Bi-directional Switching Regulator for Electroceutical Energy Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electroceutical devices face inefficiencies in energy usage due to high overhead voltage and wasted energy, as the fixed battery voltage requires a large range to accommodate the electrode's voltage, leading to energy loss during charging and discharging, with stored energy in capacitors being dumped to ground instead of being recycled.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional switching regulator with a buck-boost converter and a controller that dynamically adjusts voltage and current flow to minimize overhead voltage and recycle energy from the electrode back to the battery, using a terminal capacitor to manage voltage and enable efficient charging and discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed battery voltage is used to accommodate the electrode's voltage range, then the electrode can be charged and discharged, but high overhead voltage causes energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a bi-directional switching regulator that dynamically adjusts the battery voltage to match the electrode voltage requirements. Instead of using a fixed battery voltage that creates overhead loss, the system actively modulates the voltage through switching operations, allowing the battery voltage to adapt to the electrode's changing voltage needs during charging and discharging cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically by using a switching regulator that can operate in different modes (charging mode and discharging mode). The regulator adjusts the voltage transformation ratio based on whether the electrode is being charged or discharged, optimizing the voltage matching between battery and electrode at each operational stage to minimize overhead voltage and energy loss.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If energy is transferred from the electrode back to the battery, then energy is recycled and battery life is extended, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching regulator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transfer energy from the battery to the electrode for charging, transfer energy from the electrode back to the battery for discharging and energy recycling, and regulate voltage in both directions. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle both charging and energy recovery operations, managing the system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the controller monitors the electrode voltage and battery voltage, and automatically adjusts the switching regulator's operation to optimize energy transfer. The feedback mechanism ensures that energy is efficiently recycled from the electrode back to the battery while maintaining proper voltage levels, extending battery life through intelligent control rather than simple passive connections.
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 energy wastage by dynamically adjusting voltage and current, allowing the bi-directional switching regulator to efficiently charge and discharge the electrode, extending battery life by recycling energy back to the battery.
Implementation Method 1
a switching regulator having a first terminal coupled to the battery, and a second terminal coupled to the electrode
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In certain aspects, a method for providing electrical stimulation includes transferring energy from a battery to an electrode to charge the electrode, and, after the electrode is charged, transferring energy from the electrode to the battery to discharge the battery. The energy transferred from the electrode to the battery may include a portion of the energy transferred from the battery to the electrode.