Battery Connection Switching for Fast Charging With Less Heat

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for fast charging of high-capacity batteries in portable electronic devices is not adequately met by existing charging technologies, which often result in heat generation and reduced charging efficiency due to current conduction losses.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus and method that dynamically switch between parallel and series connection modes of batteries based on the output voltage and usage patterns, using a charging controller to adjust the charging voltage and current, thereby optimizing charging efficiency and preventing heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high current is used for fast charging, then charging speed is improved, but heat generation increases and charging efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcharging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter instead of increasing current for fast charging. By switching battery connections between parallel and series configurations, the system raises voltage to achieve faster charging while avoiding the heat generation and efficiency loss associated with high current charging methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If high current is used for fast charging, then charging speed is improved, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter instead of increasing current for fast charging. By switching battery connections between parallel and series configurations, the system raises voltage to achieve faster charging while avoiding the heat generation and efficiency loss associated with high current charging methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If batteries are connected in series, then voltage increases for fast charging, but compatibility with power suppliers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging voltageVSAvoidpower supplier compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches between parallel and series battery connections based on the power supplier's output voltage. When a high-voltage power supplier is detected, batteries are connected in series to enable fast charging; when a low-voltage power supplier is detected, batteries are connected in parallel to maintain compatibility. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different power sources while enabling fast charging when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If switching between connection modes is implemented, then charging efficiency is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidswitch network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches between parallel and series battery connections based on the power supplier's output voltage. When a high-voltage power supplier is detected, batteries are connected in series to enable fast charging; when a low-voltage power supplier is detected, batteries are connected in parallel to maintain compatibility. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different power sources while enabling fast charging when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach enables fast and efficient charging by increasing voltage instead of current, reducing heat generation and improving charging efficiency, while also determining the optimal charging mode based on the power supplier's output voltage and user usage patterns.

Implementation Method 1

control the switch network to change the connection relationship from a parallel connection relationship to a series connection relationship

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeries connection:

Implementation Method 2

maintain the connection relationship as the parallel connection relationship

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParallel connection:

Implementation Method 3

control the charger to charge the batteries while the batteries are in the changed connection relationship

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery charging: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS12057718B2Electronic apparatus and charging method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic apparatus may include: batteries; a charger configured to charge the batteries; a switch network electrically connected to the batteries; and a charging controller configured to control the switch network to change a connection relationship between the batteries and to control the charger to charge the batteries while the batteries are in the changed connection relationship.