Battery Bottom Plate Switching for Series-Parallel Power Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic cigarettes require additional components like power inductors and full bridge circuits to adjust output voltages, leading to increased cost and electromagnetic interference, as they typically use either series or parallel battery connections without flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A power supply structure with a bottom plate featuring interchangeable contact surfaces for series and parallel connections of battery cells, allowing for easy switching between different power outputs by changing the connection configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power inductors and full bridge circuits are added to adjust output voltages, then multi-function output capability is improved, but device complexity and electromagnetic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into multiple battery cells that can be independently connected in series or parallel configurations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve different voltage outputs (e.g., higher voltage in series for heating elements, standard voltage in parallel for electronics) without requiring additional power conversion circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-function capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability of the battery cell connections through switching circuits controlled by a microcontroller. The system can dynamically switch between series and parallel configurations based on the required output, enabling adaptive voltage adjustment for different functions (heating, lighting, electronic components) without fixed circuitry, thus reducing the need for additional power inductors and full bridge circuits
2Adaptability or versatility
If power inductors and full bridge circuits are added to adjust output voltages, then multi-function output capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same battery cells serve multiple functions by being reconfigured through switching circuits. The battery system can provide different voltage levels for heating elements, lighting, and electronic components without requiring separate power supplies or voltage regulation circuits for each function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for expensive power inductors and full bridge circuits, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current distribution) by reconfiguring the connection topology of existing battery cells rather than adding power conversion components. By switching between series and parallel configurations, the system adjusts output voltage parameters to match different load requirements, eliminating the need for additional voltage regulation hardware and reducing manufacturing costs
3Device complexity
If a single battery connection method is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different power requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability through switching circuits controlled by a microcontroller, allowing the battery system to adapt its connection configuration in real-time. The system can switch between series and parallel connections based on the power requirements of different functions (heating, lighting, electronics), maintaining device simplicity while achieving high adaptability to various power demands
Data Source
AI summary
A control circuit, a power supply structure and an electronic cigarette are disclosed. The power supply structure includes a battery receiving casing, and at least two battery cells are received in the battery receiving casing. The power supply structure further includes a bottom plate provided with contacts, and the bottom plate is disposed in the battery receiving casing. When the at least two battery cells are connected to a first group of contacts on the bottom plate, the at least two battery cells form a serial connection relationship. When the at least two battery cells are connected to a second group of contacts on the bottom plate, the at least two battery cells form a parallel connection relationship.