Portable Device Battery Charging Circuit Adaptability

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable electronic devices often face compatibility issues with various power sources due to limited charging current capabilities, leading to restricted functionality and operation modes when using standard power supplies.

Innovation Solution

A device with power control circuits and a controller circuit that determines and adjusts the maximum charge current based on the voltage response of the power source, enabling operation with a wide range of power sources and adjusting charging current to ensure battery charging and device functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a device uses a larger capacity battery with higher charging current limit to provide higher power functions, then the device can operate with more functions and longer operation time, but the device requires a specific high-current power supply unit and cannot be charged from standard power sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with power sourcesVSAvoidcharging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging circuit dynamically adjusts the charging current based on the power source's current draw response. The system monitors the voltage at the connection and determines the maximum charge current setting by detecting whether voltage falls below a predetermined limit as charge current increases, enabling the device to adapt to different power source capabilities in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the charging current parameter based on the detected power source characteristics. By determining the maximum charge current setting through voltage response detection and storing this setting, the device modifies its charging parameters to match the connected power source's capabilities, allowing operation with both standard and high-current power supplies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a device uses a low capacity battery with lower charging current limit to enable charging from standard power sources, then the device can be charged from a variety of power sources, but the device provides limited functions and shorter operation time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with power sourcesVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The charging circuit dynamically adjusts the charging current based on the power source's current draw response. The system monitors the voltage at the connection and determines the maximum charge current setting by detecting whether voltage falls below a predetermined limit as charge current increases, enabling the device to adapt to different power source capabilities in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the charging current parameter based on the detected power source characteristics. By determining the maximum charge current setting through voltage response detection and storing this setting, the device modifies its charging parameters to match the connected power source's capabilities, allowing operation with both standard and high-current power supplies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a device employs a fixed high charging current limit to ensure fast charging capability, then the device can be charged quickly when high current is available, but the device cannot operate with standard power supply units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcompatibility with power sources

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the power source's current draw response before initiating full charging. By determining the maximum charge current setting through voltage response detection and storing this setting in advance, the system prepares the appropriate charging parameters before actual charging begins, ensuring both speed and compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging circuit dynamically adjusts the charging current based on the power source's current draw response. The system monitors the voltage at the connection and determines the maximum charge current setting by detecting whether voltage falls below a predetermined limit as charge current increases, enabling the device to adapt to different power source capabilities in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9960618B1Portable device battery charging circuits and methods

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 SEAGATE TECH LLC

AI summary

Devices having battery charge control circuits are disclosed. Such devices can include power control circuits operable to receive electrical power at a connector, and provide power to electrical components, including a charge current for a rechargeable battery; and a controller circuit configured to determine and store a maximum charge current setting based on whether a voltage at the connector falls below a predetermined limit as the charge current is increased. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.