Multi-Rate Battery Charging via Dynamic Current Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices require faster battery charging without damaging the battery, as higher charge rates can reduce battery life and increase power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A multi-rate charge method is implemented, where different charge currents are applied to a battery based on its electrical measurements, such as capacity level and maximum safe voltage, using a computing system with a processor and charger to dynamically adjust the charge current to optimize charging time and battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a higher charge rate is applied to charge the battery faster, then the charging time is reduced, but the battery life is reduced and the battery can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant charge rate to a dynamic multi-rate charge process. The charge rate is adjusted in real-time based on battery state (temperature, charge level, current acceptance), allowing the system to optimize charging speed while preventing damage. The charge process moves through different phases (constant current, constant voltage, tapering) with varying rates adapted to battery needs at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the charge rate parameter dynamically during the charging process. Instead of maintaining a single high charge rate, the system varies the charge rate through multiple phases: initial high rate when battery is cold and empty, reduced rate as battery warms up or approaches full charge, and tapering rate near 100% capacity. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing fast charging when safe and reducing rate when necessary to protect battery life.
2Device complexity
If a constant current is sent to the battery for charging, then the charging process is simple, but the charging time is significant and extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging process into multiple distinct phases, each with its own charge rate characteristics. The charge process is divided into: initial constant current phase, constant voltage phase, and tapering phase. Each phase has optimized charge rates appropriate to the battery state, enabling faster overall charging compared to a single constant rate while maintaining manageable system complexity through phase-based control.
3Speed
If a higher charge rate is applied to reduce charging time, then the charging speed increases, but heat production increases and can damage the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring battery temperature, charge level, and current acceptance during charging. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the charge rate to prevent excessive heat generation. When temperature rises or charge level increases, the feedback mechanism reduces the charge rate, maintaining safe operating conditions while maximizing charging speed when conditions permit.
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 method reduces heat production within the battery, increases battery cycle life, and allows for faster charging without compromising battery longevity.
Implementation Method 1
charging a battery using a multi-rate charge
Implementation Method 2
batteries that provide power to the mobile computing devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for applying a multi-rate charge to a battery are included herein. The method includes detecting a plurality of predetermined electrical measurements and a plurality of predetermined charge currents. The method also includes detecting an electrical measurement of the battery. Additionally, the method includes selecting a charge current from the plurality of predetermined charge currents to be applied to the battery based on the electrical measurement of the battery and the plurality of predetermined electrical measurements. Furthermore, the method includes applying the charge current to the battery. The method also includes detecting a plurality of subsequent electrical measurements of the battery. In addition, the method includes applying a plurality of subsequent charge currents to the battery based on the plurality of subsequent electrical measurements of the battery and the plurality of predetermined charge currents.