LED Charge Status Indicator for Supercapacitor Capacity Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable electronic devices powered by rechargeable batteries face challenges in quickly and accurately determining the charge status of supercapacitors, which charge and discharge much faster than traditional batteries, leading to a need for a more informative and efficient charge status indication system.
Innovation Solution
A charging system incorporating a handheld electronic device with a rechargeable power supply, a base charger, a charge sensor, and a charge status indicator using light emitting diodes (LEDs) to display predefined illumination patterns indicating the capacity range of the supercapacitor, allowing users to easily monitor the charge status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single indicator is used to indicate battery charging status, then the device complexity is reduced, but the information provided about charge status is insufficient for supercapacitors that charge much faster
Solution Approach 1:
The single indicator is segmented into multiple indicators (first indicator and second indicator) that can display different charge status information simultaneously. The first indicator shows when the supercapacitor is ready for use, while the second indicator shows when the rechargeable battery is ready for use, providing comprehensive charge status information without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicators use periodic illumination patterns to convey different charge status information. The first indicator illuminates periodically to indicate the supercapacitor is ready for use, while the second indicator illuminates periodically to indicate the battery is ready for use, allowing multiple information states to be communicated through a relatively simple indicator system.
2Loss of information
If users frequently check battery charge status, then accurate charge information is obtained, but user time is wasted on repeated checks
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator system provides continuous visual feedback about the charge status of both the supercapacitor and rechargeable battery. Users can immediately see the charge status without needing to check repeatedly, as the indicators continuously display when each power source is ready for use, eliminating the need for frequent manual checks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional battery charging indication is used, then the indicator system remains simple, but it cannot provide adequate information for the faster charging characteristics of supercapacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator system is designed to serve multiple functions: it indicates when the supercapacitor is ready for use, when the rechargeable battery is ready for use, and provides visual feedback during the charging process. By making the indicator system multi-functional, it can adapt to the faster charging characteristics of supercapacitors while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
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 provides a fast and informative way to indicate the charge status of supercapacitors, enabling users to understand various stages of charge levels, enhancing user experience and reducing the need for frequent checks.
Implementation Method 1
a charge status indicator using light emitting diodes (LEDs) to display predefined illumination patterns
Data Source
AI summary
Charging/recharging systems and charge status indicators are provided. In one implementation, a charge status indicator includes a charge sensing device configured to sense the charge of a rechargeable power supply. The charge status indicator further includes a detection device configured to compare the sensed charge with a plurality of predetermined levels in order to determine one of a plurality of capacity ranges of the rechargeable power supply. The charge status indicator also includes a first light emitting diode (LED), a second LED, and a switching circuit configured to switch the first and second LEDs on and off using a plurality of predefined illumination patterns to indicate the capacity range of the rechargeable power supply.