Battery Life Indicator Using Phase-Based Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery life indicators in portable electronic devices are often inaccurate and fail to proportionally represent remaining battery life, particularly with alkaline batteries experiencing voltage decay early in their lifespan, while lithium batteries exhibit a sharp voltage drop at end-of-life, making it difficult to predict when the device will lose power.
Innovation Solution
A power management method that transitions between three phases, utilizing a primary battery for basic functions and a secondary battery for high-power functions, with a control module regulating the power distribution system and generating a battery life indicator based on monitored voltage and runtime measurements to accurately represent remaining battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional battery life indicator is used to display remaining battery life, then the device provides a simple battery status display, but the indicator becomes inaccurate and imprecise in representing actual remaining battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery operation into distinct phases (first power phase with primary battery for all functions, second power phase with primary battery for basic functions and secondary battery for high power functions, third power phase with secondary battery for all functions). This segmentation allows for more accurate tracking of energy consumption in each phase, leading to precise battery life indication while managing system complexity through structured phase transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control module continuously monitors battery performance data including voltage, current, temperature, and runtime across different power phases. This feedback is used to dynamically adjust battery life predictions and provide accurate real-time indication to the user, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity through intelligent monitoring and adaptation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If alkaline batteries are used to power the electronic device, then the device can operate with a simple battery system, but voltage decay occurs after a relatively short period even though adequate stored energy remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secondary battery as an intermediary energy storage device that works in conjunction with the primary alkaline battery. During the second power phase, the primary battery supplies basic functions while the secondary battery supplies high power functions, allowing the alkaline battery to operate in a more stable voltage range and extend its effective operational duration without sacrificing power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the primary alkaline battery by limiting its load through phase-based power management. Instead of requiring the alkaline battery to power all functions simultaneously, the system adjusts its output parameters to maintain stable voltage during its operational lifetime, thereby extending usable duration while maintaining power stability.
3Loss of energy
If lithium batteries are used to maintain stable voltage over time, then a higher percentage of stored energy can be utilized, but a sharp voltage drop occurs at the end of life making it difficult to predict when the device will lose power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback monitoring of the lithium battery's voltage, current, temperature, and runtime characteristics throughout its discharge cycle. By continuously analyzing these parameters and comparing them against characterized end-of-life patterns, the system can predict remaining battery life with high accuracy and provide reliable warnings before the sharp voltage drop occurs, maintaining both energy utilization efficiency and prediction reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization and monitoring of battery performance parameters during normal operation to establish baseline data and detect early signs of end-of-life conditions. This preliminary action enables the system to predict the upcoming sharp voltage drop and alert the user in advance, allowing for timely battery replacement before power loss occurs.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the primary battery provides energy for all functions throughout operation, then the power management system is simple, but the battery life is shortened due to continuous high-power demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution into distinct phases where the primary battery's workload is reduced. During the second power phase, the primary battery is assigned only to basic functions while the secondary battery handles high power functions. This segmentation extends the primary battery's lifespan by reducing its continuous high-power demand while managing system complexity through clear phase-based control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional roles to different batteries based on their characteristics and operational phases. The primary battery is optimized for stable baseline power supply to essential functions, while the secondary battery handles variable high-power demands. This localized functional assignment extends primary battery life while maintaining overall system performance through differentiated power management.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.