Boost Converter Tracking Input Voltage for Battery Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional boost converters used in battery-powered weigh scale indicators cannot display battery charge capacity without adding a third connection, as they maintain a constant output voltage regardless of battery discharge, limiting the ability to reflect transient input voltage characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A boost converter design that incorporates feedback means to adjust the output voltage proportionally to the input voltage characteristic, allowing the output voltage to reflect transient changes while maintaining a two-wire connection, using a closed-loop operational amplifier or variable output voltage divider to ensure the output voltage is offset and proportional to the input voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional boost converter maintains constant output voltage, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the ability to reflect battery charge capacity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the output voltage is fed back to the switching element through feedback means. The feedback voltage regulator means adjusts the output voltage based on the feedback signal, allowing the converter to maintain stability while responding to input voltage changes that indicate battery charge capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control by allowing the output voltage to be offset and proportional to the input voltage characteristic. This enables the output voltage to dynamically track input voltage changes (reflecting battery charge capacity) while maintaining sufficient stability through regulated control.
2Measurement precision
If a third connection is added to measure battery capacity, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing two-wire connection serve multiple functions: power transmission and battery charge capacity indication. The output voltage, originally designed only for powering the load, now also encodes battery charge capacity information, eliminating the need for a dedicated measurement connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own output voltage to provide dual functionality: powering the load and indicating battery charge capacity. The boost converter's output voltage inherently contains information about input voltage changes, allowing the system to self-monitor battery status without external measurement circuits.
3Loss of information
If the output voltage tracks input voltage changes, then the battery charge capacity indication is improved, but the output voltage stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism allows the system to track input voltage changes while maintaining regulated output. The feedback voltage regulator means continuously adjusts the output based on feedback signals, enabling tracking of battery charge capacity information while preventing excessive voltage fluctuations that would compromise stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the output voltage parameter to be offset and proportional to the input voltage characteristic rather than maintaining a fixed value. This parameter transformation allows the output to reflect input changes (providing battery status information) while the proportional relationship maintains predictable and controllable voltage levels.
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
Enables the display of battery charge capacity without additional connections, reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining the necessary step-up voltage to power the indicator, while tracking battery discharge information in a two-wire system.
Implementation Method 1
The key principle that drives the boost converter is the tendency of an inductor to resist changes in current. In a boost converter, the output voltage is always higher than the input voltage. When the switch is turned-ON, the current flows through the inductor and energy is stored within the inductor. When the switch is turned-OFF, the stored energy in the inductor tends to collapse and its polarity changes such that it adds to the input voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
A boost converter is provided for tracking change in input voltage. The boost converter comprises at least one input for connection to a DC voltage source for supplying an input voltage; at least one output configured to supply an output voltage having a value that is greater than a value of said input voltage by at least a predetermined offset value; feedback means adapted to provide a feedback voltage, based on said output voltage, to a switching element of said boost converter, and a feedback voltage regulator means adapted to combine said feedback voltage with an input voltage characteristic so as to adjust said output voltage to be offset and proportional to said input voltage characteristic.