Battery Controller Charging-Time Tracking for Depletion Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for predicting battery depletion in battery-powered nodes of wireless mesh networks are inaccurate due to unpredictable power consumption patterns and the limitations of conventional battery monitors, which consume excessive power and cannot accurately measure power consumption over a wide range of currents.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using a battery controller with a primary cell and a secondary cell, where the battery controller activates a charging signal at a constant current level when the secondary cell's voltage drops below a minimum level, allowing the battery-powered node to record the active time of the charging signal and determine battery depletion, thereby accurately predicting battery replacement needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional battery monitors are implemented to track battery usage data, then service technicians can more efficiently schedule battery replacement assignments, but the battery monitor consumes excessive battery power which reduces the operational lifetime of the battery-powered node

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery usage data accuracyVSAvoidoperational lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement function from a continuous operating battery monitor and relocates it to a separate charging device that periodically charges the battery. This allows battery health parameters to be measured during charging events without requiring a continuously powered monitor, thereby extending operational lifetime while still enabling efficient battery replacement scheduling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous monitoring that consumes constant power, the system uses periodic measurement during charging events. The charging device periodically connects to the battery-powered node, measures battery parameters, and provides charge only when needed, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Duration of action of moving object

If battery-powered nodes operate with activation/deactivation schedule to conserve power, then operational lifetime is extended, but power consumption varies over wide range of currents making accurate measurement difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational lifetimeVSAvoidpower consumption measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a charging device as an intermediary between the power source and the battery-powered node. This intermediary measures battery parameters during charging events when current flow is more stable and measurable, avoiding the need to measure during the node's activation/deactivation cycles where current varies widely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces direct measurement during variable current operation with indirect measurement during controlled charging. Instead of measuring power consumption during the node's unpredictable activation patterns, the charging device measures battery state during controlled charging events, substituting a measurable process for an unmeasurable one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for precise determination of battery depletion, enabling efficient scheduling of battery replacements that minimize node downtime and truck rolls, while maintaining the operational lifespan of the battery-powered node.

Implementation Method 1

conducting first electrical energy from a primary cell to the secondary cell at a constant current level in response to the charging signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS12191658B2Determining battery depletion for coordinating battery replacement

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 ITRON NETWORKED SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A battery-powered node includes a primary cell, a secondary cell, and a battery controller. The battery controller includes a current source that draws power from the primary cell to charge the secondary cell. The battery-powered node draws power from the secondary cell across a wide range of current levels. When the voltage of the secondary cell drops beneath a minimum voltage level, the current source charges the secondary cell at a constant current level and a charging signal is sent to the battery-powered node. When the voltage of the second cell exceeds a maximum voltage level, the current source stops charging the secondary cell and the charging signal is terminated. The battery-powered node records the amount of time the charging signal is active, which can be used to determine a battery depletion level for the primary cell. Battery replacement may then be efficiently scheduled based on the depletion level.