Multi-Battery Charging System with Current Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face extended charging times and reduced battery life due to conventional charging methods, which negatively impact user experience and increase replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that simultaneously charge plural batteries using a constant current mode to a predetermined level followed by a constant voltage mode, supported by current regulating circuitry, to reduce overall charging time and enhance battery longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If pulse charging technique is used to reduce charging time, then charging time is reduced, but battery life expectancy is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through pulse charging techniques where charging current is applied in periodic pulses rather than continuously. This allows the battery to undergo controlled charge-discharge cycles at the cellular level, enabling faster charging while managing thermal and chemical stress to preserve battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes charging parameters dynamically by adjusting voltage and current levels based on battery state of charge, temperature, and age. This includes using different current rates for different charging stages and modifying pulse width and frequency to optimize both charging speed and battery longevity.
2Productivity
If constant current charging is applied to charge batteries quickly, then charging speed is improved, but battery life is reduced due to chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charging control where charging parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time battery conditions. The system transitions from constant current to constant voltage phases, and incorporates pulse charging with variable duty cycles to maintain optimal charging speed while preventing excessive chemical reactions that would degrade battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms to monitor battery voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge, then adjusts charging parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents overcharging, manages thermal effects, and adapts to battery aging, thereby maintaining fast charging performance while preserving battery lifespan.
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
This approach significantly reduces charging time while minimizing the negative impact on battery life, allowing information handling system batteries to reach full charge faster and extending their overall lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
Plural batteries are simultaneously charged by an information handling system to obtain a reduced overall charging time. A constant current charge mode provides a predetermined charge level followed by a constant voltage charge mode to a full charge
Implementation Method 2
The constant voltage charge mode supported by current regulating circuitry at one or more of the batteries
Data Source
AI summary
Plural batteries installed in an information handling system are simultaneously charged in a constant current mode to a predetermined charge and then in a constant voltage mode to a full charge to provide a reduced charge time and improved battery life. A current regulator integrated in a battery casing monitors current applied at the battery to maintain constant voltage charging. Voltage to ground of the other batteries is monitored to adjust current at those batteries where voltages in all of the battery cells are maintained substantially equal during charging.