Direct Battery Charging via External Station

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in rapid charging due to the need for high power and current, which requires large and complex charging circuits and thermal solutions, and existing solutions do not efficiently utilize direct charging methods to bypass internal charging circuits.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates direct charging pads on the battery that expose raw terminals for direct contact with an external charging station, allowing for high-power charging without the need for internal charging circuits, using a high-power storage unit in the charging station to accumulate and dispense energy quickly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high power and current are used for rapid charging, then charging speed is improved, but device complexity and thermal management requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcharging circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the charging circuit functionality from the portable electronic device and relocates it to an external charging station. The battery pack includes exposed terminals that connect directly to the charging station, bypassing the need for internal charging circuits in the portable device. This extraction resolves the contradiction by enabling high-power rapid charging without increasing the complexity of the portable device's charging circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of time

If high power charging is implemented, then charging time is reduced, but thermal management requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging timeVSAvoidthermal management requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the power conversion and thermal management functions from the portable device to the external charging station. By using direct current coupling between the charging station and battery pack terminals, the system enables high-power charging while the charging station handles the thermal management burden, thus reducing charging time without compromising the portable device's thermal management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If internal charging circuits are used, then charging control is improved, but device size and component requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging controlVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the charging control functionality from the portable electronic device and places it in the external charging station. The battery pack serves as an intermediate energy storage device with simple terminal connections, eliminating the need for complex internal charging circuits in the portable device. This reduces the device volume while maintaining charging control through the external station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Productivity

If direct charging terminals are exposed, then charging efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a protective cover as an intermediary element between the exposed charging terminals and the external environment. The cover includes recessed portions that align with the terminals, providing physical protection while allowing direct electrical contact during charging. This intermediary structure maintains charging efficiency through direct terminal contact while mitigating safety risks from exposed conductors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method enables fast charging of electronic devices by bypassing internal charging circuits, reducing the need for high-powered components and wires, and allowing for efficient energy transfer through direct contact with the charging station, significantly reducing charging time.

Implementation Method 1

a battery (120) to power the electronic device (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

The first charging pad (130) may directly contact an anode of the battery (120), and the second charging pad (140) may directly contact a cathode of the battery (120)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3314719B1Electronic device to be directly charged
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 TAHOE RES LTD
  • EP3314719B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3314719B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3314719B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic system may include a charging device and an electronic device. The charging device may include an input port, a charge circuit, a storage, and a connector device. The charging device may receive a direct current (DC) voltage at the input port. The charge circuit may receive the DC voltage and provide a charged voltage to the storage. The electronic device may include a body, a battery, a first pad directly on the battery and a second pad directly on the battery. The battery may receive the DC charged voltage when the electronic device is coupled to the charging device.