Battery Pack Charge Balancing for Longer HMD Runtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mounted devices (HMDs) face a design conflict between comfort and runtime, as larger batteries for extended use increase weight and discomfort, and tethering cables can cause snagging and reduced mobility.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that balances the remaining capacities of multiple battery packs by accessing their statuses and controlling load switches to optimize discharge and charging, ensuring balanced battery life and extended runtime without the need for external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If larger batteries are added to increase runtime, then the runtime is improved, but the HMD weight increases which reduces comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple separate battery packs (first battery pack, second battery pack) instead of using a single large battery. Each battery pack can be independently managed and balanced, allowing the system to achieve extended runtime through multiple smaller units while maintaining comfort by distributing weight across separate attachable packs rather than a single heavy unit.
2Ease of operation
If a tethering cable is added to move the power source off the user's head, then comfort is improved, but the cable may create problems such as snagging or tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is extracted from the HMD unit itself and placed in separate external battery packs that can be attached to or near the user. This eliminates the need for a tethering cable connecting the power source to the HMD, as the battery packs are designed to be worn independently or attached directly to the HMD without requiring a physical cable connection, thereby eliminating snagging and tangling issues.
3Duration of action of moving object
If multiple battery packs are used to extend runtime, then runtime is improved, but battery imbalance may occur between the packs
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the status of each battery pack (first battery pack interface, second battery pack interface) and uses this feedback information to control the load switches. Based on the compared statuses, the system dynamically adjusts which battery packs are connected to the load, ensuring that battery packs are balanced in terms of remaining capacity before they are both utilized, thereby preventing battery imbalance while maintaining extended runtime.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method includes accessing a first status of a first battery pack interface coupled to a load via a first load switch and accessing a second status of a second battery pack interface coupled to the load via a second load switch. The first status and the second status are compared and the first and second load switches are controlled based on the comparing to balance remaining capacities of the first and second battery packs.