Dual Battery Power Circuit Parallel Switching for Cold Weather

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply circuits with separate batteries for portable appliances are inefficient in cold weather due to high internal resistance, reducing battery performance and requiring frequent recharging, making them uncomfortable and tiring to carry for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

A power supply circuit managing two batteries by switching between them based on charge levels, with a third state connecting both batteries in parallel to reduce internal resistance and extend operating time, allowing for efficient power delivery when charge levels are insufficient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If two separate batteries are used in the power supply circuit, then the weight is distributed making it more comfortable to carry, but the operating time remains insufficient especially in cold weather

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort to carryVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different battery connection modes (series and parallel) based on real-time detection of battery charge levels and temperature conditions. The management member automatically adjusts the connection configuration to optimize performance, transitioning from single battery mode to parallel connection mode when needed, thereby adapting the system to varying operational requirements and extending operating time dynamically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical connection parameters of the batteries based on detected conditions. When temperature drops or charge levels become insufficient, the system transitions from series connection (higher voltage, higher internal resistance) to parallel connection (lower voltage, half internal resistance), thereby adjusting the electrical parameters to maintain adequate current delivery capability and extend operating duration in cold weather

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If batteries are used in series connection, then voltage is sufficient for the appliance, but internal resistance increases reducing performance in cold weather

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevoltageVSAvoidperformance in cold weather
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between series and parallel battery connections based on temperature detection and charge level monitoring. When cold weather conditions are detected, the management member automatically transitions from series connection to parallel connection, thereby dynamically adjusting the electrical configuration to maintain reliable performance despite temperature variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection configuration parameter from series to parallel when cold weather is detected, thereby changing the electrical parameters (voltage, current, internal resistance) of the battery system to optimize performance for cold weather operation while maintaining sufficient power delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single battery is used, then the circuit is simple, but the operating time is insufficient and requires frequent recharging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit simplicityVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate batteries into a unified power supply system with intelligent management. The management member coordinates the operation of both batteries, switching between using them individually and connecting them in parallel, thereby merging their capacities to extend operating time while maintaining relatively simple circuitry through automated switching mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The parallel connection of batteries halves internal resistance, increasing usable capacity and extending the operating time of the power supply circuit, especially in cold conditions, by ensuring continuous power delivery from a combined battery set.

Implementation Method 1

The parallel connection of batteries halves internal resistance, increasing usable capacity and extending the operating time of the power supply circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS7667434B2Method of managing the supply of electrical power, an electrical power supply circuit, and a method of powering an appliance when cold
Publication Date: 2010.02.23 SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE (FR)
  • US7667434B2 patent drawing
  • US7667434B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of managing a supply of electrical power to an appliance that is delivered by means of at least a first battery and a second battery, said method comprising the following steps: powering the appliance by means of the first battery so long as said first battery has a level of charge sufficient for powering the appliance; when the battery has a level of charge that is insufficient, powering the appliance by means of the second battery; and powering the appliance with both of the batteries in parallel when the levels of charge of both batteries are substantially equal and insufficient for it to be possible to power the appliance using a single one of the batteries. The invention also relates to an electrical power supply circuit for implementing said method, and to a method of powering an appliance when cold.