Portable Battery Pack Charging Contacts with Discharge Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable rechargeable battery packs with charge protection circuits cannot be used to power accessory devices through their charging contacts due to safety concerns of short circuits and discharge currents, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a discharge circuit in parallel with the charge protection circuit, allowing controlled discharge current through the charging contacts while maintaining safety, enabled by an external adapter that utilizes a soft start circuit and a PTC polymer switch to manage current flow safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charge protection circuit (diode) is placed in series between the positive charging contact and the rechargeable battery cell to prevent discharge current through charging contacts, then safety is improved, but the ability to power accessory devices through charging contacts is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging contact circuit into two separate paths: one for charging current (through the diode and charge protection circuit) and one for discharge current (through the PTC polymer switch and soft start circuit). This segmentation allows each path to have specialized protection mechanisms, enabling the charging contacts to safely perform both charging and power output functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The PTC polymer switch acts as an intermediary component that selectively controls discharge current flow. It has a low-temperature state that allows current flow and a high-temperature state that blocks current, serving as a smart mediator between the battery and external devices while working in conjunction with the charge protection diode.
2Ease of operation
If charging contacts are exposed while the portable rechargeable battery pack is attached to a host device, then charging functionality is maintained, but the contacts are exposed to undesirable conditions such as short circuiting
Solution Approach 1:
The charge protection diode is installed beforehand in the charging contact circuit to prevent harmful discharge currents before they can cause damage. This proactive protection mechanism is always in place, cushioning the circuit against potential short circuits or reverse current flow even when contacts are exposed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful exposed charging contacts into a beneficial feature by adding the PTC polymer switch and soft start circuit. These components transform the exposed contacts from a safety risk into a safe power output interface, allowing the same contacts to serve both charging and power delivery functions without compromise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a PTC polymer switch and soft start circuit are added to enable discharge current through charging contacts, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the charging contacts universal by enabling them to perform multiple functions: accepting charging current from a host device and simultaneously providing power output to accessory devices. The charge protection diode and PTC polymer switch work together to enable this multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated contacts for each purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the charging function and power output function into a single set of charging contacts. By combining the charge protection diode circuit with the PTC polymer switch and soft start circuit, the patent creates an integrated system where one contact interface handles both charging and power delivery, reducing the need for additional separate components or contact sets.
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 the portable rechargeable battery pack to power both host devices and accessory devices through the charging contacts without compromising safety, allowing safe and controlled discharge currents.
Implementation Method 1
an external adapter that utilizes a soft start circuit and a PTC polymer switch to manage current flow safely
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a portable rechargeable battery pack, system, and external adapter that allow the portable rechargeable battery pack to both power a host device though a set of host contacts and provide power through a set of charging contacts. The portable rechargeable battery pack includes a charge protection circuit that prevents an excessive discharge current through the charging contacts and allows high charge current when charging the portable rechargeable battery pack. A discharge circuit allows a low level discharge current through the charging contacts to provide power to other devices.