Battery Tester with Redemption Code Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accurately testing the condition of lead acid storage batteries, such as voltage measurement and load testing, are inconvenient and do not provide clear indications of energy storage, and recent conductance measurement techniques require complex equipment and procedures.
Innovation Solution
A battery maintenance equipment system that includes circuitry for monitoring and testing batteries, generating a redemption code to encourage usage and reward service personnel for maintaining batteries, using a microprocessor to determine conductance and voltage, and providing a redemption code output based on usage to promote the use of battery maintenance equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voltage measurement is used to test battery condition, then the test is simple to perform, but the battery must be charged prior to testing and the test does not indicate energy storage
Solution Approach 1:
The battery tester combines multiple testing functions (voltage measurement, conductance measurement, load testing) into a single device that can assess both battery charge state and energy storage capacity, eliminating the need for separate testing procedures and providing comprehensive battery condition information
2Loss of information
If load testing is used to test battery condition, then energy storage indication is provided, but the battery must be sufficiently charged to supply current to the load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical load testing method with an electronic conductance measurement system that uses a microprocessor to apply and measure electrical characteristics, providing energy storage indication without requiring the battery to supply high current to a physical load
3Measurement precision
If conductance measurement techniques are used to test batteries, then accurate testing is achieved, but complex equipment and procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The battery tester performs self-calibration and automatically compensates for temperature effects on conductance measurements through built-in sensors and microprocessor algorithms, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures and reducing operational complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensing and automatic compensation feedback loops that adjust conductance measurements based on measured temperature, providing accurate battery condition assessment across varying temperatures without requiring complex manual correction procedures
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 system effectively encourages the use of battery maintenance equipment by providing a redeemable value for usage, reducing warranty claims and increasing battery sales, while ensuring accurate battery testing and maintenance records.
Implementation Method 1
techniques have been pioneered by Dr. Keith S. Champlin and Midtronics Inc. for testing storage batteries by measuring the conductance of the batteries
Implementation Method 2
A simple test is to measure the voltage of the battery. If the voltage is below a certain threshold, the battery is determined to be bad
Data Source
AI summary
Battery maintenance equipment is provided for use in maintaining storage batteries. The battery maintenance equipment includes battery maintenance circuitry. A redemption code output is provided and configured to provide an output having a redeemable value in response to the battery maintenance circuitry. A method includes outputting a redemption code in response to usage of battery maintenance equipment.