Dynamic Threshold Charging Controller for MFP Secondary Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries in electronic devices, such as MFPs, experience a 'memory effect' when repeatedly charged at a constant threshold voltage, leading to rapid voltage drops and incorrect judgments of battery end-of-life, even though the battery still has usable capacity.
Innovation Solution
A power-source device with a controller that adjusts the threshold voltage for charging based on the number of charge control operations, transitioning from pulse charging to trickle charging, and updating the threshold voltage to prevent memory effects and ensure stable power supply to the accepting unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the secondary battery is repeatedly charged at a constant threshold voltage, then the charging operation is simple and consistent, but the memory effect occurs causing rapid voltage drops and incorrect end-of-life judgments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the threshold voltage adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the threshold voltage based on the number of charge control operations performed. Initially, a first threshold voltage is used, and after a predetermined number of operations, it switches to a second threshold voltage that is lower than the first. This dynamic adjustment prevents the memory effect while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by modifying the threshold voltage parameter based on the charge operation count. The system monitors the number of charge control operations and adjusts the threshold voltage parameter accordingly. This parameter change strategy prevents the memory effect from occurring due to repetitive charging at the same voltage threshold, thereby maintaining battery voltage stability and preventing incorrect end-of-life judgments.
2Reliability
If the threshold voltage is adjusted based on charge operation count, then the memory effect is prevented, but the charging control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the feedback principle by implementing a control mechanism that monitors the number of charge control operations performed and uses this information to adjust the threshold voltage. The controller counts each charge operation and provides feedback to determine whether to use the first or second threshold voltage. This feedback-based approach systematically manages the complexity while ensuring reliable prevention of the memory effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by pre-establishing the switching criterion based on the number of charge operations. The system is configured in advance to switch from the first threshold voltage to the second threshold voltage after a predetermined number of operations. This preliminary setup simplifies the control logic by using a clear, pre-defined switching condition rather than requiring complex real-time analysis.
3Loss of energy
If the secondary battery supplies power to the accepting unit in waiting state, then power consumption is reduced, but the battery capacity may decrease below the level needed for accepting unit operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by proactively charging the secondary battery before its capacity drops below the level needed for accepting unit operation. The controller monitors battery capacity and performs charge control operations when the capacity reaches a predetermined threshold, ensuring the battery is recharged in advance. This prevents the scenario where the battery capacity becomes insufficient for accepting unit operation while still maintaining the power-saving waiting state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the feedback principle by implementing a monitoring and control system that tracks secondary battery capacity and adjusts charging operations accordingly. When the battery capacity decreases to a predetermined level, the system provides feedback to trigger a charge control operation. This feedback mechanism ensures the battery capacity is maintained at sufficient levels for accepting unit operation while maximizing power-saving opportunities in the waiting state.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic device comprising: processing unit including accepting part accepting processing request from external device and executing process specified by request; secondary battery connected with external power source; and power-source device transitioning to operating state when request is accepted in waiting state, and transitioning to waiting state when processing unit completes executing process, wherein, in waiting state, power supply from external power source to processing unit is stopped and secondary battery supplies power to accepting part, and in operating state, power is supplied from external power source to processing unit. Power-source device includes controller executing first charge control operation to cause external power source to charge secondary battery when, in operating state, voltage of secondary battery is not higher than threshold, and end executing first charge control operation when transitioning to waiting state, controller updating threshold in response to increase in number of times first charge control operation is executed.