Portable Hearing Aid Charger With SoC-Based Fast Partial Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging methods for hearing assistance devices are inadequate for on-the-go use, as they require hours to charge and leave users without access to their devices during the charging process, posing a 'dead battery' risk.
Innovation Solution
A portable charging unit that implements accelerated charging by increasing the charge rate above 1.0C when the battery state of charge is between 5% and 45%, allowing partial charging within a short timeframe, enabling continued device use and rapid replenishment of the battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional charging methods are used, then the battery is charged safely, but the charging time is too long (hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts the charge rate based on the battery's state of charge (SoC). When SoC is between 5% and 45%, the system applies an accelerated charge rate above 1.0C to rapidly replenish the battery. When SoC exceeds this range, the system transitions to a normal charge rate at or below 1.0C to complete charging safely, thereby reducing overall charging time while maintaining battery safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charging parameter (charge rate) based on the battery's state of charge. By monitoring SoC and adjusting the charge rate accordingly—using above 1.0C for partial charging and at or below 1.0C for full charging—the system optimizes both charging speed and battery safety, resolving the contradiction between fast charging and safe charging
2Productivity
If accelerated charging above 1.0C is applied, then charging speed is improved, but battery safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the charging parameter (charge rate) based on the battery's state of charge. By monitoring SoC and adjusting the charge rate accordingly—using above 1.0C for partial charging and at or below 1.0C for full charging—the system optimizes both charging speed and battery safety, resolving the contradiction between fast charging and safe charging
Solution Approach 2:
The power management circuitry continuously monitors the battery's state of charge and provides feedback to the charging circuitry. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust the charge rate to maintain battery safety while achieving fast charging when conditions permit
3Reliability
If the battery is fully charged before use, then device availability is ensured, but the user must wait hours without using the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial charging action by using an accelerated charge rate above 1.0C to charge the battery only to the extent needed for immediate use (partial charging to 5-45% SoC range). This allows the user to quickly obtain several hours of device availability without waiting for complete battery replenishment, thereby reducing waiting time while ensuring device availability for near-term needs
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
First and second hearing assistance devices each comprise a rechargeable power source and power management circuitry configured to control charging of the power sources. A portable charging unit comprises an interface configured to receive a connector of a power cable or a power and data cable, a rechargeable power source coupled to the interface, first and second charge ports configured to receive the first and second hearing assistance devices, and charging circuitry coupled to the first and second charge ports and to the rechargeable power source of the charging unit. The power management circuitry and the charging circuitry cooperate to partially charge the power sources of the hearing assistance devices at an accelerated charge rate above 1.0C when a state of charge (SoC) of the power sources is within a predetermined SoC range.