Multi-Path Charger Circuit with Dynamic Control for Heat Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional charger circuits are limited by single charging paths, leading to inefficient charging due to restricted current capacity and heat dissipation issues, resulting in prolonged charging times and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A charger circuit with at least two charging paths, where the control circuit dynamically adjusts the charging paths and currents based on battery feedback and temperature conditions, allowing for optimal charging efficiency and heat management without complex current designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single charging path is used to simplify the circuit design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the charging speed and efficiency deteriorate due to current limitations and heat dissipation issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit design complexityVSAvoidcharging speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging circuit is divided into multiple independent charging paths (first charging path with first charging current, second charging path with second charging current). Each path can be independently controlled by the control circuit based on battery status and temperature conditions, enabling flexible current adjustment without increasing overall circuit complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a single charging path with integrated circuit is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the charging efficiency deteriorates due to heat dissipation limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration easeVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The charging function is segmented into multiple paths where the first charging path can be integrated into the IC and the second charging path can be external. This segmentation allows the system to utilize both integrated and external components, improving heat dissipation capability while maintaining manufacturing ease through partial integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimension charging approach to a multi-dimensional charging architecture with multiple parallel paths. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous charging through different current paths, improving overall charging efficiency and heat management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a single charging path is used to reduce device complexity, then the ease of operation is improved, but the charging time increases due to current restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit configurationVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit dynamically adjusts the charging configuration by selectively activating the first charging path, second charging path, or both simultaneously based on real-time battery feedback signals and temperature detection. This dynamic switching enables the system to optimize charging current without requiring complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit receives battery feedback signals indicating charging status and temperature conditions, then automatically adjusts the charging current by controlling which path(s) are active. This feedback mechanism enables adaptive charging that reduces charging time while maintaining safety without increasing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8653795B2Charger circuit
Publication Date: 2014.02.18 RICHTEK TECH
  • US8653795B2 patent drawing
  • US8653795B2 patent drawing
  • US8653795B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses a charger circuit. The charger circuit comprises a control circuit and at least two charging paths. The control circuit determines to activate or inactivate each charging path according to a battery feedback signal representing the charging status. Accordingly, the battery is charged by input power in an optimal way so that the charging efficiency is improved and the overheating problem is solved.