Bi-directional Power Conversion for Battery Audio Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management systems for battery-powered audio devices are inefficient due to separate power conversion circuits for charging and amplification, leading to high power consumption and reduced battery run time.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional power conversion and control system that integrates a single power conversion circuit and control circuit, allowing for switchable operation between charge and discharge modes, and adjusts current usage based on audio signal conditions to optimize battery life and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power conversion circuits are used for charging and amplification, then each circuit can be optimized independently, but power consumption increases and battery run time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate power conversion circuits for charging and amplification into a single integrated bi-directional power conversion circuit. This circuit can operate in charge mode to charge the battery from an external power source, and in discharge mode to power the amplifier, eliminating redundant components and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining independent optimization capabilities through mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-directional power conversion circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can convert external power to charge the battery, convert battery power to drive the amplifier, and provide voltage regulation. This multi-functional design replaces what were previously separate dedicated circuits, reducing total power consumption while maintaining the ability to optimize each function independently through control mode selection.
2Power
If a boost converter is used to power amplifiers, then voltage can be increased, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation of the power conversion circuit that adapts between boost converter mode (when voltage increase is needed) and buck converter mode (when voltage reduction is beneficial). The control circuit dynamically switches between these modes based on real-time conditions, allowing voltage increase when necessary while reducing power consumption by using buck mode when the amplifier can operate efficiently at lower voltages, thus optimizing the trade-off between voltage output and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters by switching between boost and buck conversion modes. The bi-directional power conversion circuit can adjust its conversion ratio dynamically, using boost conversion to increase voltage when the amplifier requires higher voltage for peak output, and using buck conversion to reduce voltage when lower voltage operation is sufficient, thereby changing the voltage parameter adaptively to minimize power consumption while meeting amplifier requirements.
3Duration of action of moving object
If larger battery capacity is used, then run time increases, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional power conversion circuit enables continuous useful action by efficiently managing power flow in both charge and discharge modes. During discharge, it provides regulated voltage to the amplifier, and during charging, it efficiently transfers power from the external source to the battery. This continuous efficient power management extends the effective run time from the battery without requiring increased battery capacity, as the system maximizes the utilization of available battery energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically through bi-directional conversion, allowing the amplifier to operate at optimized voltage levels that reduce current draw and power consumption. By using buck conversion to step down voltage when appropriate, the system reduces the power consumption rate, thereby extending run time from a given battery capacity without increasing battery size or device weight.
4Ease of operation
If separate control circuits are used for each power conversion circuit, then each circuit can be independently controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate control circuits into a single integrated control circuit that manages the bi-directional power conversion. This unified controller handles both charge mode operation (controlling power flow from external source to battery) and discharge mode operation (controlling power flow from battery to amplifier), eliminating the need for separate control circuits while maintaining independent control capabilities through mode-specific control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control circuit is designed with multi-functionality to perform both charging control and amplifier power control. It can independently regulate power flow in charge mode to optimize battery charging, and independently regulate power flow in discharge mode to optimize amplifier performance, thereby providing independent control for each function through a unified multi-functional control architecture that reduces overall device complexity.
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 solution reduces power consumption, prolongs battery run time, and allows for smaller battery sizes while maintaining proper amplifier function, enabling higher peak output power when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a power conversion circuit coupled between the battery and the one or more amplifiers
Implementation Method 2
a power conversion circuit coupled between the battery and an AC/DC adapter to charge the battery from an external power source
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a power management system for a battery-powered audio device. The system includes bi-directional power conversion and control circuitry to implement a corresponding control scheme. The system may be switchable between a charge mode, during which the power conversion and control circuitry charges the battery of the audio device and the AC/DC adapter provides an amplifier supply voltage to one or more amplifiers of the audio device, and a discharge mode, in which the power conversion and control circuitry may provide a regulated amplifier supply voltage to the one or more amplifiers that is regulated based on one or more operating conditions of the system. The system may provide reduced cost and reduced power consumption and reduced size compared with prior systems.