Earbud Case Charging Voltage Feedback for Lower Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearable devices face inefficiencies in power delivery from a case to earbuds due to lossy linear charging, leading to reduced battery life and increased heat generation, necessitating improved charging efficiency to maximize usage while minimizing battery size.
Innovation Solution
A system with a power source device and a power receiver device that uses a buck-boost regulator and communication line to dynamically adjust voltage output based on feedback from the receiver, ensuring optimal voltage delivery and enhancing power delivery efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If linear charging is used to transfer power from the case to smaller earbuds, then the charging mechanism is simple, but the power delivery efficiency is very low (under 80%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically during charging. The case device adjusts its output voltage based on feedback from the earbuds to maintain optimal charging efficiency. This involves transitioning from fixed voltage linear charging to variable voltage switching charging, improving power delivery efficiency while managing complexity through controlled parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic voltage adjustment capability where the charging voltage is not fixed but changes based on real-time conditions. The case device can switch between different voltage levels and adjust the charging rate dynamically, transforming the static linear charging process into a dynamic switching charging process that adapts to battery state and power availability.
2Loss of energy
If a bigger battery is used in the case to compensate for low charging efficiency, then the power delivery efficiency improves (more power available), but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing battery size, the patent changes the charging parameter efficiency by implementing variable voltage switching charging. This allows the existing battery capacity to deliver power more efficiently to the earbuds, reducing energy loss during transfer without requiring additional battery mass in the case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the inefficiency from the charging process by removing the resistive voltage dropping element characteristic of linear charging. By using switching regulation, the system eliminates the inherent power loss mechanism, allowing efficient power delivery from the existing battery capacity without needing extra battery mass to compensate for losses.
3Device complexity
If linear charging is used with higher voltage drop, then the voltage regulation is simpler, but heat generation increases and battery life shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment where the case device actively monitors and adjusts its output voltage based on feedback from the earbuds. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain minimal voltage drop across the charging interface, reducing resistive heating while preserving the relative simplicity of voltage regulation through feedback-based adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the earbuds communicate their charging status and voltage requirements back to the case device. This feedback loop enables the case to adjust its output voltage in real-time, maintaining optimal voltage levels that minimize heat generation while keeping voltage regulation manageable through information-based control.
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 achieves significant improvements in power delivery efficiency, extending battery life and reducing heat generation, allowing for smaller battery sizes and improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a buck-boost regulator adapted to receive input from the voltage source and provide a variable voltage output
Implementation Method 2
a linear charger adapted to receive a voltage from the power source device through the power line, a battery adapted to receive output from the linear charger
Implementation Method 3
The controller of the power source device causes the buck-boost regulator to adjust its voltage output based on the feedback from the power receiver device
Data Source
AI summary
A first electronic device, electronically coupled to a second device for supplying a charge to the second electronic device, tracks the voltage requirements of the second device and dynamically adjusts its output voltage upwards or downwards to match such requirements. The second electronic device may provide feedback to the first electronic device through a feedback loop. The feedback may include an indication of the voltage requirements and/or instructions for adjusting the voltage output of the first electronic device. The second device may be, for example, a wearable audio device, while the first device is a case for the wearable audio device.