Current Sensing Circuit Disconnect Device for Charging Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery charging devices and external power supplies continue to waste electricity when in idle or standby modes, as they remain connected to the mains even when not charging, leading to significant energy wastage and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A current sensing circuit disconnect device with a snubber circuit and manual or automatic switch mechanism that disconnects the charging device from the mains when not in use, using a resistor-capacitor pair to manage voltage transients and prevent unnecessary current flow, and an application program to reconnect when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the charging device remains connected to the mains during idle or standby modes, then the device can quickly resume charging when needed, but electricity is continuously wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary disconnection from the mains when idle or standby conditions are detected, eliminating continuous power consumption. The system maintains the ability to quickly reconnect when charging is needed, achieving energy savings without permanently losing charging capability.
2Loss of energy
If the charging device is disconnected from the mains when not in use, then energy wastage is eliminated, but the device cannot immediately resume charging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary disconnection only when truly idle or in standby mode, maintaining the capability to quickly reconnect. The controller monitors system state and can rapidly re-establish connection when charging is required, minimizing both energy wastage and resume time.
3Loss of energy
If a disconnect mechanism is implemented, then energy wastage during idle modes is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device includes an automatic controller that monitors system state and autonomously performs disconnection and reconnection operations. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual intervention while managing the complexity through integrated control logic that automatically determines when disconnect operations are appropriate.
4Loss of energy
If the disconnect device automatically manages power connection, then energy efficiency is improved, but user control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor charging status, battery state, and system readiness, allowing the automatic disconnect function to operate intelligently. The controller uses this feedback to determine optimal disconnect/ reconnect timing, balancing energy savings with user needs while maintaining the ability to override or adjust behavior based on actual usage patterns.
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
Effectively reduces electricity usage by minimizing current flow during idle or standby modes, ensuring efficient energy management and reconnection when necessary, thereby reducing overall energy wastage.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic component is a triac switch and the circuit also includes a snubber circuit to absorb voltage transients and suppress electrical noise
Implementation Method 2
The switch opens or closes a primary circuit to prevent or allow current flow into the charging device when the charging device is plugged into the mains
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method are provided for saving power and electricity in a charging device including external power supplies and battery chargers having a primary circuit and a secondary circuit where a switch is located in the primary circuit and a current sensing device in the secondary circuit to sense when there is a drop in current in the secondary circuit or no current in the secondary circuit because the load such as a cell phone or tablet is charged and when this occurs the switch in the primary circuit is opened and the primary circuit no longer draws power from the source of power until the switch in the primary circuit is closed by either a user activating a switch to reenergize the charging device, where the switch may be powered by an on-board battery to close the primary circuit, or where a control circuit is activated by a program in the load or device to be charged, such that the charging device will cycle on and off according to an external app program residing on the device to be charged or some other device not attached to the controller.