Bounded Voltage Range Controller for Battery Power Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery-operated devices often supply power parameters such as voltage and current that are not suitable for receiving devices, leading to inconsistent configuration over time, potentially damaging either the source or sink, as the battery discharges and power requirements change.

Innovation Solution

A battery-operated device provides a bounded voltage range within a determined minimum and maximum value, using a controller to adjust the output voltage and reported state based on the battery's voltage state and requested power parameters, employing converters like buck or boost converters to maintain consistent power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If battery-operated devices supply power parameters based on battery discharge state, then power transfer capability is improved, but voltage consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidvoltage consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by establishing a bounded voltage range that adapts to the battery's discharge state. The controller dynamically modifies the operating voltage within this bounded range based on real-time battery conditions, allowing the system to maintain voltage consistency while adapting to changing power requirements during battery discharge cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage parameter by implementing a bounded voltage range instead of a fixed voltage. The controller adjusts the operating voltage within this bounded range based on the battery's state of charge and discharge rate, enabling the system to maintain stable power transfer while accommodating natural voltage variations during battery discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If voltage conversion is implemented to maintain consistent voltage, then voltage consistency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage consistencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial voltage conversion by implementing a bounded voltage range instead of complete voltage regulation. The controller allows voltage to vary within acceptable bounds rather than maintaining a single fixed voltage, reducing the need for complex conversion circuitry while still preventing damage to connected devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the battery and the power output. This controller monitors battery voltage and adjusts the output accordingly, acting as a mediator that simplifies the overall system by using software-based control rather than complex hardware conversion circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If bounded voltage range is implemented, then reliability is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by establishing a bounded voltage range that adapts to the battery's discharge state. The controller dynamically modifies the operating voltage within this bounded range based on real-time battery conditions, allowing the system to maintain voltage consistency while adapting to changing power requirements during battery discharge cycles.

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

Ensures consistent voltage supply to the sink over time, preventing damage and optimizing power transfer by dynamically adjusting the output voltage within a negotiated range, ensuring reliable operation of both the source and sink.

Implementation Method 1

the device converts a voltage output from the battery to be within the bounded voltage range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3430700B1Provide bounded voltage range
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3430700B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3430700B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3430700B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Examples disclosed herein relate to a device to provide a bounded voltage range. Examples include a device to acquire a request for a voltage from a sink. In examples, the device determines whether the voltage is to be supplied from a battery of a source. The device is to further determine a bounded voltage range to supply to the sink according to the request for voltage and a state of the battery.