Battery Charging State Estimation With Voltage Drop Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery charging methods, such as CC-CV, multistep, and pulse charging, are inadequate for rapid charging without causing battery degradation, and there is a need for techniques that improve battery lifespan while supporting rapid charging.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine the charging state of a battery by measuring voltage and compensating for voltage drops due to connection module resistances, using a compensation voltage to optimize charging in constant-current and constant-voltage modes, and monitoring charging current to adjust voltage levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CC-CV charging method is used, then charging voltage is maintained at a predetermined level, but charging time is extended and rapid charging is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging voltage controlVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the charging voltage threshold from a fixed predetermined level to a variable threshold based on real-time battery state parameters (temperature, charge level, internal resistance). This allows the system to transition from conservative CC-CV charging to more aggressive charging profiles when conditions permit, thereby reducing charging time while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system transitions from static voltage thresholds to dynamic, adaptive thresholds that change based on battery conditions. The controller continuously monitors battery parameters and adjusts the charging voltage threshold in real-time, enabling the system to optimize between safety and charging speed throughout the charging process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multistep charging method with varying constant currents is used, then charging speed is increased, but battery degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring of battery temperature, charge level, and internal resistance during charging. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts charging parameters to stay within safe operating boundaries while maximizing charging speed. The feedback loop prevents excessive current that would cause degradation while still enabling rapid charging when conditions allow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes charging current parameters based on real-time battery state assessment. Rather than using fixed multistep current profiles, the charging current is continuously adjusted according to battery temperature, charge level, and internal resistance measurements, enabling optimal balance between charging speed and battery protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If pulse charging method is used, then rapid charging is achieved, but battery degradation is caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fixed pulse charging parameters to dynamically adjusted parameters based on battery state. Pulse width, amplitude, and duty cycle are continuously optimized based on real-time measurements of battery temperature, charge level, and internal resistance, allowing rapid charging when conditions permit while preventing degradation-inducing extreme pulse conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If voltage measuring unit directly measures battery voltage, then measurement is simple, but voltage drop due to connection module resistance causes measurement inaccuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidvoltage measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a compensation mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the voltage measuring unit and the battery. The system measures voltage at the connection module terminals and adds a compensation value (determined through calibration of the connection module's internal resistance) to calculate the actual battery voltage. This intermediary calculation eliminates measurement inaccuracy without adding complex hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach reduces charging time and protects batteries from overvoltage, enhancing battery lifespan and safety during rapid charging.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a voltage of a battery by a voltage measuring unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage measurement: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

calculating a compensation voltage for compensating for a voltage drop caused by a second resistance of a connection module disposed between the battery and the voltage measuring unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20260074548A1Method and apparatus for determining battery charging state
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20260074548A1 patent drawing
  • US20260074548A1 patent drawing
  • US20260074548A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of determining a battery charging state includes measuring a voltage of a battery by a voltage measuring unit, calculating a compensation voltage for compensating for a voltage drop caused by a second resistance of a connection module disposed between the battery and the voltage measuring unit, and charging the battery, based on a total voltage defined as a sum of the compensation voltage and a cut-off voltage that is determined by a first resistance of the battery.