Direct Charger 4:1 Conversion Using Two Flying Capacitors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging technologies for portable electronic devices, such as smartphones and AR glasses, face inefficiencies in power conversion and require larger mounting areas and higher production costs due to the use of multiple capacitors, especially when converting voltage at a 4:1 ratio.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a direct charger incorporating a first and second capacitor and switches, controlled by a circuit to convert input voltage at a 4:1 ratio, applies different voltages to the capacitors in multiple phases to efficiently charge a battery, reducing the number and size of capacitors needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If multiple capacitors are used for voltage conversion at 4:1 ratio, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but mounting area and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidmounting area

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple capacitor functions into a single capacitor structure. The first and second capacitors are integrated into one capacitor with different terminal configurations, allowing the system to achieve voltage conversion at 4:1 ratio while using fewer physical components, thereby reducing mounting area while maintaining power conversion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single capacitor is designed to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate components. By configuring the capacitor with multiple terminals and using different connection modes (series/parallel configurations), it can achieve various voltage conversion ratios including 4:1, thereby reducing the number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If multiple capacitors are used for voltage conversion at 4:1 ratio, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a single capacitor design that can be replicated and standardized for mass production. By creating a universal capacitor structure that handles multiple voltage conversion scenarios, the design simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces production costs through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If conventional charging methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but charging speed and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging circuit simplicityVSAvoidcharging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different capacitor connection modes (series, parallel, and combinations) based on charging requirements. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the configuration to optimize charging speed at different stages, achieving rapid charging while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic switching between different capacitor configurations during the charging process. The control circuit periodically changes the connection modes to optimize power transfer efficiency at different charging stages, enabling rapid charging while keeping the overall system design manageable through structured periodic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach reduces the mounting area and production costs while maintaining efficient power conversion, allowing for stable and rapid charging of batteries in electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitor, a second capacitor and a plurality of switches

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4708612A1Electronic device for charging battery by using direct charger and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device according to an embodiment may comprise: a battery; a direct charger including a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a plurality of switches; and a control circuit. The control circuit according to an embodiment may: identify a first mode in which a voltage input to the direct charger is converted at a 4:1 ratio and power is supplied to the battery; and control the plurality of switches at a first phase of providing second power having a second voltage which is 1/4 times a first voltage to the battery while charging a first capacitor and a second capacitor in series on the basis of first power of the first voltage received from the outside, a second phase of providing second power to the battery while charging the second capacitor with the power with which the first capacitor is charged, and a third phase of providing the second power to the battery on the basis of the power with which the second capacitor is charged, wherein a voltage which is twice the second voltage is applied to the first capacitor and the same voltage as the second voltage is applied to the second capacitor so that an output voltage is converted at a 4:1 ratio by only using two flying capacitors.