Charging Structure with Analog Smooth Transition Circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery chargers face issues such as oscillation during mode switching, leading to potential damage, and overcharging due to inadequate circuit switching mechanisms, which reduces battery life and increases environmental pollution.

Innovation Solution

A charging structure incorporating an analog smooth transition circuit (ASTC) and an end of charge (EOC) circuit that stabilizes mode switching and accurately determines the battery's charging state to prevent overcharging, using a power switch, current mirrors, and a current sensing circuit to regulate voltage and control the charging process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional charger switches between charging modes (small current mode, constant current mode, constant voltage mode) without proper circuit switching mechanism, then the charging process can proceed through different stages, but oscillation phenomenon occurs during circuit switching which may damage the charger and battery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging process continuityVSAvoidcircuit stability during mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by designing a dedicated circuit switching mechanism that prepares and controls the transition between charging modes in advance. The circuit includes switching elements and control logic that anticipate mode changes and execute smooth transitions before oscillation can occur, preventing damage to the charger and battery while maintaining charging continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the charger does not have an end of charge detection mechanism, then the charging process can continue without interruption, but the battery will be overcharged which greatly reduces battery life and may cause great damage to the battery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through an end of charge detection mechanism that continuously monitors battery voltage and current parameters. When the battery reaches full charge state, the detection circuit provides feedback signals to the control unit, which then automatically terminates or adjusts the charging process. This prevents overcharging and extends battery life while maintaining high charging efficiency through optimized charging curves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the charger switches between constant current mode and constant voltage mode without proper transition control, then the charging can adapt to different battery states, but oscillation phenomenon occurs during mode transfer which may damage the charger and battery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging mode adaptabilityVSAvoidcircuit stability during mode transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic switching mechanism that continuously adjusts charging parameters based on real-time battery state monitoring. The transition between constant current and constant voltage modes is controlled through dynamic threshold detection and smooth parameter interpolation, allowing the charger to adapt to different battery states while maintaining circuit stability and preventing oscillation during mode transfers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9641015B2Charging structure
Publication Date: 2017.05.02 WINBOND ELECTRONICS CORP
  • US9641015B2 patent drawing
  • US9641015B2 patent drawing
  • US9641015B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A charging structure including a power supply device, a rechargeable battery and a charging management device is provided. The power supply device is configured to provide a system voltage. The charging management device is configured to switch a corresponding charging mode according to the voltage level of the positive end of the rechargeable battery. The charging management device stops charging action when a charging current for charging the rechargeable battery drops down to a pre-set current value.