Multi-Battery Charging Station With Total Current Limiting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electric garden equipment face inefficiencies in charging multiple batteries simultaneously, as existing methods either require multiple chargers, leading to high costs, or sequential charging that prolongs the overall charging time, and can cause electrical power supply fuses to blow due to high current draw.
Innovation Solution
A charging station with a controller that manages charging currents, allowing for simultaneous charging of multiple batteries by determining if a primary battery is connected and limiting the total charging current to prevent fuse blowing, using a combination of quick and slow charging modes through relays and external chargers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If multiple quick chargers are used to simultaneously charge multiple batteries, then charging time is reduced, but current draw increases causing fuse blowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple charging functions into a single charging station that can charge multiple batteries simultaneously. The charging station integrates a charging terminal for primary batteries and electrical outlets for secondary batteries, managing all charging operations through one device with a unified current management system, thereby preventing fuse blowing while maintaining simultaneous charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station dynamically adjusts charging parameters by monitoring total current draw and modifying charging currents supplied to individual batteries. When the sum of charging currents approaches the threshold value, the controller reduces individual charging currents to maintain total current below the fuse blowing threshold, enabling simultaneous charging without harmful effects.
2Productivity
If multiple chargers are used to charge multiple batteries simultaneously, then charging efficiency is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station performs multiple charging functions through a single device. It can charge a primary battery at the charging terminal and simultaneously charge multiple secondary batteries through electrical outlets, replacing the need for multiple separate chargers while maintaining the ability to charge multiple batteries at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple independent chargers into one integrated charging station. The station combines charging terminals, electrical outlets, current sensing capabilities, and control logic into a single device that can manage multiple battery charging operations, thereby reducing the total number of chargers needed while preserving charging efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sequential charging is used to avoid fuse blowing, then current draw is controlled, but overall charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station employs dynamic current management where the controller continuously monitors the sum of charging currents and adjusts individual charging currents in real-time. This dynamic adjustment allows multiple batteries to be charged simultaneously while ensuring the total current remains below the fuse blowing threshold, eliminating the need for sequential charging while maintaining fuse protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control by sensing the charging current supplied to each battery and the total current draw. Based on this feedback, the controller modifies charging parameters to keep total current within safe limits, enabling simultaneous charging without exceeding fuse ratings while minimizing total charging time.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging station for charging a plurality of batteries includes a charging terminal for charging a primary battery of the plurality of batteries in a first charging mode and a second charging mode, and at least one electrical outlet to enable connection of at least one external charger to enable a charging of at least one secondary battery of the plurality of batteries. The charging station also includes a controller configured to determine if the primary battery is connected to the charging terminal, and determine a charging current being supplied to the primary battery upon determination that the primary battery is connected to the charging terminal. The controller is configured to control the charging of the at least one secondary battery to limit a total charging current of the charging station equal to or below a threshold value.