Battery Charger Relay Timer Cutoff for Idle Power Waste

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery chargers left plugged in when not in use continuously draw power, leading to significant energy wastage, as they do not have a mechanism to automatically disconnect from the power source when no device is connected for charging.

Innovation Solution

A battery charger incorporating a power control relay and a timer switch that connects the power source only when a device is attached, automatically disconnecting after a predetermined time to conserve energy, and reconnections occur when the device is plugged back in.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the battery charger remains continuously connected to the power source for convenience, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy wastage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of remaining plugged inVSAvoidpower consumption when not in use

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The timer switch performs preliminary disconnection action after a predetermined time period following device attachment. This allows the charger to automatically cut power after completing its charging function, preventing continuous energy consumption while maintaining user convenience during the actual charging period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic connection and disconnection cycles based on device attachment and timer expiration. The power connection is maintained only during necessary periods (when device is attached and charging is needed), and automatically disconnected during idle periods, creating a rhythmic on-off pattern that balances convenience with energy conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of energy

If the battery charger automatically disconnects from the power source when not in use, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption when not in useVSAvoidadditional components (relay, timer switch)

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery charger system performs self-service by automatically detecting device attachment and initiating the disconnection sequence without user intervention. The timer switch and relay work autonomously to cut power after the predetermined time period, eliminating the need for manual unplugging while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If the timer switch disconnects power after a predetermined time, then the energy wastage is reduced, but the reliability of continuous power availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption when not in useVSAvoidcontinuous power supply

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power connection status based on real-time conditions (device attachment detection and elapsed time). The relay switch transitions between connected and disconnected states, creating a dynamic power supply system that adapts to usage patterns rather than providing static continuous or intermittent power.

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

This solution prevents unnecessary power consumption by automatically disconnecting the battery charger from the power source when not in use, while maintaining convenience by allowing it to remain plugged in, thereby conserving energy and reducing wastage.

Implementation Method 1

current passing from the device to the power converter causes the power control relay to connect the power source to the power converter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The timer switch is configured to open after current has passed through the timer switch for a predetermined amount of time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS11742677B2Energy efficient battery charger

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Provided is a battery charger. The battery charger comprises a power converter, an input power connector, and an output power connector. The input power connector is configured to be connected to a power source such that the input power connector is arranged between the power converter and the power source. The output power connector is configured to be connected to an electronic device such that the output power connector is arranged between the power converter and the electronic device. The battery charger further includes a power control relay configured to connect the power converter to the input power connector. The battery charger further includes a timer device configured to disconnect the power converter from the input power connector after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.