Battery Model Prediction Algorithm for Current Availability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery technologies fail to accurately predict power and energy availability, leading to premature device shutdowns and unnecessary recharging due to inadequate consideration of physical variables and environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A model-based prediction algorithm that updates battery models using time-varying currents and voltage responses to estimate maximum current output, accounting for internal and external variables, including temperature and state of charge, to provide accurate power and energy availability predictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a battery indicator estimates remaining charge, then users can monitor battery status, but the indicator is often inaccurate leading to premature shutdowns or unnecessary recharging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery charge estimation accuracyVSAvoiddevice operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from simple voltage-based charge estimation to a comprehensive model that incorporates multiple parameters including voltage, current, temperature, and time. The battery model dynamically adjusts parameters like internal resistance and capacitance based on operating conditions, enabling accurate prediction of remaining charge and discharge curves, thereby preventing both premature shutdowns and unnecessary recharging events

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring battery voltage, current, and temperature, then using this data to update the battery model in real-time. The system compares predicted charge levels with actual measurements and adjusts the model parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that improves estimation accuracy and prevents unreliable device operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Duration of action of moving object

If mobile device designers focus on creating devices that consume less power, then battery life is extended, but processing capabilities are diminished

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidprocessing power
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic battery model that continuously adapts to changing operating conditions rather than using static parameters. The model adjusts internal resistance, capacitance, and discharge rate predictions based on real-time temperature, current, and voltage measurements, enabling the system to optimize power delivery dynamically - allowing higher processing power when battery conditions permit while extending effective battery life through intelligent power management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by using the battery model to predict future charge levels and discharge curves before the battery actually depletes. This allows the system to proactively manage power consumption, plan processing tasks, and provide accurate battery life predictions, enabling users to complete important functions before recharging without suddenly losing processing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If battery monitoring systems analyze more variables related to environment and conditions, then adaptive capabilities are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery monitoring adaptabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the battery monitoring system into distinct functional modules: voltage measurement, current measurement, temperature sensing, and a separate battery model computation engine. Each module handles a specific aspect of battery monitoring, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable while still analyzing multiple environmental variables comprehensively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary battery model that acts as a mediator between raw sensor data (voltage, current, temperature) and the user interface or power management decisions. This model layer processes and integrates multiple input variables, performing the complex analysis of discharge curves and charge predictions while presenting simplified information to the rest of the system, thereby managing complexity effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 algorithm ensures accurate prediction of maximum current output, reducing unnecessary recharging and device shutdowns by accounting for real-time changes and environmental factors, thereby extending battery life and improving mobile device performance.

Implementation Method 1

providing a time-varying current to the battery and updating a battery model based on a voltage response of the battery to the time-varying current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage response to current: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS10830821B2Methods and apparatus for battery power and energy availability prediction
Publication Date: 2020.11.10 APPLE INC
  • US10830821B2 patent drawing
  • US10830821B2 patent drawing
  • US10830821B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This application relates to methods and apparatus for predicting power and energy availability of a battery. The prediction is made based on a given amount of time, which represents a period in which the battery may be required to operate. Additionally, a learning cycle is incorporated to update a battery model of the battery with certain parameters. The battery model is updated by introducing a time-varying current to the battery and analyzing the voltage response of the battery. A model-based predictive algorithm is used in combination with the battery model to predict battery output parameters based on variables derived from the learning cycle and additional inputs supplied to the model-based predictive algorithm. After one or more iterations, or using a simplified model-based equation, the model-based predictive algorithm can provide an accurate prediction for the maximum current that the battery can supply for a predetermined period of time.