Battery Charger Standby Power Reduction via Detection Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery chargers face inefficiencies due to the need for separate power supplies for each charging port, leading to bulkiness and energy wastage, and struggle with accurate battery pack detection, often resulting in erroneous charging and prolonged standby power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A single-port battery charger design incorporating a power supply module, a controller, a power control safety module, and a battery pack detection device that minimizes standby power by directly detecting battery pack insertion and switching to low-power mode when not in use, while preventing damage from malfunctions through thermal fuses and MOSFETs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-port battery chargers use separate power supplies for each charging port, then each port can independently charge battery packs, but the battery charger becomes physically cumbersome and energy inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple charging ports into a single shared power supply system. Instead of each port having its own power supply, one power supply serves all ports sequentially, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining the ability to charge multiple battery packs independently at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery charger implements dynamic port enabling/disabling based on detection signals. When a battery pack is detected in a port, that port is enabled for charging; otherwise, it remains disabled. This dynamic adjustment allows versatile charging capability while minimizing energy waste by only activating power supply when needed.
2Measurement precision
If conventional battery chargers continuously power charging port terminals for detection, then battery pack insertion can be detected, but the charger consumes excessive standby power for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously powering the charging port terminals, the system periodically enables the port for detection when a battery pack is present. The controller activates the port terminal voltage only when needed for detection or charging, then disables it to reduce standby power consumption, while still maintaining accurate detection capability through periodic monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from detection circuits to control power supply to charging ports. When no battery pack is detected, the port terminals remain unpowered. When a battery pack is inserted, the detection circuit signals the controller, which then activates the appropriate port terminal voltage, creating an efficient feedback-based power management system.
3Ease of operation
If snap switches are used to detect battery pack insertion, then detection can be implemented, but multiple wires are required complicating assembly and the switches are susceptible to inadvertent depression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the snap switch component entirely from the detection system. Instead of using mechanical snap switches that require wire connections, the system uses direct electrical detection circuits that sense battery pack insertion through voltage or resistance changes, eliminating the need for separate detection switches and their associated wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary detection circuit between the battery pack and the controller. This circuit detects insertion events through electrical parameters (voltage, resistance) rather than mechanical contact, providing reliable detection without requiring snap switches, multiple wires, or complex mechanical assemblies.
4Productivity
If conventional battery chargers supply charging current continuously when a battery pack is detected, then charging function is maintained, but damage can occur during malfunctions or short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary protective measures by placing protection circuits in series with each charging port before the charging current reaches the battery pack. These circuits include fuses, PTC thermistors, or other over-current protection devices that automatically disconnect or limit current flow when abnormal conditions are detected, preventing damage while allowing normal efficient charging operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates cushioning protection elements such as PTC thermistors or fusible links that remain inactive during normal operation but activate automatically when malfunction or over-current conditions occur. These elements provide beforehand protection by being pre-positioned in the current path, ready to interrupt or limit current flow to prevent damage without affecting normal charging efficiency.
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 solution reduces bulkiness and energy consumption by maintaining the power supply at a low voltage during standby, ensuring accurate battery pack detection and preventing damage during malfunctions, thus meeting efficiency standards.
Implementation Method 1
A first end of a thermal fuse is connected to a positive terminal of the battery charger power supply and a second end of the thermal fuse is connected to a drain of a first P-type MOSFET
Implementation Method 2
a first P-type MOSFET, a first N-type MOSFET, a second N-type MOSFET, and a third N-type MOSFET. A gate of the first P-type MOSFET is connected to a resistor that is connected between a source of the first P-type MOSFET and a gate of the first N-type MOSFET
Data Source
AI summary
An energy-efficient and compact battery charger. The battery charger includes, among other things, a charging port, a power supply module, a battery charger control module or controller, a power control safety module, a battery charger switch, and an indicator. The controller, the power control safety module, and the battery charger switch work in conjunction with each other to control the operation of the battery charger. The controller is configured to execute a charging control process which detects the insertion of a battery pack into the charging port, controls the charging of the battery pack, and controls the illumination or display of the indicator. The power control safety module includes a power control safety circuit that is configured to prevent the charging current and/or the charging voltage from damaging the battery charger or battery pack during a malfunction.