Adjustable Battery Power Supply for Emergency Voltage Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

During emergencies, there is a challenge in charging electronic devices like cell phones due to power outages, as existing portable charging devices require prior charging and do not effectively utilize the untapped power from standard batteries available at home.

Innovation Solution

A power supplying device with adjustable battery compartments that accommodate multiple battery sizes, an intelligent power management system, and a display screen to optimize power delivery, allowing the combination of different batteries to provide sufficient voltage for charging devices, and the ability to connect non-standard batteries through external connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard batteries are used to power electronic devices during emergencies, then the available power from household batteries can be utilized, but the voltage from multiple batteries must be combined and regulated to match device requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery compatibilityVSAvoidvoltage management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supplying device is designed to accept multiple types of standard batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) through universal battery compartments, enabling the device to adapt to various battery formats commonly found in households. This multi-functionality allows the system to utilize any available battery type without requiring specialized battery formats.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage regulator dynamically adjusts electrical parameters to convert the combined voltage from multiple batteries into the standardized output voltage required by electronic devices. The system monitors and modifies voltage levels in real-time to ensure compatibility with connected devices regardless of the specific battery configuration used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If multiple batteries are combined to provide sufficient voltage, then the power capacity increases, but the system must intelligently select and manage which batteries to connect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltageVSAvoidbattery selection process
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The intelligent power management system automatically detects the presence, voltage, and charge status of inserted batteries and independently determines the optimal configuration for meeting power requirements. The system self-manages the complex task of selecting which batteries to connect without user intervention, autonomously balancing power delivery needs with available battery resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors battery voltage levels, charge states, and power delivery requirements, using this feedback to dynamically adjust which batteries remain connected. The feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize power output by connecting additional batteries when voltage thresholds are approached and disconnecting batteries that are depleted or unnecessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If battery compartments are made adjustable to fit different battery sizes, then the device can accommodate various battery types, but the lead connection system must be designed to work with different configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery size accommodationVSAvoidlead and switch system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery compartments incorporate adjustable elements such as movable leads and flexible connection points that can adapt their position based on the size and type of battery inserted. This dynamic design allows the same compartment structure to properly connect with different battery formats (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) without requiring separate hardwired connections for each battery type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the battery management function into independent modular units, with each battery compartment equipped with its own switch and connection system. This segmentation allows each compartment to be independently configured and managed, simplifying the overall design by treating each battery type as a separate, self-contained module rather than requiring a complex integrated connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If an intelligent power management system is implemented to optimize power delivery, then power efficiency improves, but the device requires additional components for sensing, control, and display

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intelligent power management system autonomously performs sensing, calculation, and control functions without requiring external intervention. The microcontroller automatically monitors battery status, calculates optimal power delivery configurations, and controls switching elements to maximize power efficiency. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex user interfaces or manual configuration while achieving optimized power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines multiple control functions (voltage sensing, current monitoring, switch control, display management) into a single integrated power management unit. By merging these functions into one coordinated system rather than separate independent components, the design reduces overall complexity while maintaining the efficiency benefits of intelligent power optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the conversion of untapped power from standard batteries into a usable source for charging electronic devices, ensuring continuous power supply during emergencies by adaptively managing battery usage and displaying vital information to users.

Implementation Method 1

a step-down voltage converter configured to convert an input voltage received from the one or more batteries in the plurality of battery compartments to a predetermined output voltage for the power delivery port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Implementation Method 2

The device includes a first battery compartment and a second battery compartment, each compartment including a positive terminal and a negative terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy conversion: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS11936060B1Emergency power supplying device
Publication Date: 2024.03.19 UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)
  • US11936060B1 patent drawing
  • US11936060B1 patent drawing
  • US11936060B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supplying device that can be used during emergencies is disclosed. The device comprises multiple adjustable battery compartments that can be connected, via switches, to deliver power to an external device connected to at least one power delivery port of the power supplying device. Each adjustable battery compartment includes a fixed lead and a sliding lead so that the multiple different battery sizes can be inserted into the compartment and connected to the device. An external battery connection device or harness can also be used with the power supplying device. The external battery connection device can be used to connect various different kinds of batteries with the power supplying device, such as cordless power tool batteries, cordless appliance batteries, and batteries for radio controlled (RC) devices.