Auxiliary Power Supply for Dynamic Load Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-powered devices require frequent return to a fixed location for charging, and hybrid battery management techniques do not effectively extend the operating life of auxiliary batteries while maintaining a compact form factor.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary power supply system that includes a battery receiving region, second electrical circuitry to adjust power output based on the charge states of both the main and auxiliary batteries, and a connector to selectively connect the power supply to the device, allowing for dynamic adjustment of power delivery to match the device's time-varying load and charge states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hybrid battery management technology is used with external auxiliary battery and charge control circuitry, then mobile charging capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable assembly as an intermediary component that contains the charge control circuitry and auxiliary battery, separating it from the main device. This mediator handles the complex charging control functions externally, allowing the device itself to remain simple while still achieving mobile charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is divided into separate functional modules: the device, the cable assembly with control circuitry, and the auxiliary battery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the complex control functions isolated to the cable assembly rather than being integrated into the device.
2Duration of action of moving object
If auxiliary battery capacity is increased to extend operating life, then duration of action is improved, but volume of auxiliary battery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge control circuitry dynamically adjusts the power transfer rate based on real-time monitoring of battery charge states and device power requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize the utilization of available battery capacity, effectively extending operating life without requiring increased battery volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as power transfer rate and charging current based on battery state of charge and load conditions. By optimizing these parameters, the system maximizes the effective capacity utilization of the auxiliary battery, extending its operating life without increasing physical size.
3Power
If power supply output is increased to meet time varying electrical load, then power capability is improved, but energy loss from auxiliary battery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge control circuitry continuously monitors the device's power requirements and the auxiliary battery's charge state, using this feedback to dynamically adjust the power transfer rate. This feedback mechanism ensures that power is supplied at the necessary level to meet load demands while minimizing unnecessary energy transfer and associated losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transfers only the necessary amount of power required by the device at any given moment, rather than continuously transferring maximum available power. This partial action approach matches power supply to actual demand, reducing energy losses from the auxiliary battery while still meeting the device's power needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary power supply (150) includes an auxiliary battery (152), power supply circuitry (154), and a connector (108b). The power supply circuitry (154) supplies an output which provides electrical energy for powering the electrical circuitry (102) of a battery powered device (100) and for recharging a battery (104) associated therewith. In one embodiment, the power supply circuitry (154) supplies an output current which is a function of the charge state of the auxiliary battery (152) and a load current presented by the electrical circuitry (102).