Battery Charging System Using High-Frequency AC Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery charging systems for mobile devices are inefficient, requiring extended charging times due to limitations in connector and cable dimensions, making it impractical to deliver high currents or voltages without increasing component size and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A battery charging system utilizing an AC adapter with a programmable AC current source generating high-frequency AC charging current, which is transformed, rectified, and filtered to provide rapid DC charging, with a charge controller monitoring voltage and current to adjust the charging amplitude via feedback control voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If very high current is delivered to charge the battery quickly, then charging speed is improved, but connector and cable dimensions become impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the charging approach by changing the electrical parameters from high current DC to high voltage AC. The AC adapter delivers AC power at voltages up to 40V through standard USB connectors, which is then converted to high current DC within the device. This parameter transformation allows fast charging without exceeding connector current limits.
2Productivity
If very high voltage is implemented for fast charging, then charging speed is improved, but step-down DC-DC converter efficiency decreases and circuit components become significantly large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional DC-DC step-down converter with an AC-to-DC power conversion system. Instead of using an inefficient high-voltage DC step-down converter, the system uses an AC adapter to deliver high-voltage AC, which is then rectified and regulated to the required DC voltage. This substitution eliminates the efficiency losses associated with high-voltage DC-DC conversion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional DC charging is used through standard cables, then compatibility is maintained, but charging time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the AC adapter universal by designing it to work with standard USB connectors and cables that are already widely used. The adapter can deliver multiple power levels (5V, 12V, 20V, 28V, 36V, 40V) through the same connector, allowing it to charge various device types with different power requirements using a single cable interface.
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 fast charging of mobile device batteries, such as reaching 50% capacity in five minutes, while maintaining efficiency and compatibility with existing charging cables through a simplified two-conductor connection.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer configured to receive an AC charging current via a charging cable at a primary inductor and to generate an AC secondary current at a secondary inductor
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier system configured to rectify and filter the AC secondary current to generate a DC charging current
Data Source
AI summary
One example includes a battery charging system configured to charge a battery associated with a mobile device. The battery charging system includes a transformer configured to receive an AC charging current via a charging cable at a primary inductor and to generate an AC secondary current at a secondary inductor. The battery charging system also includes a rectifier system configured to rectify and filter the AC secondary current to generate a DC charging current that is provided to charge a battery.