Battery Charging Switch with Multi-Mode Resistance Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery charging systems have high power consumption and large PCB size due to the need for separate charging paths for normal and small currents, increasing costs and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A battery charging system with a single charging path that operates in multiple modes, controlled by enable signals to manage charging current levels, including full on, high resistance, and off states, reducing power consumption and PCB size by eliminating the need for a separate small current charging path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate charging paths are used for normal and small currents, then charging reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and PCB size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the normal current charging path and small current charging path into a single integrated charging path. The charging switch operates in different modes (fully on, high resistance, off) to handle both normal and small current charging requirements, eliminating the need for separate physical paths and reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging switch is designed to dynamically change its resistance state based on charging requirements. It can transition between fully conductive mode (for normal current), high resistance mode (for small current), and off mode (for disconnection), allowing a single component to adapt to different charging scenarios without requiring separate fixed paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If separate charging paths are used for normal and small currents, then charging reliability is improved, but PCB size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging reliabilityVSAvoidPCB size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the normal current charging path and small current charging path into a single integrated charging path. The charging switch operates in different modes (fully on, high resistance, off) to handle both normal and small current charging requirements, eliminating the need for separate physical paths and reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it can fully conduct normal charging current, provide high resistance for small current charging, and completely disconnect the charging path when needed. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated paths for each charging mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a power resistor is used to limit small current, then charging control is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging controlVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The charging switch is designed to dynamically change its resistance state based on charging requirements. It can transition between fully conductive mode (for normal current), high resistance mode (for small current), and off mode (for disconnection), allowing a single component to adapt to different charging scenarios without requiring separate fixed paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the resistance parameter of the charging switch dynamically based on charging needs. Instead of using a fixed power resistor that always dissipates power, the switch adjusts its resistance state (low resistance for normal charging, high resistance for small current, infinite resistance for off), optimizing power consumption while maintaining charging control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system reduces power consumption and PCB size while efficiently managing charging currents based on battery states, enhancing charging efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

In the second mode, an equivalent resistance of the charging switch is determined by a control terminal of the charging switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS8405358B2Battery charging systems with controllable charging currents

Publication Date: 2013.03.26 O2 MICRO INT LTD

AI summary

A charging path includes a charging switch for transferring a charging current from an input terminal to an output terminal. The charging path further includes a first enable terminal coupled to the charging switch. The first enable terminal receives a first enable signal to control the charging switch to operate in either a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode, based on a status of the output terminal. More specifically, in the first mode, the charging switch is fully turned off. In the second mode, an equivalent resistance of the charging switch is determined by a control terminal of the charging switch. In the third mode, the charging switch is turned off.