Charge Device Abnormal Request Detection via Detour Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chargers cannot differentiate between a normal charge request from a device and an abnormal charge request caused by a foreign substance, leading to potential short circuits and unsafe charging conditions.
Innovation Solution
A charge device with a controller that interrupts the charge path and uses a detour charge path to determine if a charge request is abnormal by comparing voltage and current changes, employing Field Effect Transistors (FET) and Low Drop Out (LDO) elements to manage the charge flow and notify the user through displays, lamps, speakers, or vibration generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charger supplies charge power when a load occurs between power terminal and GND terminal, then charging function is enabled, but unsafe charging may occur due to inability to distinguish abnormal charge requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charge path into two separate paths: a normal charge path and a detour charge path. The detour path includes detection components (amperage sensor and voltage sensor) that allow the controller to measure current and voltage without allowing full charge current to flow through the abnormal path. This segmentation enables safe detection while maintaining charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detour charge path as an intermediary mechanism between the power source and the abnormal load. This intermediate path allows the controller to insert detection components that can measure electrical parameters and determine whether to enable or block the normal charge path, thus mediating between the charging function and safety requirements.
2Reliability
If the charger does not supply charge power when a load occurs, then charging safety is improved, but normal charging may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection action by routing a small detection current through the detour path before enabling the full charge current. The controller measures voltage and current through the detour path's sensors to determine the nature of the load, and only after confirming it is a normal charge request does it enable the normal charge path. This preliminary action prevents false rejection of normal charging while maintaining safety.
3Reliability
If the charger uses a detour charge path with sensors to detect abnormal charge requests, then charging safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function with the existing charge path structure by creating a parallel detour path that shares the same power terminals. The detection components (amperage sensor, voltage sensor, and control circuitry) are integrated into this detour path, allowing the same hardware infrastructure to serve both normal charging and abnormal charge detection purposes, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A charge device for controlling an abnormal charge request is provided. The charge device includes a controller that interrupts a charge path, when power is applied and that determines whether a charge request is an abnormal charge request through a detour charge path and that controls to maintain interruption of the charge path, if the charge request is an abnormal charge request. The controller may be further configured to interrupt the detour charge path, in response to determining that the charge request is a normal charge request; connect the charge path; and supply a charge current to the charge path.