Self-Tuning Battery Voltage Offset Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management systems for rechargeable batteries in electronic devices, such as hearing aids, face challenges in accurately estimating the state of charge due to voltage correlation inaccuracies caused by electronic circuitry offset errors, which can lead to over-charging, over-discharging, and reduced battery lifetime, and require complex calibration processes during production that do not reflect actual user conditions.
Innovation Solution
A self-tuning method for rechargeable battery voltage that iteratively measures supply voltage during booting operations to estimate and compensate for circuit offset errors, allowing for accurate state of charge determination without the need for external power or predetermined voltages, and can be performed by end users under actual usage conditions, simplifying production and aligning with real-world usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If voltage correlation techniques are used to estimate state of charge, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to circuit offset errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing offset error calibration before actual state of charge measurement during production testing. The calibration process establishes a reference offset value that is stored and used during subsequent operational measurements, ensuring accurate readings without adding complexity to the measurement process itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage measurement parameter by applying a known test voltage and measuring the actual output voltage to determine the offset error. This parameter transformation allows the system to quantify and compensate for circuit offset errors, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining simple operational procedures
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration processes are performed during production with external power supply, then the offset error can be determined, but the device complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the device to perform its own calibration using its internal battery and circuitry. The device charges its battery through normal charging operations and uses its own power supply to conduct the calibration measurement, eliminating the need for external power supply equipment and reducing production complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is performed as a preliminary step during production testing before the device is shipped. By completing the offset error determination early in the production process and storing the calibration data in memory, the system avoids the need for complex real-time calibration equipment during subsequent testing or operation
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional calibration with predetermined maximum voltage is used, then the offset error calculation is straightforward, but the calibration conditions do not reflect actual user usage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static calibration with fixed predetermined voltage to dynamic calibration that occurs during actual charging operations. The calibration process adapts to real-world charging conditions by measuring voltage during normal charging cycles, ensuring the offset error compensation is valid across varying operational conditions while maintaining ease of implementation through existing charging infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary method of compensating for a circuit offset error to a measure of a battery voltage of a rechargeable battery of an electronic device is described wherein the battery powers an electronic circuitry of the device and the electronic circuitry introduces the circuit offset error to the measure of the battery voltage. A corresponding electronic device is also described.