Method for operating a household appliance having a battery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household appliance charging systems require continuous recharging in a load conservation mode after full loading, which reduces the lifespan of the accumulator and limits charging capacity at the time of use.

Innovation Solution

A control and evaluation device adjusts the charging start time based on the appliance's planned usage, ensuring the accumulator is fully charged at the time of use, eliminating the need for a load conservation mode by calculating the required charging capacity and scheduling the charging operation to complete just in time for use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the accumulator is continuously recharged in a load conservation mode after full loading, then the charging capacity is maintained at maximum, but the lifespan of the accumulator is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capacityVSAvoidlifespan of accumulator
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates the required charging capacity based on the planned usage energy requirement and schedules the charging operation to complete exactly when the time of use is reached. This preliminary planning eliminates the need for continuous load conservation mode recharging, thereby maintaining charging capacity while extending accumulator lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If the charging operation is completed early, then the accumulator is fully charged, but the household appliance cannot be used until the charging is complete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capacityVSAvoidtime until appliance is ready for use
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the charging start time based on the calculated required charging capacity and the planned time of use. By making the charging schedule flexible and adaptive to actual usage requirements, the system ensures the accumulator is charged to the necessary level exactly when needed, avoiding both premature charging and delays in appliance availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the charging start time is fixed at a certain point, then the charging operation is simple to control, but the required charging capacity may not be available at the time of use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidcharging capacity at time of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control device receives information about the planned usage energy requirement and the current state of the accumulator, calculates the required charging capacity, and adjusts the charging start time accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the charging operation is precisely timed to deliver the required capacity at the time of use while maintaining relatively simple control through automated calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3412193B1Method for operating a household appliance having a battery
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP3412193B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a household appliance (1) having a rechargeable battery (2), a charging start time of a charging operation for charging the rechargeable battery (2) being controlled as a function of predetermined conditions. In order to ensure a required charging capacity of the accumulator (2) without a charge retention mode, it is proposed that the charging start time be controlled as a function of a charging duration and a specified time of use of the household appliance (1).