Battery Charge Indicator Circuit Threshold Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-cell indicators for electrical storage devices require user activation and have short operational lives due to continuous power usage, making them inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A state of charge indicator system that automatically activates or deactivates an electro-chromic display based on the energy storage device's voltage, using a driver voltage threshold to extend the display's life and eliminate the need for user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electro-chromic display is continuously powered to show state of charge, then the user can always see the battery status, but the operational life of the indicator becomes very short (less than a few weeks)
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator circuit periodically activates the electro-chromic display only when the battery voltage drops below the display threshold, rather than keeping it continuously powered. This periodic activation extends the operational life of the indicator from less than a few weeks to the full lifespan of the battery.
2Reliability
If the indicator is activated only when needed (below threshold), then the operational life is extended, but the user cannot see the state of charge until the battery is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator circuit acts as an intermediary that automatically detects battery voltage and controls display activation. It monitors the battery status and only activates the display when the voltage falls below the threshold, eliminating the need for user intervention while preserving operational life.
3Reliability
If manual button pressing is required to activate the indicator, then the display can be controlled, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator circuit automatically performs the activation function without requiring user action. It self-monitors the battery voltage and autonomously activates the display when the threshold is exceeded, eliminating the need for users to remove batteries, press buttons, or perform any manual operations.
4Loss of information
If the display remains on continuously, then the user can monitor battery status in real time, but energy is wasted and the indicator fails quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameter of the display from continuous activation to threshold-based activation. By monitoring battery voltage as a parameter and activating the display only when voltage drops below the threshold, the system reduces energy consumption and extends indicator life while still providing necessary status information.
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 provides a convenient, user-activation-free method to monitor battery state of charge while extending the operational life of the indicator, allowing it to remain in a standby state until needed, thus preserving energy and maintaining accuracy over long periods.
Implementation Method 1
electro-chromic display
Data Source
AI summary
A state of charge indicator including an indicator with a display threshold and an indicator circuit electrically coupled to the indicator such that when a main cell voltage of a main cell is greater than a display threshold, the indicator circuit applies a driver voltage to the indicator such that the indicator is inactive and when the main cell voltage is less than the display threshold, the indicator circuit applies the driver voltage to the indicator such that the indicator is active.