Bidirectional Switch Circuit for Power Bank Voltage Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power banks have complex systems and high costs due to their intricate structures, which hinder the development of simpler and more economical designs.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional switch circuit is introduced, comprising an inductor, low side and high side power switches, and a control circuit that allows the power bank to switch between charge and discharge modes, enabling efficient charging and discharging of batteries while managing voltage differences between the power source and the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a prior art power bank structure is used with separate charge circuit, switch circuit, and select circuit, then the power bank can perform charging and discharging functions, but the system becomes complicated and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charge circuit and discharge circuit into a single bidirectional switch circuit. The circuit uses one inductor, one low-side power switch, and one high-side power switch set to achieve both charging and discharging functions, eliminating the need for separate charge and discharge circuits. This merging reduces component count, simplifies system structure, and lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining full charging and discharging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional switch circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a charge circuit when the power source voltage is higher than the battery voltage, and as a discharge circuit when the battery voltage is higher than the load voltage. The same circuit components are used for both charging and discharging operations, making the system universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.
2Device complexity
If separate charge and discharge circuits are used, then charging and discharging can be performed independently, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charge and discharge circuits into a single bidirectional switch circuit that can operate in both modes. The circuit uses complementary switching of the low-side power switch and high-side power switch set to achieve bidirectional power flow. This merging reduces component count and simplifies the overall circuit structure while maintaining reliable charging and discharging functions through proper control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional switch circuit dynamically switches between charging and discharging modes based on the voltage relationship between the power source/battery and the load. The control circuit adjusts the switching states of the power switches according to real-time voltage conditions, enabling the same circuit to adaptively perform different functions (charging when Vsource > Vbattery, discharging when Vbattery > Vload) without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode.
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 bidirectional switch circuit simplifies the power bank structure, reduces costs, and effectively manages voltage variations, allowing it to function as both a buck and boost converter, ensuring efficient power transfer regardless of the voltage difference between the battery and the load.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is configured to receive a charge voltage, and the second terminal is coupled to a switch node
Implementation Method 2
a low side power switch having a first terminal, a second terminal and a control terminal, wherein the first terminal is coupled to the switch node, the second terminal is coupled to a ground reference
Data Source
AI summary
A power bank having an input terminal; an output terminal; a battery; a bidirectional switch circuit coupled between the battery and the output terminal of the power bank; and a select circuit coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal of the power bank; wherein when the input terminal is wired up with a power source, and the load is powered by the power source, and meanwhile, the battery is charged by the power source via the select circuit and the bidirectional switch circuit; when the input terminal is disconnected from the power source, the load is powered by the battery via the bidirectional switch circuit.