Battery Charge Management via Schedule-Aware Termination Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery capacity in mobile devices decreases over time due to incomplete discharge and degradation at high voltages, leading to reduced performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A charge management module that interacts with the device's hardware and software to monitor battery characteristics and user schedules, switching between AC power and battery power to maintain optimal charge levels by determining the required charge percentage and termination voltage based on upcoming power availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the battery is charged to 100% capacity when AC adapter is connected, then the device has maximum power availability, but the battery degrades faster due to high voltage stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the charge termination voltage based on real-time analysis of user schedule data. Instead of a fixed 100% charge level, the charge management module varies the charge percentage dynamically - charging to lower percentages when the device will be used on battery power soon, and to higher percentages when AC power is expected to be continuously available, thereby optimizing both power availability and battery lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of user schedule data before making charging decisions. By examining calendar events, meeting schedules, and usage patterns in advance, the charge management module proactively determines the optimal charge termination voltage, ensuring the battery is charged to the appropriate level before the user needs to use the device on battery power.
2Ease of operation
If the battery is never discharged to maintain charge, then the device is always ready to use, but the battery capacity diminishes due to degradation at high voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic discharge cycles based on schedule analysis. When the user schedule indicates the device will be connected to AC power for an extended period, the charge management module allows the battery to discharge to lower levels, creating periodic deep discharge cycles that prevent continuous high voltage stress and extend battery lifespan, while still ensuring readiness before the next scheduled battery-powered usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charge termination voltage parameter dynamically based on schedule conditions. Instead of maintaining a constant charge level, the module adjusts the target charge percentage and termination voltage according to predicted usage patterns, allowing the battery to operate at lower voltages during periods of AC power availability, thereby reducing degradation while maintaining operational readiness.
3Reliability
If the battery is discharged completely each cycle, then the battery capacity is maximized through full charge-discharge cycles, but the device may run out of power before reaching AC power source
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of user schedule data to predict when the device will next require battery power. Based on this advance knowledge, the charge management module calculates the optimal charge termination voltage that ensures sufficient power availability for the next scheduled battery-powered usage, preventing the device from running out of power while avoiding unnecessary charging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual usage patterns and compares them with predicted patterns from schedule data. This feedback loop allows the charge management module to refine its charge termination voltage decisions, adjusting the charging strategy based on actual user behavior to ensure adequate power availability while minimizing charging time and optimizing battery health.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, battery charge management using a scheduling application is disclosed. A first parameter may be received from a scheduling application running on a mobile computing device having a battery pack. Based on at least the first parameter and battery pack data, a required charge percentage for the battery pack may be determined and the remaining capacity of the battery pack may be determined. If the remaining capacity of the battery pack is less than the required charge percentage, a charge termination voltage may be determined and the battery pack may be charged to the charge termination voltage.