Dynamic Charging Current Control for Battery Thermal Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging methods for electronic devices set a fixed charging current regardless of the device's usage state, leading to inefficiencies as the device may charge even when not in active use, resulting in unnecessary heat emission and prolonged charging times.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that dynamically adjust the charging current based on the device's operation state, using sensors and power consumption metrics to determine whether the device is in an active or inactive state, and adjust the charging current accordingly, with the option to enter a rapid charging mode that limits application usage to maximize charging speed within safe heat emission ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed charging current is set in advance to ensure safety under heavy use conditions, then heat emission is controlled within safe limits, but charging efficiency decreases and charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging current is changed from a fixed value to a dynamic value that adjusts based on the device's operational state. The controller monitors whether the device is in heavy use or light use conditions and automatically selects appropriate charging current values, enabling the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions and optimize both safety and charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging current parameter is modified based on the operational state of the device. Under heavy use conditions, a lower charging current is applied to maintain safe heat emission levels. Under light use conditions, a higher charging current is permitted to accelerate charging. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing optimal charging speed while maintaining safety margins.
2Reliability
If a low charging current is used to control heat emission during heavy use, then safety is maintained, but charging time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts charging current based on real-time monitoring of device usage patterns. When the device transitions from heavy use to light use, the charging current is increased to reduce overall charging time, while still maintaining heat emission control during high-activity periods. This temporal differentiation resolves the time-loss issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller proactively monitors device usage patterns and anticipates transitions between heavy and light use states. By preparing to switch to higher charging currents when light use conditions are detected, the system minimizes the time spent at lower charging currents, thereby reducing total charging time while maintaining safety during critical periods.
3Productivity
If a high charging current is used to reduce charging time, then charging efficiency improves, but heat emission exceeds safe limits during heavy use
Solution Approach 1:
The charging current parameter is conditionally adjusted based on device operational state. During heavy use, the parameter is constrained to lower values to prevent excessive heat generation. During light use, the parameter is increased to maximize charging speed. This conditional parameter modification allows the system to achieve high charging speeds when safe to do so.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors device temperature and usage patterns, using this feedback to adjust charging current in real-time. When sensors detect conditions approaching thermal thresholds during heavy use, the controller automatically reduces charging current to maintain safe operating temperatures, preventing harmful heat accumulation while still enabling efficient charging when conditions permit.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and an apparatus for rapid charging in an electronic device are provided. In a method for charging a battery of an electronic device, an operation environment of the electronic device is determined. A charging current corresponding to the operation environment of the electronic device is set. Battery charging is started using the set charging current. The battery is charged using a maximum allowed charging current, such that a battery charging time may be reduced.