Adaptive Capacitor Voltage Divider for Multi-Source Battery Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable batteries in electronic devices discharge quickly, requiring frequent recharging and reducing portability during charging.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a voltage divider that adaptively changes the voltage division ratio using multiple capacitors and switches for efficient direct charging, allowing compatibility with various charging devices and enhancing charging speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a rechargeable battery is used for portability, then the device can be carried anywhere, but the battery discharges quickly and requires frequent recharging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery discharge durationVSAvoidcharging frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage divider circuit dynamically adjusts the voltage division ratio based on the charging device's output voltage. By switching between different capacitor configurations (series/parallel connections), the circuit adapts to different input voltages to optimize charging speed while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the voltage division ratio parameter according to the charging device's output characteristics. By selecting different division ratios (e.g., 2:1, 3:1, 4:1), the system optimizes the charging process for different power sources, thereby reducing charging time and frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the voltage division ratio is fixed, then the circuit is simple, but compatibility with various charging devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with charging devicesVSAvoidvoltage divider circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage divider circuit is segmented into multiple capacitor units that can be independently connected in series or parallel configurations. This segmentation allows the circuit to achieve multiple voltage division ratios by selectively connecting different numbers of capacitors, thereby improving compatibility without requiring a completely separate circuit for each ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The same voltage divider circuit serves multiple functions by supporting different voltage division ratios. The circuit can handle various charging device outputs (different voltages and currents) using the same hardware components, achieving multi-functionality through configurable capacitor connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If charging speed is increased, then charging time is reduced, but the circuit requires more complex voltage division control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging timeVSAvoidvoltage division control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage divider circuit uses periodic switching between different capacitor configurations during the charging process. By alternately connecting capacitors in series or parallel, the circuit achieves different average voltage division ratios over time, enabling faster charging while using simple switching control rather than complex continuous regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution enables faster battery charging while maintaining device portability by optimizing voltage division based on the charging device's output, reducing charging time and improving compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage division circuitry which includes a plurality of capacitors for presenting three or more voltage division ratios

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3942670B1Electronic device having voltage divider adaptively changing voltage division ratio
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3942670B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3942670B1 patent drawingFigure 3A
  • EP3942670B1 patent drawingFigure 3B

AI summary

An electronic device including a voltage divider adaptively changing a voltage division ratio is provided. The electronic device comprises a rechargeable battery; a connector configured to connected the electronic device with an external electronic device; a voltage divider comprising a plurality of capacitors and a plurality of switches for switching an electrical path between each of the plurality of capacitors and the rechargeable battery, wherein the voltage divider is configured to provide three or more voltage division ratios; and a processor operably coupled with the voltage divider and the connector, wherein the processor is configured to: receive an indicator indicating a first voltage of a first power from the external electronic device; select a voltage division ratio from the three or more division ratios, based at least in part on the indicator; and control the plurality of switches on the basis of the selected voltage division ratio, and wherein the voltage divider is configured to: charge a rechargeable battery with a second voltage by dividing the first voltage according to the selected voltage division ratio.