Delayed Power-On for Low-Voltage Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with rechargeable batteries face usability issues during charging, particularly when the battery voltage is low, as they may shut off due to insufficient power supply during pre-charge, and users are not adequately notified about power-on restrictions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a delayed power-on function that charges the battery with a pre-charge current when the voltage is below a threshold and switches to a higher current when the voltage exceeds it, while disabling power-on during low voltage conditions and providing notifications to the user through the display or key LEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic device allows power-on during pre-charge, then the device can be operated immediately, but the device may shut off due to insufficient power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging at a limited current rate before allowing full-power operation. When the battery voltage is below the threshold, the charging unit charges at a first current rate that is insufficient to support both charging and device operation simultaneously, preventing power shutdown while building up battery voltage to a safe level.
2Productivity
If the charging current is increased during pre-charge, then the charging speed is improved, but the battery may degrade due to unsafe charging conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The charging current rate dynamically changes based on battery voltage conditions. The system switches from a first current rate (below threshold) to a second current rate (at or above threshold), allowing optimized charging speed at each stage while maintaining battery safety. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between charging speed and battery safety.
3Reliability
If the device disables power-on during low voltage charge, then power supply stability is maintained, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The notification unit provides feedback to the user when power-on is disabled during pre-charge. By informing users of the temporary power-on restriction and explaining that it will be enabled when charging is complete, the system maintains power supply stability while minimizing user inconvenience through transparent communication.
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
Enhances usability by preventing unexpected power-offs during charging and informing users when power-on is disabled, thereby improving the charging process efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
A charging unit charges a rechargeable battery with a pre-charge current when a voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than a voltage threshold value and with a current larger than the pre-charge current when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is equal to or greater than the voltage threshold value
Data Source
AI summary
A delayed power-on function for an electronic device is disclosed. A charging unit charges a rechargeable battery with a pre-charge current when a voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than a voltage threshold value and with a current larger than the pre-charge current when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is greater than the voltage threshold value. A controller can disable power-on when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than the voltage threshold value. A user may also be notified when power-on is disabled.