Dual-MCU Battery Charger Mode Switching With Opto-Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery chargers lack efficient control over charge modes for multiple power tool battery packs, leading to suboptimal charging operations and potential power management issues.
Innovation Solution
A battery charger system incorporating a first and second microcontroller unit, along with an opto-isolation circuit, to control and communicate the selected charge mode across multiple battery packs, allowing for efficient charging operations and indicator control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single microcontroller unit is used to control charge operations for multiple battery packs, then device complexity is reduced, but charging efficiency and power management capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into multiple independent microcontroller units, each responsible for controlling charge operations of specific battery packs. This segmentation allows parallel processing of charging tasks, improving overall charging efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Each microcontroller unit is designed to be multi-functional, capable of independently managing charge operations, communicating charge mode selections, and controlling indicators for multiple battery packs. This universality allows the system to handle multiple battery packs efficiently without requiring dedicated controllers for each pack
2Productivity
If multiple microcontroller units are used to control charge operations for multiple battery packs, then charging efficiency and power management are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an opto-isolation circuit as an intermediary communication interface between microcontroller units. This mediator enables efficient parallel control of multiple battery packs while isolating the microcontrollers from direct electrical connections, thereby managing system complexity through standardized communication protocols and electrical isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where microcontroller units communicate charge mode selections and operational status through the opto-isolation circuit. This feedback loop allows coordinated control across multiple battery packs, enabling efficient power management while maintaining system stability through standardized communication
3Speed
If charge mode is communicated between microcontroller units through direct electrical connection, then communication speed is improved, but electrical isolation and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The opto-isolation circuit serves as an intermediary that enables reliable communication between microcontroller units while providing electrical isolation. This mediator maintains system reliability by preventing electrical interference and ground loops, while still allowing rapid digital signal transmission for charge mode communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical connections with optical isolation technology. This substitution eliminates the need for galvanic connections between microcontroller units, providing electrical isolation and improved safety while maintaining fast digital communication through light-based signal transmission
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 system enables precise control over charge modes, optimizing charging efficiency and power management for multiple battery packs, while also providing clear indicators for user feedback.
Implementation Method 1
communicate, via an opto-isolation circuit, the selected charge mode to the second microcontroller unit
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for controlling a charge mode for a battery charger. One system includes a first microcontroller unit configured to charge a first battery pack via a first power source, a second microcontroller unit configured to charge a second battery pack via a second power source, the second power source electrically isolated from the first power source, an opto-isolation circuit, and an input mechanism. The first microcontroller unit configured to receive a signal output by the input mechanism representing a selected charge mode, control charging of the first battery pack via the first power source based on the selected charge mode, and communicate the selected charge mode to the second microcontroller unit via the opto-isolation circuit.