On-Battery RC Circuit for Non-Contact Capacity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery testers require manual handling or physical connection for capacity assessment, and existing remote sensing methods are complex or limited in functionality.
Innovation Solution
A remote charge indicator system using on-battery circuitry with an RC circuit and a handheld computing device to determine battery capacity through time-based voltage measurements, providing a signal to a display for capacity indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual battery testing using thermochromic testers is used, then battery capacity can be tested, but manual handling and physical connection are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection and thermochromic visual indication with an automated electronic system using NFC/RFID communication and electronic display to show battery capacity, eliminating the need for manual handling and physical button pressing
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack includes integrated circuitry that automatically measures its own state of charge and communicates this information wirelessly to the portable device, enabling the battery to self-test and self-report capacity without external manual intervention
2Ease of operation
If remote sensing methods are implemented, then non-contact battery capacity determination is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device combines multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both a communication device (NFC/RFID reader) and a battery testing device, using the same processor and display hardware for both general operation and battery capacity display, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The battery capacity measurement circuitry is integrated within the battery pack housing, with the NFC/RFID tag embedded in the battery pack, creating a nested structure where the communication and measurement systems are contained within the existing battery form factor, minimizing additional complexity
3Illumination intensity
If thermochromic ink display is used, then visual capacity indication is provided, but manual connection and physical handling are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermochromic ink physical display with an electronic display on a portable computing device that shows battery capacity information digitally, eliminating the need for physical thermochromic materials and manual connection to activate the display
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication (NFC/RFID) as an intermediary between the battery pack and the display system, allowing capacity information to be transmitted electronically without requiring physical connection between the battery and the display device
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
Enables non-contact, efficient determination of battery capacity using a handheld device, reducing manual intervention and complexity, and supporting various battery types and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
charging or discharging a capacitor of an RC circuit to a predetermined threshold voltage using a power source. A response signal is provided from a communications module to a handheld computing device comprising a reader system once the capacitor reaches the predetermined threshold voltage
Implementation Method 2
As current travels through the silver resistor, the dissipated power generates heat that changes the color of a thermochromic ink display that is over the silver resistor
Implementation Method 3
a first NFC circuit carried by the battery casing and a second NFC circuit carried by the portable housing, wherein the second NFC circuit receives the power level measurement from the first NFC circuit based upon proximity therewith
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method of remote sensing a remaining battery capacity includes receiving an interrogation signal (17) from a reader system (15) of a handheld computing device (12) at a communications module (30) of a remote charge indicator system (14) operatively connected to a battery; upon said interrogation, charging or discharging a capacitor of an RC circuit (40) to a predetermined threshold voltage using a power source, wherein the power source is the battery; providing a response signal from said communications module (24) to the handheld computing device (12) comprising the reader system once the capacitor reaches the predetermined threshold voltage. The response signal is used to determine remaining battery capacity information using an amount of time taken for the capacitor to charge or discharge to the predetermined threshold voltage using a processor (20).