Battery Switch Control for Leakage Current Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered devices face dangerous conditions such as fire and explosion due to excessive discharge or over-discharge of rechargeable batteries, even when not in use, as leakage current can flow to sub-systems if the battery is not being charged.
Innovation Solution
A system with switches connected between the battery and sub-systems, controlled by a fuel gauge circuit using voltage sensors, current sensors, and a processor to prevent current leakage by determining the battery's charging or discharging state and capacity, selectively opening switches to prevent further discharge when the battery reaches a low capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery remains connected to sub-systems during non-use periods, then the sub-systems can remain ready for immediate operation, but leakage current causes over-discharge and dangerous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit proactively opens the switch before over-discharge can occur by monitoring battery capacity and predicting future states. This preliminary action disconnects the battery from sub-systems in advance, preventing leakage current from causing dangerous conditions while maintaining operational readiness through quick reconnection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit continuously monitors battery parameters (voltage, current, capacity) and uses this feedback to dynamically control the switch state. The feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of connectivity based on actual battery conditions, preventing over-discharge while optimizing sub-system readiness
2Reliability
If the battery is disconnected from sub-systems during non-use, then over-discharge is prevented, but the sub-systems cannot operate immediately when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The switch state is made dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to transition between connected and disconnected states based on real-time battery conditions and operational needs. This dynamic control enables the system to optimize both safety and response time by connecting when appropriate and disconnecting when necessary
3Reliability
If switches are added to control battery connectivity, then over-discharge prevention is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs multiple functions: monitoring battery voltage, measuring current, calculating capacity, predicting future battery states, and controlling the switch. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional control circuit, the design achieves over-discharge protection without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present technology may provide methods and apparatus for a battery. The apparatus may be configured to prevent leakage current from the battery to a number of sub-systems by selectively operating switches that connect the battery to the sub-systems. Operation of the switches may be based on whether the battery is charging or discharging and the capacity of the battery.