Fast Battery Charging System with Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current notebook computer charging circuits face challenges in dissipating heat and managing thermal loads when delivering high currents, leading to increased costs and larger, more complex designs.
Innovation Solution
A system that detects the presence of a fast charger and selectively uses either an internal charger or a fast charger module to charge the battery, with the fast charger module handling high currents and heat management externally, thereby reducing thermal and cost burdens on the notebook computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher charging currents are provided to charge the battery faster, then charging speed is improved, but heat generation increases and thermal management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into two separate charging circuits: a first charging circuit for normal charging operations and a second charging circuit specifically for fast charging. This segmentation allows the fast charging circuit to handle high-current operations independently, isolating the thermal burden from the main system and enabling faster charging without proportionally increasing overall system heat management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second charging circuit is extracted as a separate, dedicated fast charging pathway that can be selectively activated. By extracting the high-current charging function into a distinct circuit with its own control logic and switching mechanisms, the patent removes the thermal burden of fast charging from the general system thermal management burden, allowing the main system to operate within normal temperature ranges while fast charging occurs.
2Productivity
If charging circuits are designed to provide higher currents for fast charging, then charging speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between the first charging circuit and the second charging circuit based on detected charging conditions and power availability. Control logic monitors the presence and capabilities of external power sources, then selectively activates the appropriate charging circuit. This dynamic operation allows the system to provide fast charging capability when needed while maintaining normal operational simplicity, avoiding the need for permanently complex circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is designed with multi-functionality, where the first charging circuit handles both normal charging and can work in conjunction with or be replaced by the second charging circuit for fast charging operations. The control logic provides universal management of both circuits, allowing the system to adapt its charging behavior based on external conditions, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated controls for each charging mode and simplifying overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method includes detecting whether a fast charger is coupled to a system having a processor and a memory, providing current to a battery from an internal charger circuit if no fast charger is detected, and providing current to the battery from the fast charger if the fast charger is detected.