Battery Charger Terminal Voltage Identification Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery chargers require multiple chargers for different types of battery packs due to varying terminal arrangements, making it inconvenient to charge diverse battery packs with a single charger.
Innovation Solution
A battery charger system incorporating a voltage coupling circuit and voltage monitoring circuit that identifies the type of battery pack by measuring terminal voltages and adjusts the charging algorithm accordingly, allowing a single charger to accommodate multiple types of battery packs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard interface is created between different types of battery packs, then a single charger can charge multiple battery pack types, but the charger needs to accurately identify battery pack types to apply proper charging algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification scheme consisting of identification terminals and voltage monitoring circuits that mediate between the battery pack and charger. These terminals serve as intermediaries to transmit battery pack type information to the charger, enabling accurate identification without requiring complex communication protocols or multiple physical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical identification methods (such as physical shape differences or manual selection) with an electrical field-based identification system. By using voltage measurements at identification terminals to determine battery pack type, the system substitutes mechanical complexity with electrical signal processing, enabling automated and accurate identification.
2Measurement precision
If voltage monitoring circuits are added to identify battery pack types, then accurate charging algorithms can be applied, but the charger hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification function into separate identification terminals and voltage monitoring circuits, distinct from the main charging circuitry. This segmentation allows the identification system to operate independently and accurately determine battery pack types through voltage measurements at specific terminals, without interfering with or adding complexity to the core charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack effectively identifies itself to the charger through its terminal voltage characteristics. The voltage monitoring circuits measure voltages at identification terminals that naturally reflect the battery pack type based on its internal cell configuration. This self-identification mechanism eliminates the need for complex external identification hardware or communication protocols.
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 efficient and accurate charging of different battery packs with varying attributes using a standard interface, reducing the need for multiple chargers and ensuring proper charging algorithms are applied.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage coupling circuit having an input that receives a voltage at a battery pack terminal and an output that sends an output voltage, the voltage coupling circuit configured such that if the voltage coupling circuit input voltage is equal to a first reference voltage than the voltage coupling circuit couples the voltage coupling circuit output to a second reference voltage
Implementation Method 2
a voltage monitoring circuit having an input coupled to the voltage coupling circuit output and an output, and a power source having an input coupled to the voltage monitoring circuit output, the power source input receives an input voltage representative of a charge instruction
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack and charger platform including a voltage coupling circuit comprising an input that receives an input voltage and an output that sends an output voltage, a voltage monitoring circuit having an input coupled to the voltage coupling circuit output and an output, and a power source having an input coupled to the voltage monitoring circuit output, the power source input receives an input voltage representative of a charge instruction.