Battery Capacity Measurement Using Time-Ratio Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable terminals inaccurately measure the remaining battery capacity by displaying it as fully charged when the voltage reaches a certain level during charging, failing to provide accurate capacity information without special discrete components.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that calculate the remaining battery capacity by determining the elapsed time when the battery voltage reaches full charge and applying a ratio to a threshold time, using a controller and storage unit to load reference data and provide an accurate capacity value without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If voltage-based charging completion detection is used in CC mode, then charging efficiency is improved, but measurement precision of remaining capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching from a static voltage-threshold detection method to a dynamic time-ratio calculation method. The system dynamically calculates remaining capacity based on the elapsed time from when voltage reaches full charge in CC mode, using the formula: remaining capacity ratio = (threshold time - elapsed time) / threshold time. This dynamic approach allows accurate capacity measurement throughout the charging process while maintaining charging efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If special discrete components for measuring remaining capacity are added, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the existing controller to perform remaining capacity measurement functions using its own internal resources (timer, processor) and existing voltage detection capabilities. The controller calculates remaining capacity based on elapsed time during CC mode and voltage during CV mode, eliminating the need for external specialized measurement components. This self-service approach reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If voltage threshold detection is used without time-based calculation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by implementing continuous monitoring and calculation of remaining capacity throughout the entire charging process. The system continuously tracks elapsed time during CC mode and continuously monitors voltage during CV mode, providing uninterrupted and accurate remaining capacity information. This continuous operation maintains ease of operation while significantly improving measurement precision compared to single-point voltage threshold detection.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a method for measuring the remaining capacity of a battery in a portable terminal includes calculating an elapsed time when a voltage of the battery, which increases while the battery is being charged, arrives at a fully charged voltage, and providing a remaining capacity of the battery, which corresponds to a ratio of the calculated elapsed time to a threshold time.