Battery Docking Connector with Reserve Power for Hot Swap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery swap systems require shutdown and restart of devices, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially for first responders and soldiers who need rapid battery replacement.
Innovation Solution
A battery swap system with a battery docking connector that includes a reserve power cell, a battery protection module, a battery recharge module, and a battery backup switch module, allowing for hot swapping of main batteries without powering down the device, using high discharge rate batteries and multiple cells in series and/or parallel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a main battery is swapped out in existing battery swap systems, then the battery can be replaced, but the device must be shut down and restarted which causes time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges a reserve power cell before the main battery is removed. When battery swap is needed, the reserve cell is already ready to immediately power the device, eliminating the need for shutdown and restart. This preliminary preparation of the reserve power source resolves the time loss issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The reserve power cell acts as an intermediary power source between the main battery and the device. When the main battery is swapped, the reserve cell temporarily bridges the power supply gap, allowing continuous operation without device shutdown. This intermediary solution eliminates the operational disruption.
2Reliability
If a reserve power cell is added to enable hot swap, then continuous power during battery swap is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery docking connector is designed to integrate multiple functions: main battery connection, reserve power cell storage, charging circuitry, and switching control - all in a single unified component. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the added capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery docking connector serves multiple purposes: it connects the main battery, houses the reserve power cell, provides charging pathways, and implements automatic switching. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate complex components into a single integrated unit, managing complexity through versatility.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the reserve power cell is charged from the main battery, then the reserve cell is replenished, but charging at high rate may damage the main battery
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts the charge rate based on real-time conditions. During normal operation, the reserve cell charges at an optimal rate. When the main battery needs to be swapped, the system automatically reduces the charge rate to a safe level, preventing damage while still enabling efficient recharging of the reserve cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery protection module continuously monitors the main battery's state and provides feedback to control the charging rate. When the system detects that the main battery is being removed or that charging conditions change, it automatically adjusts the charge rate to protect the battery, ensuring both efficiency and safety through closed-loop control.
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
Enables rapid and uninterrupted battery replacement in battery-powered devices, such as first responder and military equipment, by providing continuous power during the swap process, reducing downtime and ensuring seamless operation.
Implementation Method 1
reserve power cell terminals for a reserve power cell to provide power to the device when the main battery is not connected
Implementation Method 2
battery recharge module coupled to the battery protection module to enable charging of the reserve power cell from the main battery at a limited rate
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for a battery backup system having a docking connector with reserve battery cells to power a device when a main battery is not present during battery swap out or depletion. In one embodiment, the reserve batteries are high discharge rate batteries to provide power to the device.