replacing or recharging the battery-simulating device.

[0024] The first embodiment of the present invention provides a battery-like device for device monitoring, comprising: The casing, its shape and size, and the size and position of the electrodes on the casing, conform to the industry standard specifications of the target model of standard primary battery; like Figure 1 As shown, the housing contains: Power supply battery 10; The voltage conversion unit 20 has its input terminal connected to the power supply battery 10 and its output terminal electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal on the housing; the voltage conversion unit 20 is used to convert the output voltage of the power supply battery 10 and output it. The status monitoring circuit 30 has its input terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage conversion unit 20, and is used to convert the current output by the voltage conversion unit 20 into a feedback voltage signal and output it. Wireless communication unit 50; The control module 40 is connected to the output terminal of the status monitoring circuit 30 and the wireless communication unit 50 respectively; the control module 40 is used to send a signal characterizing the operation of the device through the wireless communication unit 50 when the feedback voltage signal is greater than the preset voltage.

[0025] It needs to be explained that the battery compartment of existing equipment is designed for standard batteries, and its space, clips, and electrode contact positions are all fixed. Any monitoring solution that cannot physically and seamlessly replace the original battery is simply not a legitimate claim of "no modification required."

[0026] To achieve the goal of directly replacing the battery in the original equipment without modifying existing equipment, this invention defines the housing of the battery-like device, specifically in terms of shape, size, and the size and position of the electrodes on the housing, conforming to the industry standard specifications of a standard primary battery of the target model. The housing has an internal cavity to accommodate electronic components.

[0027] It's easy to understand that batteries are industrial products, and their production must comply with relevant industrial standards. The casing of this battery replica device conforms to the industrial standard specifications of the target model's standard battery, ensuring that the replica device can replace the battery in the original equipment. Furthermore, conforming to industrial standard specifications means matching within allowable tolerances and meeting the requirements of relevant industrial standards. This ensures that the battery replica device: 1. Can be installed, with its size and shape matching the physical space of the battery compartment. 2. Can be powered, with the size, position, and protrusion height of the electrodes reliably contacting the spring contacts or fixed contacts inside the battery compartment to form an electrical connection. 3. Can be fixed, compatible with the mechanical structure of the battery compartment (such as slots and springs), and will not loosen or fall off.

[0028] The industrial standard for the target battery model refers to objectively existing, industry-recognized technical specifications (such as the series of battery sizes defined in standards like IEC60086 and GB / T8897.2). However, it should be understood that the industrial standard specifications in this invention should not only be considered as currently existing industrial standards (such as IEC60086 and GB / T8897.2), but should also include industrial standards that may emerge in the future; more specifically, it should be consistent with the industrial standards followed by the target battery model; the target battery model is the battery used in the original equipment, i.e., the battery that is replaced by the anti-battery device.

[0029] In one embodiment, the standard primary battery type includes: AAA (size 7), AA (size 5), C (size 2), D (size 1), or 9V batteries, etc. Taking an AA battery as an example, the diameter of the casing is approximately 14.5 mm, and the height is approximately 50.5 mm. Its positive electrode is a circular metal protrusion on the end face, and the negative electrode is a flat metal sheet at the bottom, possibly with a spring structure. These dimensions and structures conform to the AA battery specifications defined in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60086 standard or the national standard GB / T8897.2, thereby ensuring that it can be installed and electrically connected to the battery compartment of any device designed for standard AA batteries, completely replacing the original battery, achieving plug-and-play functionality without any modification to existing equipment. Figure 2 As shown, a schematic diagram of the physical structure of an example is disclosed.

[0030] A power supply battery 10 is housed within the casing. It is readily understood that the volume of the power supply battery 10 is smaller than the volume within the casing. The power supply battery 10 provides power to the voltage conversion unit 20, the status monitoring circuit 30, the wireless communication unit 50, the control module 40, and existing equipment. Specifically, the power supply battery 10 provides power to existing equipment, fulfilling the function of the original battery within the equipment. The specific model and corresponding output voltage value of the power supply battery 10 are not limited in this invention and can be determined by the researchers. In one example, it can be a rechargeable lithium polymer battery (nominal voltage 3.7V) or a disposable alkaline battery (nominal voltage 1.5V).

[0031] The input terminals (positive and negative input pins) of the voltage conversion unit 20 are connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply battery 10, respectively. Its core function is to convert and regulate the input voltage to provide a stable DC output voltage (e.g., a stable 1.5V) that meets the device's requirements. The output terminal of the voltage conversion unit 20 is directly electrically connected to the positive and negative electrode terminals on the housing. Thus, this device provides operating power to external devices through its electrodes. It is readily understood that the voltage output by the voltage conversion unit 20 needs to be the same as the voltage of the battery originally installed in the monitored device. The voltage conversion unit 20 may include a DC boost circuit or a buck circuit.

[0032] The input terminal of the status monitoring circuit 30 is electrically connected to the output circuit of the voltage conversion unit 20 to sense the current flowing to the external device; its function is to convert the current signal into a proportional and easily measurable feedback voltage signal. In a specific implementation, a sampling resistor with a very small resistance can be connected in series between the negative output terminal of the voltage conversion unit 20 and the negative electrode of the housing; the load current flowing through this resistor will generate a voltage drop, which is the feedback voltage signal.

[0033] When the external monitored device is off or in static standby mode, the current it draws from this simulated battery device is extremely small (possibly only in the microamplitude range). At this time, the resulting feedback voltage signal is also at a very low level. When the external device is triggered to start and perform a function (e.g., a smoke alarm sounds, an electronic door lock motor activates, a gas stove pulses ignite), its operating current rises sharply to the milliamplitude or even ampere level, causing the feedback voltage signal to increase significantly. Therefore, by monitoring the output current of the voltage conversion unit 20 or the amplitude of the feedback voltage signal, the operating status of the external monitored device can be determined.

[0034] The analog or digital input pins of the control module 40 (e.g., a low-power microcontroller MCU) are connected to the output of the state monitoring circuit 30 to read the feedback voltage signal. The wireless communication unit 50 (e.g., a module based on Bluetooth, LoRa, or Starflash technology) is connected to the control module 40 and its operation is controlled by the control module 40.

[0035] The control module 40 continuously or periodically monitors the feedback voltage signal. A preset voltage is stored within the controller (this preset voltage corresponds to the critical current value between the device's "working" and "non-working" states). When the control module 40 detects that the feedback voltage signal is greater than this preset voltage, it determines that the external device is running. Subsequently, the control module 40 wakes up or drives the wireless communication unit 50 to send a status signal indicating that the device is running to a remote receiving end (such as a gateway, mobile app, or cloud platform). After sending the signal, the control module 40 can re-enter a low-power state to conserve power.

[0036] Alternatively, the output of the status monitoring circuit 30 can be connected to the interrupt port of the control module 40. When the external monitored device is running, the corresponding feedback voltage signal serves as an interrupt signal to wake up the control module 40, which is in a low-power state. The control module 40 then sends a signal through the wireless communication unit 50.

[0037] This invention does not limit the signals used to characterize the operation of the device; the specific signals are determined by the researchers based on actual needs.

[0038] This invention discloses a battery-like device for equipment monitoring, comprising: a housing whose shape, size, and the size and position of electrodes on the housing conform to the industrial standard specifications of a target model of standard primary battery; the housing containing: a power supply battery 10; a voltage conversion unit 20, with its input terminal connected to the power supply battery 10 and its output terminal electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal on the housing; the voltage conversion unit 20 being used to convert the output voltage of the power supply battery 10 and output it; a status monitoring circuit 30, with its input terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage conversion unit 20, being used to convert the current output by the voltage conversion unit 20 into a feedback voltage signal and output it; a wireless communication unit 50; and a control module 40, respectively connected to the output terminal of the status monitoring circuit 30 and the wireless communication unit 50; the control module 40 being used to send a signal characterizing the operation of the equipment through the wireless communication unit 50 when the feedback voltage signal is greater than a preset voltage.

[0039] This invention achieves plug-and-play functionality through the physical compatibility of the biomimetic battery, requiring no modification to existing equipment. By monitoring the power supply circuit current and converting it into a voltage signal, it enables direct and reliable monitoring of the equipment's operating status. Furthermore, wireless communication reporting enables remote and automated status monitoring, significantly reducing the cost of manual inspections and solving the problem of monitoring the status of distributed equipment. In addition, this solution only requires replacing the battery in the monitored equipment with the biomimetic battery device, offering advantages in terms of ease of operation and low cost compared to modifying the equipment.

[0040] In another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the voltage conversion unit 20 includes: a DC-DC chip, an inductor, and a feedback circuit; The input terminal of the DC-DC chip is connected to the output terminal of the power supply battery 10, and the output terminal is connected to the first terminal of the inductor. The second terminal of the inductor is connected to the positive electrode terminal on the housing and the input terminal of the feedback circuit. The output terminal of the feedback circuit is connected to the feedback terminal of the DC-DC chip. The DC-DC chip is used to convert the output voltage of the power supply battery 10 and output it. The feedback circuit is used to divide the output voltage of the DC-DC chip and output it to the feedback terminal of the DC-DC chip.

[0041] It should be explained that the DC-DC chip is the core controller of the entire voltage conversion unit 20, and it is essentially a switching regulator integrated circuit. In this device, it mainly undertakes the tasks of voltage conversion and regulation. Since the voltage of the built-in power supply battery 10 (such as a 3.7V lithium battery) is usually inconsistent with the standard voltage required by the monitored device (such as 1.5V), and the voltage of the power supply battery 10 will decrease as it discharges, a device capable of efficient voltage conversion is needed. The DC-DC chip, through the high-frequency switching of its internal switching transistor, in conjunction with external inductors and capacitors, can achieve buck, boost, or buck-boost functions, thus providing a stable and accurate DC voltage (e.g., a constant 1.5V) at the output terminal regardless of changes in the input voltage. Synchronous rectification buck DC-DC chips are commonly used to improve light-load efficiency. In one example, the DC-DC chip may be an ETA3409S2F chip.

[0042] The inductor is a key energy storage component in the switching power supply topology. It is connected between the output of the DC-DC chip and the output of the voltage conversion unit 20. Its working principle is as follows: when the internal switching transistor of the chip is turned on, the input current flows through the inductor to supply power to the load, and the inductor stores magnetic energy simultaneously; when the switching transistor is turned off, the energy stored in the inductor is released through the freewheeling diode (or the synchronous rectifier diode inside the chip), continuing to supply power to the load. Through this periodic energy storage and release, combined with the filter capacitor at the output, the inductor and the DC-DC chip work together to "smooth" the pulse width modulation (PWM) waveform generated by the chip into a DC voltage with less ripple. It should be noted that the second end of the inductor is connected to the positive electrode terminal on the housing, and the second end of the inductor is the output terminal of the voltage conversion unit 20. Furthermore, it is easy to understand that the housing has both positive and negative electrode terminals.

[0043] The feedback circuit is a closed-loop control element that enables precise and stable output voltage. Its core function is to "sample" the actual output voltage value and compare it with a precise reference voltage (e.g., 0.6V or 0.8V) inside the DC-DC chip, generating an error signal. This error signal controls the duty cycle of the internal switching transistors, thereby dynamically adjusting the output voltage to stabilize it at a preset value.

[0044] In a specific implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the feedback circuit includes: a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2; The first end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the output terminal of the DC-DC chip, the second end is connected to the feedback terminal of the DC-DC chip and the first end of the second resistor R2, and the second end of the second resistor R2 is grounded.

[0045] The output voltage is divided by the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 to obtain a proportionally reduced voltage V_FB. The error amplifier inside the DC-DC chip continuously compares V_FB with its internal reference voltage V_REF. The relationship is: VOUT = V_REF × (1 + R1 / R2). When the load changes and VOUT tends to decrease, V_FB also decreases and becomes less than V_REF. The error amplifier output increases, and the driver chip increases the duty cycle of the switching transistor, increasing the output voltage until V_FB equals V_REF again, and vice versa. By precisely selecting the resistance ratio of the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2, the desired output voltage value (e.g., 1.5V) can be accurately set.

[0046] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the status monitoring circuit 30 includes: a capacitor and a third resistor R3; The first end of the capacitor is connected to the output terminal of the DC-DC chip, and the second end is connected to the control module 40 and the first end of the third resistor R3; the second end of the third resistor R3 is grounded.

[0047] It should be noted that the capacitor primarily serves as an AC coupling or high-pass filter. It is connected between the voltage conversion unit 20 and the signal detection terminal of the control module 40 (the second end of the capacitor is connected to the control module 40, which can be connected to the interrupt port of the control module 40, triggered by a high level). Because the capacitor has the characteristic of "blocking DC and passing AC," it can block the stable DC voltage component output by the DCDC chip, while allowing transient voltage changes (ripple, noise, or switching noise) reflecting sudden changes in load current to pass through. When an external device suddenly starts from a standstill, causing a step increase in the output current of the DCDC chip, the output voltage of the DCDC chip will generate a transient disturbance or increased ripple. This AC disturbance signal can be effectively coupled to the signal detection terminal of the control module 40 through the capacitor.

[0048] The third resistor, R3, serves as a pull-down resistor or bleeder. One end is connected to the second terminal of the capacitor, and the other end is grounded. Its main functions are twofold: first, to provide a discharge path to ground for the AC signal coupled from the capacitor, preventing charge accumulation after the capacitor and thus preventing voltage drift, ensuring rapid signal reset; second, to form an RC network with the capacitor, whose time constant determines the lower limit of the signal frequency the circuit can respond to, helping to filter out some low-frequency interference or slow voltage drift, making the circuit more sensitive to rapid current changes during device start-up and shutdown.

[0049] When the monitored device is not operating (load current is stable and minimal), the voltage ripple at the output of the DC-DC chip is very small. The signal voltage amplitude coupled to the signal detection terminal of the control module 40 through the capacitor is very low, insufficient to trigger the operation of the control module 40. When the monitored device starts up and the load current increases rapidly and significantly, it will immediately cause a transient change in the output voltage of the DC-DC chip (such as an undershoot) and / or a change in the amplitude of its switching noise. This transient AC signal, coupled through the capacitor, generates a noticeable voltage pulse or edge at the signal detection terminal of the control module 40. The load current is the output current of the aforementioned DC-DC chip.

[0050] The control module 40 (MCU) can configure the signal detection terminal to edge-triggered interrupt mode. The edge of the voltage pulse generated by the load change (such as a falling edge) will immediately trigger a hardware interrupt, quickly waking up the MCU, which may be in a low-power sleep state. After the MCU enters the interrupt service routine, it can initially determine that a load event has occurred, and then initiate further confirmation processes (such as sampling via ADC) and wireless status reporting.

[0051] This embodiment uses a simple RC coupling circuit composed of a capacitor and a third resistor R3 to sensitively capture the sudden change signal of the power supply current when the device starts up with extremely low power consumption and hardware cost, and convert it into an interrupt event that can be quickly responded to by the MCU, thus realizing real-time, low-power detection of changes in the device's operating state.

[0052] In one example, the state detection circuit further includes: a fourth resistor; The first end of the fourth resistor is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply battery 10, the second end is connected to the ADC sampling terminal of the control module 40, and is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the housing.

[0053] It's easy to understand that the fourth resistor in this circuit acts as a current sampling resistor or a current-to-voltage conversion resistor. It is a resistor with a small resistance value (typically in the milliohm range to a few ohms, selected based on the range of the current to be measured) and good accuracy and temperature stability. Its core function is to convert the load current flowing through the power supply circuit into a measurable voltage signal. According to Ohm's law, when the load current flows through the fourth resistor, a proportional voltage drop is generated across it. The magnitude of this voltage drop directly reflects the magnitude of the instantaneous load current.

[0054] The fourth resistor is connected in series between the negative terminal of the power supply battery 10 and the negative electrode terminal on the casing. Specifically, its first end is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply battery 10, and its second end is connected to two nodes: one is a sampling terminal of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in the control module 40, and the other is the negative electrode terminal of the casing. The entire power supply circuit is as follows: positive terminal of power supply battery 10 → voltage conversion unit 20 → positive terminal of casing → external device load → negative terminal of casing → fourth resistor → negative terminal of power supply battery 10.

[0055] Therefore, all load current flowing to external devices must pass through the fourth resistor. As the device's operating current increases, the voltage drop across the fourth resistor also increases. The control module 40 can sample this voltage drop in real time or periodically. Then, it divides this ADC sampled value (representing voltage) by the known resistance value of the fourth resistor to calculate the real-time load current. This calculated current value can be compared with one or more preset current thresholds for precise logical judgment. For example: when the current consistently exceeds the "operating threshold" (e.g., 15mA), the device is determined to be in operation; when the current is extremely low (e.g., less than 1mA), the device is determined to be in standby mode; when the current is abnormally high or abnormally low, a fault may be identified.

[0056] Furthermore, it's easy to understand that the capacitor and the third resistor R3 provide a fast-response, low-power interrupt triggering mechanism for instantly capturing device state change events. The fourth resistor provides a precise, quantifiable means of current measurement. In practical applications, the two can work together: The capacitor and the third resistor R3 generate an interrupt signal when the DC-DC chip starts working, waking up the control module 40.

[0057] Upon being woken up, the ADC immediately starts sampling the voltage (ADC_SENSE) across the fourth resistor multiple times. After being woken up, the control module 40 uses the actual current value calculated from the ADC sampling values ​​to verify and confirm whether the interrupt was indeed caused by valid device operating current (rather than interference), thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of status judgment. At the same time, the current data sampled by the ADC can also be reported as part of the status information through the wireless communication unit 50, providing more detailed data.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, in one example, the control module 40 includes: a fifth resistor R5, a controller, and a controlled switching device; The first end of the fifth resistor R5 is connected to the output end of the feedback circuit and the feedback end of the DC-DC chip, the second end is connected to the first end of the controlled switching device, the second end of the controlled switching device is grounded, and the controlled end is connected to the controller. The controller is connected to the output of the state monitoring circuit 30 and is used to control the controlled switching device to turn off when the feedback voltage signal is greater than the preset voltage.

[0059] It should be explained that the fifth resistor, R5, is a current-limiting and setting resistor connected between the feedback loop and the control signal. Its main functions are: first, to limit the current flowing through the controlled switching device, preventing excessive current from being drawn from the feedback node when the controlled switching device is turned on, which could affect the normal operation of the DC-DC chip or cause damage; second, its resistance value, together with the second resistor R2, determines the magnitude of the voltage change at the feedback node when the controlled switching device is turned on, thus affecting the depth of voltage regulation of the DC-DC chip's output voltage. Its resistance value needs to be carefully selected (determined by the R&D personnel) to achieve a balance between control logic and circuit stability.

[0060] One or more I / O pins of the controller are configured as: a monitoring input (connected to the output of the status monitoring circuit 30, used to receive feedback voltage signals or interrupt signals) and a control output (connected to the controlled terminal of the controlled switching device, such as the gate or base). The controller's internal firmware has preset judgment logic (such as comparator thresholds or software judgment) to analyze the signals at the monitoring input and determine the state of the control output accordingly. The controller can be an MCU, SOC, or DSP, etc.

[0061] A controlled switching device is a power switching element that executes controller commands and directly changes the operating state of a circuit. It typically employs an N-channel MOSFET, a transistor, or an analog switch. Its "first terminal" (such as the drain of a MOSFET) is connected to the fifth resistor R5, its "second terminal" (such as the source of a MOSFET) is grounded, and its "controlled terminal" (such as the gate) is controlled by the controller. Its on / off state directly determines whether the fifth resistor R5 is connected to the feedback network of the DC-DC chip, thereby dynamically and programmably fine-tuning the feedback voltage of the DC-DC chip, and thus affecting its operating mode.

[0062] When the device is in standby mode (with minimal load current), the feedback voltage signal (or equivalent signal) output by the status monitoring circuit 30 is lower than the preset "operating threshold voltage" (preset voltage) within the controller. The controller determines that the device is in a non-operating state. At this time, in order to minimize the device's own power consumption, the controller outputs a high level (assuming the controlled switching device is an N-MOSFET), turning on the controlled switching device.

[0063] After the controlled switching device is turned on, the fifth resistor R5 is grounded through the controlled switching device. This is equivalent to connecting the fifth resistor R5 in parallel with the original second resistor R2, thus reducing the equivalent resistance. According to the voltage divider principle, this will cause the feedback voltage of the DC-DC chip to decrease. The DC-DC chip detects that the feedback voltage is lower than its internal reference and mistakenly believes that the output voltage is too low, thus initiating a short charging cycle to raise the output voltage to a level slightly higher than the original set value (e.g., 1.5V) (e.g., 1.6V). After charging is complete, due to the extremely light load, the output voltage will slowly decrease through self-discharge. In this state, the DC-DC chip is in a very low-frequency intermittent operating mode, only used to compensate for self-discharge losses. The controller may also be in periodic wake-up or deep sleep mode, with extremely low overall power consumption.

[0064] When the monitored device starts up and the load current increases sharply, the status monitoring circuit 30 (whether via capacitive coupling or a sampling resistor) quickly generates a significantly elevated feedback voltage signal. The controller (which may be woken up by an interrupt generated by this signal) detects that the feedback voltage signal is greater than a preset voltage threshold at its monitoring input. The controller immediately performs a logical judgment and confirms it as a valid device operation event. As one of the responses, the controller outputs a low level, turning off the controlled switching device. After the controlled switching device is turned off, the fifth resistor R5 is disconnected from ground and no longer affects the feedback voltage divider network. The feedback voltage of the DCDC chip is entirely determined by the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2, restoring to the standard set value (corresponding to a 1.5V output). The DCDC chip then enters a continuous or high-frequency operating mode, providing the required large current to the starting device with a stable 1.5V voltage. After the device stops working, the load current returns to a minimum value, and the feedback voltage signal also decreases. The controller detects that the feedback voltage signal is below the threshold during continuous monitoring or the next wake-up, and determines that the device has returned to standby.

[0065] This embodiment links the "high current event" with the "feedback loop state switching" event. The controller not only monitors the current signal itself, but its own action of "shutting down the controlled switching device" also serves as a clear internal flag, aiding in confirming the occurrence of equipment operating events and improving the robustness of the judgment. By actively intervening in the feedback loop, the device forces the DC-DC output to a slightly higher voltage before entering a long-interval sleep state when the equipment is in standby mode, significantly reducing the power consumption of maintaining the voltage itself.

[0066] The present invention also proposes an electronic device, comprising: a battery compartment, wherein the battery compartment is provided with the aforementioned battery-like device for device monitoring.

[0067] It should be noted that the electronic device in this embodiment refers to any existing device or product powered by a standard primary battery. These include a wide variety of devices, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, wireless door magnetic sensors, gas stove pulse igniters, handheld instruments, remote controls, toys, and electronic door locks. The electronic device must include a battery compartment. The structure of this battery compartment (such as its shape, size, electrode contact position and form) is designed and manufactured according to the industry standard specifications of the target type of standard battery (such as AA or AAA batteries).

[0068] In the electronic device of this embodiment, a battery-like device for device monitoring as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided in its battery compartment. Specifically, the battery-like device is installed in the battery compartment of the electronic device, just like a regular battery, with the correct polarity, ensuring reliable electrical contact between the positive and negative electrode terminals on the battery-like device's casing and the corresponding contacts inside the battery compartment. With this configuration, the battery-like device becomes the power source for the electronic device and simultaneously functions as a built-in status monitoring terminal.

[0069] The battery-like device provides the electronic equipment with the necessary and stable operating voltage through its internal voltage conversion unit 20, ensuring that the electronic equipment can perform its original functions (such as alarm, detection, and control). When the electronic equipment is operated by the user or automatically triggered, its operating current changes. This change is captured by the status monitoring circuit 30 inside the battery-like device, and after being judged by the control module 40, it is sent out as a "device operation" status signal through the wireless communication unit. By receiving these wireless signals, monitoring personnel (or cloud platforms) can remotely monitor the electronic equipment's operating status, power-on / off time, and running time in real time without having to go to the site or make any modifications to the equipment.

[0070] The specific structure of the simulated battery device for equipment monitoring is as described in the above embodiments. Since this electronic device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0071] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made under the concept of the present invention using the description and drawings of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery-like device for equipment monitoring, characterized in that, include: The casing, its shape and size, and the size and position of the electrodes on the casing, conform to the industry standard specifications of the target model of standard primary battery; The housing contains: Power supply battery; The voltage conversion unit has its input terminal connected to the power supply battery and its output terminal electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal on the casing; the voltage conversion unit is used to convert the output voltage of the power supply battery and then output it. The status monitoring circuit has its input terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage conversion unit, and is used to convert the current output by the voltage conversion unit into a feedback voltage signal and output it. Wireless communication unit; The control module is connected to the output of the status monitoring circuit and the wireless communication unit respectively; the control module is used to send a signal indicating the operation of the device through the wireless communication unit when the feedback voltage signal is greater than the preset voltage.

2. The battery-like device for equipment monitoring as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage conversion unit includes: a DC-DC chip, an inductor, and a feedback circuit; The input terminal of the DC-DC chip is connected to the output terminal of the power supply battery, and the output terminal is connected to the first terminal of the inductor. The second terminal of the inductor is connected to the positive electrode terminal on the housing and the input terminal of the feedback circuit. The output terminal of the feedback circuit is connected to the feedback terminal of the DC-DC chip. The DC-DC chip is used to convert the output voltage of the power supply battery and then output it. The feedback circuit is used to divide the output voltage of the DC-DC chip and output it to the feedback terminal of the DC-DC chip.

3. The battery-like device for equipment monitoring as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The feedback circuit includes: a first resistor and a second resistor; The first end of the first resistor is connected to the output terminal of the DC-DC chip, the second end is connected to the feedback terminal of the DC-DC chip and the first end of the second resistor, and the second end of the second resistor is grounded.

4. The battery-like device for equipment monitoring as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The status monitoring circuit includes: a capacitor and a third resistor; The first end of the capacitor is connected to the output terminal of the DC-DC chip, and the second end is connected to the control module and the first end of the third resistor; the second end of the third resistor is grounded.

5. The battery-like device for equipment monitoring as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The state detection circuit further includes: a fourth resistor; The first end of the fourth resistor is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply battery, the second end is connected to the ADC sampling terminal of the control module, and is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the housing.

6. The battery-like device for equipment monitoring as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The control module includes: a fifth resistor, a controller, and a controlled switching device; The first end of the fifth resistor is connected to the output end of the feedback circuit and the feedback end of the DC-DC chip, the second end is connected to the first end of the controlled switching device, the second end of the controlled switching device is grounded, and the controlled end is connected to the controller. The controller is connected to the output of the state monitoring circuit and is used to control the controlled switching device to turn off when the feedback voltage signal is greater than the preset voltage.

7. The battery-like device for equipment monitoring as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The standard primary battery models include: AAA type battery, AA type battery, C type battery, D type battery or 9V battery.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes a battery compartment, wherein the battery compartment is provided with a battery-like device for equipment monitoring as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.