Electronic Battery Tester Load Assembly for Dynamic Parameter Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery testing methods lack accuracy in determining the condition of storage batteries, particularly in assessing dynamic parameters and load resistance responses, which are crucial for evaluating battery health and life expectancy.

Innovation Solution

An electronic battery tester with a built-in electrical load assembly that applies a time-varying signal through Kelvin connections to measure dynamic parameters and draw a large current, combining dynamic parameter measurements with load resistance responses to provide improved accuracy in battery testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If simple voltage measurement is used to test battery condition, then the testing process is simple and quick, but the accuracy of determining battery condition is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting process simplicityVSAvoidbattery condition assessment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple testing methods (dynamic parameter measurement and load resistance response measurement) into a single integrated testing system. The electronic battery tester simultaneously performs both types of measurements and correlates the results to achieve accurate battery condition assessment while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic battery tester is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring dynamic parameters, measuring load resistance responses, and providing an integrated assessment of battery condition. This multi-functional approach enables accurate testing without requiring separate specialized devices for each measurement type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If dynamic parameter measurement is used to improve battery testing accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidtester system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates dynamic parameter measurement capabilities directly into the electronic battery tester, combining multiple measurement functions into a single unified device. This integration reduces the need for separate specialized equipment and simplifies the overall testing system while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If load test with known load is used to discharge the battery, then the battery condition can be assessed, but the testing time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery condition assessment accuracyVSAvoidtesting duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a controlled load to the battery for a limited duration to obtain sufficient data for condition assessment without requiring complete battery discharge. This partial action approach provides accurate battery condition information while minimizing testing time and energy consumption compared to full discharge tests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The solution enhances the accuracy of battery testing by correlating dynamic parameter measurements with load resistance responses, enabling more precise determination of battery condition and life expectancy, while also allowing for alternator and starter testing.

Implementation Method 1

a load wire which provides an electrical load resistance and draws a relatively large current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

An airflow passageway is provided in the housing adjacent the load wire such that air may be passed by the load wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11054480B2Electrical load for electronic battery tester and electronic battery tester including such electrical load
Publication Date: 2021.07.06 MIDTRONICS INC
  • US11054480B2 patent drawing
  • US11054480B2 patent drawing
  • US11054480B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrical load assembly is provided for use by an electronic battery tester used to perform an electronic battery test on a storage battery. The electrical assembly comprises a load wire providing an electrical load resistance and a housing which at least partially encloses the load wire. An airflow passageway is provided in the housing adjacent the load wire. Electrical terminals connected to the load wire are configured to connect to the electronic battery tester.