Dynamic Battery Voltage Threshold Adjustment via Internal Resistance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery charging schemes switch from constant current to constant voltage mode too early due to internal voltage drops, leading to longer charging times and inadequate protection of the battery.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that dynamically measure the internal resistance of a battery and adjust the voltage threshold based on this measurement and the current flowing through it, using a sensor circuit and controller circuit to optimize charging and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional charging scheme with fixed voltage threshold is used, then the battery protection scheme is simple to implement, but the charging time is extended and the protection timing is delayed due to internal voltage drop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging scheme complexityVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed voltage threshold to a dynamic voltage threshold that adapts to changing battery conditions. The voltage threshold is adjusted in real-time based on measured internal resistance and charging current, allowing the charging scheme to optimize charging time while maintaining protection accuracy throughout the charging process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage threshold parameter from a static value to a dynamic value that varies with battery state. By measuring internal resistance and charging current, the system calculates and adjusts the voltage threshold parameter to compensate for internal voltage drop, thereby reducing charging time without increasing implementation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a conventional charging scheme with fixed voltage threshold is used, then the implementation is simple, but the battery protection timing is delayed and insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection scheme complexityVSAvoidbattery protection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring the battery's internal resistance and charging current, then using this information to adjust the voltage threshold. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate battery protection timing by compensating for internal voltage drop in real-time, improving protection reliability without significantly increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the simple mechanical comparison of fixed voltage threshold with a more sophisticated electronic measurement and calculation system. By substituting the fixed threshold mechanism with dynamic measurement of internal resistance and current-based threshold adjustment, the system achieves accurate protection timing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If higher charging current is used to reduce charging time, then the charging speed increases, but the internal voltage drop becomes more significant and affects protection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidvoltage threshold accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage threshold parameter dynamically based on charging current magnitude. When higher charging current is applied to increase charging speed, the system measures the increased internal resistance and adjusts the voltage threshold accordingly, maintaining measurement precision despite the larger internal voltage drop

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage threshold adaptive to charging current levels. The system continuously monitors charging current and adjusts the voltage threshold in real-time, allowing high charging speeds to be maintained while preserving protection accuracy through dynamic compensation for current-dependent internal voltage drop

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 the overall charging time and ensures precise protection of the battery by dynamically adjusting voltage thresholds, avoiding malfunctions caused by internal voltage drops.

Implementation Method 1

measuring an internal resistance of the battery; measuring an external voltage level of the battery; measuring a charging current to be provided to the battery; estimating the internal resistance of the battery according to the first result, the second result, and the charging current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's Law: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP3036819B1Method and apparatus for adjusting voltage threshold for battery by measuring internal resistance of battery, and corresponding method and sensor circuit for measuring internal resistance of battery
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 MEDIATEK INC
  • EP3036819B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3036819B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3036819B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A method for adjusting a voltage threshold for a battery being connected to a portable device includes: dynamically measuring an internal resistance of the battery; and dynamically adjusting the voltage threshold according to the internal resistance of the battery and a current flowing through the battery.