Battery Charger Current Control via Power Line Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems lack effective temperature regulation mechanisms for power lines and return lines, which can lead to inefficient current flow and potential overheating, especially in battery charging applications.
Innovation Solution
A battery charger system with a microprocessor-controlled regulator circuit that determines temperature changes in power and return lines using sensors, allowing for real-time adjustment of current flow to maintain optimal temperature ranges, thereby preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current flow through power lines is increased to improve battery charging speed, then productivity is improved, but temperature of power lines increases causing harmful thermal effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the temperature of power lines and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the current flow. When temperature exceeds a threshold, the system reduces current; when temperature is acceptable, current can be increased for faster charging. This closed-loop control resolves the contradiction by enabling high productivity only when thermal conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic current adjustment rather than fixed current flow. The regulator circuit continuously adapts the current level based on real-time temperature conditions, allowing the system to operate at maximum safe capacity. This dynamic approach enables the system to achieve high productivity during cool periods while preventing thermal damage during hot periods.
2Reliability
If temperature regulation mechanisms are added to prevent overheating, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the power lines themselves as temperature sensors by monitoring voltage drop across them. Since resistance increases with temperature, the system can detect temperature changes through electrical measurements alone, without requiring separate thermal sensors or complex detection hardware. This self-service approach improves reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator circuit performs multiple functions: it controls current flow for battery charging and simultaneously monitors temperature of power lines using the same electrical measurements. By making the monitoring system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated temperature sensing hardware, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 system ensures stable and efficient current flow by dynamically regulating the temperature of power and return lines, preventing overheating and ensuring reliable battery charging operations.
Implementation Method 1
determining at least one of a temperature and a change in temperature of at least one of the power line and return line
Implementation Method 2
controlling a current through the power line based on the at least one of temperature and change in temperature... preventing overheating
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a battery charger electrically connected with a power distribution circuit having a power line and return line includes determining at least one of a temperature and a change in temperature of at least one of the power line and return line, and controlling a current through the power line based on the at least one of temperature and change in temperature.