Battery Charging Control via Current Rate Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging methods are complex and costly due to the need for monitoring battery age, temperature, and usage, and require sophisticated apparatus to achieve optimal charge factor, which complicates the charging process.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves supplying a constant voltage to a battery, monitoring the initial charging current and its rate of change, calculating a ratio K=Amp/(dl/dt), and maintaining the charging current at a preselected value when K equals a certain value, allowing the battery to be charged to a reference point of charge factor 1, then transitioning to a constant current phase to reach an optimum charge factor without needing battery communication or knowledge of depth of discharge or temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If battery monitoring apparatus is used to monitor age, temperature, and usage to achieve optimal charge factor, then charging precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential monitoring parameters (current and voltage) needed to determine charge factor, eliminating the need for complex monitoring of battery age, temperature, and usage. This focuses the monitoring system on the critical few parameters that directly indicate charging state.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery charging system uses the battery's own electrical characteristics (current and voltage during charging) to automatically determine when optimal charge factor is reached, without requiring external monitoring of battery age, temperature, or usage history. The battery essentially monitors itself through its charging profile.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex battery monitoring apparatus is used to monitor charge factor during charging, then charging precision is improved, but device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the charging current and voltage, calculating charge factor in real-time, and using this information to automatically control the charging process. The system adjusts charging based on the calculated charge factor feedback without requiring complex external monitoring apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electrical monitoring apparatus with a computational approach, using software algorithms to calculate charge factor from basic current and voltage measurements. This substitution of computational methods for physical monitoring reduces hardware complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If battery communication is required during charging to achieve optimal charge factor, then charging precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that translates basic current and voltage measurements into charge factor information and charging control decisions. This intermediary algorithm mediates between simple electrical measurements and optimal charging control, eliminating the need for direct battery-charger communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for battery charging. The method comprises the steps of connecting a battery to a battery charging apparatus and supplying a voltage and current to the battery, wherein a constant voltage is supplied for an extended period of time. At the beginning of the constant voltage being supplied, the initial charging current being supplied to the battery is noted (Amp). During the period in which a constant voltage is supplied, the rate of change of the charging current supplied to the battery (dl/dt) is monitored. The method includes calculating the ratio: K=Amp/(dl/dt) during the period in which a constant voltage is supplied, and when K equals a preselected value, maintaining the charging current at the instant value for an extended period of time.