Adaptive Switching Battery Charger with Dynamic Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery chargers are inflexible and inefficient, leading to prolonged charging times and reduced battery lifespan due to mismatched voltage and current settings, which can damage batteries and result in inefficient energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A switching battery charger system that uses a switching regulator to adjust output current and voltage based on sensed input current and battery voltage, allowing for adaptive charging by reducing output current as battery voltage increases, thereby optimizing energy transfer and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a static battery charger is used with fixed voltage and current settings, then the charger structure is simple, but the charging efficiency is low and battery lifespan is reduced due to mismatched settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a switching regulator that dynamically adjusts output voltage and current based on real-time battery voltage feedback. The system transitions from static fixed settings to dynamic adaptive control, where the charger continuously monitors battery voltage and modifies charging parameters accordingly, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and high charging efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (voltage and current) of the charging system based on battery state. By using a switching regulator with adjustable duty cycle, the system can vary output parameters to match battery charging requirements at different voltage levels, improving efficiency without requiring multiple fixed chargers
2Loss of time
If high current is supplied to the battery during charging, then the charging time is reduced, but the battery can be damaged or explode due to excessive current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the battery voltage is continuously monitored and fed back to the switching regulator. Based on this feedback, the regulator adjusts the output current to remain within safe limits while maximizing charging speed. The feedback loop prevents excessive current that could damage the battery, resolving the contradiction between fast charging and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts current delivery based on real-time battery voltage conditions. As battery voltage increases during charging, the switching regulator automatically reduces output current to prevent overcharging and damage, while still maintaining high charging efficiency during earlier stages when higher current is safe
3Reliability
If low current is supplied to the battery during charging, then the battery is charged safely, but the charging process becomes very inefficient and takes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes current parameters dynamically based on battery voltage thresholds. During early charging stages when battery voltage is low, higher current is supplied for efficient charging. As voltage approaches the battery's maximum rating, the system automatically reduces current to safe levels, resolving the contradiction between safety and efficiency through parameter adaptation
4Adaptability or versatility
If the charging system does not adapt to changing battery characteristics, then the system is simple to operate, but the battery's cell capacity is not optimized and useful lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting charging system where the switching regulator automatically adapts to battery characteristics without user intervention. The system monitors battery voltage and autonomously modifies charging parameters to optimize capacity and extend lifetime, providing adaptability through self-service control rather than complex user programming
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adaptive charging system improves efficiency, reduces charging time, and extends the battery's useful life by ensuring optimal voltage and current settings, making it more flexible and effective than traditional static chargers.
Implementation Method 1
a switching regulator to adjust output current and voltage based on sensed input current and battery voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of charging a battery comprising receiving a first input voltage and a first input current at the input of a switching regulator; generating a first output current from the switching regulator to the battery, wherein the first output current to the battery is greater than the first input current; and reducing the first output current as the first output voltage on the battery increases and a corresponding battery charger.