Charging Apparatus Merging Transformers for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging apparatuses for storage batteries are bulky and complex due to the need for two independent transformers with secondary coils for selective large and small current charging, which complicates the structure and increases size.
Innovation Solution
A charging apparatus with a large-current charging circuit, a small-current charging circuit, a switch unit, and a line switching controller, where the large-current circuit includes a transformer with one secondary coil, and the small-current circuit uses a current controlling IC to convert and control charging current based on battery voltage, with a p-channel FET and microcontroller to switch between large and small currents optimally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two independent transformers with secondary coils are used for selective large and small current charging, then charging functionality is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two independent transformers into a single transformer by providing one secondary coil that can be connected to different circuit paths. The large-current charging circuit and small-current charging circuit both share the same transformer and secondary coil, eliminating the need for two separate transformers while maintaining the ability to selectively provide large or small charging currents through switching control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two independent transformers with secondary coils are used for selective large and small current charging, then charging functionality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two independent transformers into a single transformer by providing one secondary coil that can be connected to different circuit paths. The large-current charging circuit and small-current charging circuit both share the same transformer and secondary coil, eliminating the need for two separate transformers while maintaining the ability to selectively provide large or small charging currents through switching control.
3Device complexity
If a single transformer with switching control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but charging current control precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching control using a control unit that monitors battery charge state and automatically switches between the large-current charging circuit and small-current charging circuit. This dynamic adjustment ensures precise current control adapted to different charging stages, maintaining current control precision while using a single transformer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the battery's charge state and using this information to control the switching between large-current and small-current charging modes. The control unit adjusts the charging current based on real-time battery status, ensuring precise current control and preventing overcharging while maintaining simplified hardware structure.
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 configuration reduces the size and simplifies the structure of the charging apparatus while enabling efficient and accurate switching between large and small currents, preventing overcharging and optimizing charging based on battery voltage, allowing for quick and optimal charging.
Implementation Method 1
A primary coil of the transformer is connected to an alternating current power supply 7 through the two power terminals 5a and 5b. A secondary coil of the transformer includes a first terminal, which is connected to the small-current charging circuit 2
Implementation Method 2
A secondary coil of the transformer includes a first terminal, which is connected to the small-current charging circuit 2 by a high-potential wire 8 and a Schottky diode D
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
This charging apparatus is provided with: a high-current charging circuit (1) for charging a storage battery (11) with a high current, said storage battery being connected to charging terminals (6a, 6b); and a low-current charging circuit (2) for charging the storage battery (11) with a low current. The high-current charging circuit (1) and the low-current charging circuit (2) are connected in series between power supply terminals (5a, 5b) and the charging terminals (6a, 6b). The high-current charging circuit (1) is connected to the charging terminal (6a) via an FET (12) operating as a switching element.