Battery Charger Notification Unit for Power Connection State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery chargers do not effectively notify users of power connection states or potential issues when a battery pack is not attached, leading to increased power consumption and difficulty in identifying charger troubles without attaching the pack.
Innovation Solution
A battery charger with a notification unit that turns on or flickers a light-emitting member to indicate power connection state immediately after connecting to an external power source, distinguishing this state from charging operations through varying light brightness or sound, allowing users to detect charger issues without the pack attached and reducing standby power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the notification unit is turned on continuously in standby mode to notify users of power connection state, then the user can easily detect charger issues without the battery pack, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification unit operates periodically rather than continuously - it turns on for a predetermined period after power connection to notify users, then turns off to conserve energy. This periodic operation resolves the contradiction between providing continuous notification and minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification unit performs preliminary notification of power connection state before the user would need to check the charger status. By notifying users in advance that power is connected and ready, the system eliminates the need for continuous monitoring while ensuring users receive necessary information.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the notification unit is turned off in standby mode to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption decreases, but the user cannot detect charger troubles without attaching the battery pack
Solution Approach 1:
The notification unit activates periodically after power connection to provide status information, then deactivates to conserve energy. This periodic operation ensures users can detect charger issues during the notification window while maintaining low power consumption during extended standby periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service notification by automatically informing users of power connection state and potential issues without requiring continuous operation or user initiation. The predetermined period notification serves the user's information needs while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the notification unit operates continuously to provide status information, then the user can easily figure out charging state, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification unit provides status information periodically rather than continuously, turning on for predetermined periods to notify users of charging state and power connection, then turning off to conserve energy. This resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the notification unit - specifically the duration and timing of operation - to optimize between user awareness and power consumption. By controlling the notification period and timing, the system provides sufficient information while minimizing energy use.
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
Enables users to easily determine charger connection states and potential issues without the battery pack, enhancing usability and safety while minimizing power consumption in standby mode.
Implementation Method 1
a notification unit 12 having a light-emitting member such as a light-emitting diode (LED) or the like
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
A battery charger for charging a detachably attached battery pack by supplying an electric power from an external power source, the battery charger includes a notification unit for notifying a user of a charging operation by turning on or flickering a light-emitting member. The notification unit notifies the user of a power connection state of the battery charger by turning on or flickering the light-emitting member immediately after the battery charger is electrically connected to the external power source without attaching the battery pack thereto, and the notification unit turns off the light-emitting member after a predetermined period of time lapses and keeps the light-emitting member in an off-state until the battery pack is attached to the battery charger.