Battery Discharge Indicator Circuit Using Inductive Voltage Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery discharge state indicators, such as those using a series connection of a battery, transistor, and light-emitting diode, fail to effectively indicate a nearly discharged state in small battery-operated appliances like electric shavers or toothbrushes, as the battery voltage is too low to power the light-emitting diode when the inductive load's power consumption exceeds the display device's requirements.
Innovation Solution
A discharge state indicator circuit that includes a battery, an inductive load, a controllable switch, and a display device in series, utilizing a control circuit with a comparator to manage the switch based on voltage thresholds, inducing a voltage in the inductive load to power the display device when the battery is low, and shutting it off to prevent complete discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the battery voltage is used directly to power the light-emitting diode display device, then the circuit is simple, but the display device cannot operate when the battery voltage drops below the LED's forward voltage requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary voltage boosting mechanism using the inductive load and controllable switch to generate a higher voltage from the low battery voltage. This intermediary system enables the LED to operate even when battery voltage is insufficient, resolving the contradiction between circuit simplicity and display reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching of the controllable switch to create pulsating current through the inductive load, generating periodic voltage spikes that exceed the LED's forward voltage. This periodic action allows the display to operate intermittently at low battery voltages, improving reliability without requiring a completely complex continuous voltage regulation system.
2Illumination intensity
If the light-emitting diode is used to indicate discharge state, then the display is visible, but the battery voltage is too low to power the LED when the inductive load consumes more power than the display requires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic switching of the controllable switch to generate intermittent high-voltage pulses that power the LED briefly during each cycle. This periodic operation allows the LED to illuminate visibly while consuming minimal average power from the battery, resolving the contradiction between display visibility and battery power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically by using the inductive load and switch to generate voltage spikes that exceed the LED's forward voltage requirement. This parameter transformation enables the LED to receive sufficient voltage for visibility while the average power consumption remains within battery capabilities.
3Productivity
If the controllable switch remains closed to keep the inductive load running, then the appliance functions normally, but the battery voltage drops too low to operate the display device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic opening of the controllable switch to generate voltage spikes for the LED display while maintaining overall appliance functionality. The switch opens briefly to boost voltage for display indication, then closes to restore normal inductive load operation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and discharge state indication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses voltage threshold detection to trigger the controllable switch opening when battery voltage drops below a certain level. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the switch state to enable display operation when needed, while maintaining appliance functionality during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and indication reliability.
4Loss of energy
If the battery is allowed to discharge completely, then maximum energy is utilized, but the battery voltage becomes too low to indicate the discharged state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic switch opening to generate voltage spikes that enable the LED to illuminate even at very low battery voltages. This allows the system to detect and indicate the discharged state reliably, preventing complete energy loss while maximizing battery utilization through the periodic voltage boosting mechanism.
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
Effectively indicates a nearly discharged battery state by flickering the display device while conserving battery energy, ensuring the battery is not completely drained and allowing the display to operate even when the battery voltage is low, thus protecting the battery and providing user notification.
Implementation Method 1
an induced voltage in the inductive load is generated which is added to the voltage of the battery
Implementation Method 2
A light-emitting diode is in parallel with the collector-emitter segment of the transistor
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for displaying the state of a battery that is almost discharged features a battery, an inductive load, and a controllable switch connected in series. The circuit also includes a display element connected in series with the inductive load and the battery. The controllable switch is opened when a voltage of the battery is lower than a first threshold level and is only closed again when the voltage of the battery is greater than a second threshold level. The circuit may also include a control circuit having a comparator which compares the voltage of the battery with the first threshold level and the second threshold level and triggers the controllable switch accordingly.