DC-DC Converter Capacitor Charging for Vehicle Jump Starters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jump starters require a separate vehicle for charging and may not be available when needed due to forgotten battery pack charging, and they take time to charge, which can be inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus using a DC-DC converter to charge capacitors from a vehicle battery, optimizing current and voltage to maximize power transfer and minimize charging time, allowing the capacitors to supply energy to the starter motor when the battery is depleted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable jump starter with battery pack is used, then it can charge the depleted battery, but the battery pack requires regular charging which users often forget
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically charges the capacitor from the vehicle battery when connected, requiring no user intervention for charging. The DC-DC converter automatically regulates the charging process, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the reliability issue of forgotten charging.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a charged battery pack to charge the vehicle battery, the invention inverts the approach by using the vehicle battery itself to charge a capacitor through the DC-DC converter, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional jump starters are used, then they can supplement the battery, but they require another vehicle or charged battery pack which may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own battery to charge the capacitor, making it self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external vehicles or charged battery packs. The DC-DC converter enables the vehicle battery to directly charge the capacitor when connected.
3Productivity
If the DC-DC converter draws high current from the battery, then charging speed increases, but the battery voltage drops and may not sustain the charging process
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter continuously monitors the battery voltage and adjusts the charging current accordingly. When voltage drops, the converter reduces current draw to maintain stable operation, creating a self-regulating charging process that optimizes both speed and power sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging current is dynamically adjusted based on real-time battery conditions. The converter transitions between different operating modes to maintain optimal charging speed while preventing excessive voltage drop, adapting to the battery's instantaneous state.
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 rapid charging and discharging of capacitors to provide sufficient energy to start a vehicle, eliminating the need for a separate vehicle and reducing charging time, ensuring the jump starter is ready when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-DC converter coupleable between the battery and the one or more capacitors and arranged to draw a supply current from the battery and supply a charging current to the one or more capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for charging one or more capacitors from a battery (18) comprising a DC-DC converter (130) coupleable between the battery (18) and the one or more capacitors (122). The apparatus is arranged to draw a supply current from the battery (18) and supply a charging current to the one or more capacitors (122). The DC-DC converter (130) determines a supply power drawn from the battery (18) and alters the supply current drawn from the battery (18) dependent upon the determined supply power. A corresponding method is also disclosed.