Hybrid Battery Pack Unified Controller Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for portable electronic devices require separate circuits and fuel gauge systems for each power source, leading to increased costs and reduced energy efficiency when using multiple battery cells of different shapes, chemical characteristics, and charging voltages, necessitating additional space and complex management.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid battery pack design that incorporates a single controller to manage and control multiple power sources with different shapes, chemical characteristics, and charging voltages using a shared circuit, including current and temperature sensors, and switching circuits to prevent overcharging and over-discharging, allowing for efficient charging and discharging without interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple power sources of the same type are mounted in one portable electronic apparatus to maximize usable time, then the power supply duration is extended, but the device complexity increases due to requiring separate circuits and fuel gauge systems for each power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power sources of different types (rechargeable battery and disposable battery) into a single battery pack with a unified control circuit. The controller integrates the functions of multiple separate circuits and fuel gauge systems into one centralized management system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining extended power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with universal functionality to manage both rechargeable and disposable battery types through a single interface. It can detect battery types, calculate capacities, and control charging/discharging operations for different power source configurations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each battery type.
2Quantity of substance
If battery cells of different shapes and chemical characteristics are used to maximize space utilization, then the energy efficiency ratio per unit volume is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring separate control circuits for each power source
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with universal functionality to manage both rechargeable and disposable battery types through a single interface. It can detect battery types, calculate capacities, and control charging/discharging operations for different power source configurations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each battery type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on the detected battery type and configuration. The controller modifies charging voltages, current limits, and capacity calculation methods according to the specific characteristics of each battery cell, enabling efficient management of diverse battery shapes and chemistries through a single adaptable circuit.
3Measurement precision
If separate fuel gauge circuits are provided for each power source to accurately calculate capacities, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate fuel gauge circuits into a single integrated controller that can calculate and monitor the capacity of multiple different battery types simultaneously. The controller uses current integration methods and open-circuit voltage measurements to accurately determine the state of charge for each battery type without requiring separate dedicated gauge circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with universal functionality to manage both rechargeable and disposable battery types through a single interface. It can detect battery types, calculate capacities, and control charging/discharging operations for different power source configurations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each battery type.
4Device complexity
If a single controller is used to manage multiple power sources with different characteristics, then the device complexity is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to varying chemical characteristics and charging voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on the detected battery type and configuration. The controller modifies charging voltages, current limits, and capacity calculation methods according to the specific characteristics of each battery cell, enabling efficient management of diverse battery shapes and chemistries through a single adaptable circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor battery voltage, current, and temperature parameters. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts charging parameters and capacity calculations to account for the different chemical characteristics of various battery types, simplifying the detection and measurement process through adaptive control.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
A hybrid battery pack and methods of charging and discharging the same make it possible to manage at least two power sources by one circuit. The hybrid battery pack includes a first power source having a first switching circuit, a second power source connected to the first power source in parallel and having a second switching circuit, a current sensor serially connected to the first and second power sources to sense the currents of the first and second power sources, and a controller to obtain the voltages of the first and second power sources so that the first and second power sources are not over-charged or over-discharged and to calculate the entire capacity of the first and second power sources using the amount of currents obtained by the current sensor.