Battery Pack Layout Using Mixed-Capacity Cells for Space Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack architectures for portable electronic devices are inefficient in space utilization due to the use of cells of the same capacity and dimensions, limiting packaging efficiency and form factor.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design that includes cells of different capacities and dimensions, arranged in a series and parallel configuration to optimize space usage, with cells being stacked, placed side-by-side, or top-to-bottom to accommodate various components in portable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cells of the same capacity and dimensions are used in battery pack architecture, then manufacturing simplicity and electrical configuration symmetry are maintained, but space utilization efficiency and packaging efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is segmented into multiple sets of cells (first set, second set, third set) with different capacities and dimensions. Each set can be independently configured and arranged, allowing optimization of space utilization while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly of standardized cell groups
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the battery pack contain cells with locally optimized properties - the first set contains cells of a first capacity and dimensions, the second set contains cells of a second capacity and dimensions, and the third set contains cells of a third capacity and dimensions. This local differentiation allows each region to be optimized for its specific spatial requirements while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity
2Device complexity
If cells are arranged in uniform configuration, then electrical symmetry and manufacturing simplicity are maintained, but flexibility in accommodating device components and optimizing form factor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into distinct sets (first set, second set, third set) that can be independently configured in different electrical arrangements (series, parallel, or series-parallel). This segmentation allows each set to be optimized for specific electrical requirements while maintaining overall system symmetry and simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack design provides universal adaptability by allowing multiple electrical configuration options (series, parallel, series-parallel) and accommodating cells of different capacities and dimensions. This multi-functionality enables the same basic architecture to adapt to various device component layouts and electrical requirements without increasing fundamental design complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If rectangular space is reserved for battery pack, then structural simplicity and manufacturing ease are maintained, but ability to utilize free space outside rectangular boundary is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by stacking cell sets vertically and arranging them in multiple layers. This dimensional approach allows cells of different dimensions to be positioned at different heights and locations, enabling utilization of irregular free spaces that extend beyond a simple rectangular footprint while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized stacking patterns
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed embodiments provide a battery pack for use with a portable electronic device. The battery pack includes a first set of cells with different capacities electrically coupled in a parallel configuration. Cells within the first set of cells may also have different thicknesses and/or dimensions. The first set of cells is arranged within the battery pack to facilitate efficient use of space within a portable electronic device. For example, the first set of cells may be arranged to accommodate components in the portable electronic device.