Adaptive Battery Charging Control for USB-Powered Cordless Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing standards-based charging interfaces, such as USB interfaces, are not optimized for efficient, rapid, and adaptive charging of cordless rechargeable appliances, failing to meet the specific requirements of their batteries and environments.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive charge controller that monitors input and output voltages and currents, adjusts pulse width modulated (PWM) signals, and uses an electronic switch to optimize the charging process, ensuring compatibility with various USB chargers, including USB Type-C and Power Delivery technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standards-based charging interfaces (USB) are used, then compatibility with various chargers is improved, but charging efficiency and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The charge controller dynamically adjusts the PWM duty cycle based on real-time monitoring of input voltage and current, enabling the system to adapt charging parameters to match the capabilities of different USB chargers while optimizing charging speed. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the charging process flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters (voltage, current, PWM duty cycle) during the charging process based on monitored conditions. By continuously adjusting these parameters, the system achieves both compatibility with various USB standards and optimized charging efficiency, resolving the trade-off between versatility and speed.
2Productivity
If higher charging current is used, then charging speed is improved, but risk of charger overload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge controller implements continuous feedback monitoring of input current and voltage, comparing actual values against maximum rated values for the connected charger. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the PWM duty cycle to prevent exceeding charger limits, thus enabling fast charging while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary protective action by monitoring charger current capacity before and during charging, and proactively limits the charging current to prevent overload conditions. This preemptive approach allows the system to achieve high charging speeds within safe operational boundaries.
3Device complexity
If fixed PWM duty cycle is used, then circuit simplicity is improved, but charging adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed PWM duty cycle to a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the duty cycle varies based on monitored electrical conditions. This adds adaptability while maintaining relatively simple circuitry through the use of standard microcontroller and sensor components.
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
Enables efficient, rapid, and adaptive charging of cordless appliances across different USB charger types, ensuring optimal charging current and reducing charge time while preventing charger overload, thus enhancing user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
adjust a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal based on the input voltage, the output voltage, and the output current
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive charge controller for a cordless appliance including an input interface arranged to receive an input electrical power signal and an output interface arranged to output a boosted electrical power signal to a battery. The controller also includes a processor arranged to: monitor an input voltage of the input power signal, monitor an output voltage and an output current of the boosted electrical power signal and adjust a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal based on the input voltage, the output voltage, and the output current. The controller further includes an electronic switch arranged to receive the PWM signal from the processor and adjust the boosted electrical power signal in response to the received PWM signal.