Dynamic Battery Charging Order Based on Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for managing power in dual battery packs in portable devices take longer to charge due to fixed discharging and charging orders, regardless of battery capacities, leading to inefficient power use and extended charging times.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that detect the charging currents of each battery pack and dynamically determine the discharging and charging order based on the detected currents, prioritizing the battery pack with a higher charging current for charging and discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed discharging and charging order is used for dual battery packs, then the power management system is simple to implement, but the charging time is extended and power use efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charging and discharging order selection based on real-time detection of battery pack charging currents. The system switches between first charging order (when first battery pack has higher current) and second charging order (when second battery pack has higher current), making the power management system adaptive rather than fixed. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by accepting increased control complexity to achieve significantly reduced charging time and improved power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charging/discharging parameters (order and current allocation) based on detected battery pack states. By monitoring charging current values and adjusting the charging order accordingly, the system optimizes power distribution. This parameter change strategy allows the system to adapt to different battery conditions, reducing overall charging time while maintaining manageable complexity through rule-based parameter adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If battery packs are charged in a predetermined order regardless of charging current, then the control method is simple, but the power use efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously detecting the charging current of each battery pack and using this information to determine the optimal charging and discharging order. The system feeds back the current state information to the power management controller, which then adjusts the charging strategy accordingly. This feedback loop improves power use efficiency while maintaining relatively simple control logic based on clear decision rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system performs self-optimization by automatically detecting battery pack characteristics and adjusting charging orders without user intervention. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about power distribution based on real-time measurements, improving power efficiency while keeping the user interface simple and the control method straightforward.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the number of battery packs is increased to extend duration, then the battery duration is extended, but the weight and size of the device are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the existing charging current information that is already being monitored by the battery management system for other purposes. By repurposing this existing data for charging order optimization, the system achieves improved power efficiency and reduced charging time without adding extra sensors or increasing device weight. This extraction of useful information from existing measurements resolves the contradiction efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
To manage power of battery packs, charging currents and remaining capacities of the battery packs may be detected. An order for charging and discharging the battery packs may be determined based on the charging currents. The battery packs may be charged or discharged in the determined order based on whether an external voltage is detected. The battery packs may be charged using charging voltages with associated currents corresponding to the detected charging currents.