Battery Temperature Inference Using Multi-Sensor Thermal Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern portable electronic devices face challenges in determining overall temperature due to diverse heat-generating elements and space limitations, making it difficult to measure battery temperature effectively.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves computing a parameter relating to the battery temperature based on temperature data measured at multiple points, allowing for effective heat control in electronic devices by using a processor to measure temperatures with multiple sensors and adjust operations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed at multiple locations to measure overall device temperature, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal model as an intermediary that mathematically relates temperatures at different locations. Instead of directly measuring all critical points, the model uses measurements from accessible locations (processor surface, device exterior) to infer the battery temperature through thermal conduction relationships, acting as a mediator between measurable and unmeasurable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation of the battery temperature through mathematical modeling rather than physical direct measurement. The thermal model copies the temperature information from measurable locations to the unmeasurable battery location, allowing indirect acquisition of the desired parameter without physical intrusion.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed near the battery to directly measure battery temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but space availability worsens due to limited device interior space
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal model serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between accessible measurement points and the inaccessible battery. By using thermal conduction physics as the mediating mechanism, the system infers battery temperature from processor surface and exterior temperatures without requiring physical sensor placement in the constrained battery vicinity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically installing sensors near the battery with a mathematical/computational approach. Instead of using physical proximity for measurement, the system uses thermal conduction equations and processing power to calculate battery temperature indirectly, substituting mechanical sensor placement with computational analysis.
3Device complexity
If only processor temperature or surface temperature is measured, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to determine overall device temperature and control heat generation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it estimates battery temperature, validates sensor readings, predicts thermal trends, and enables heat control decisions. This single mathematical framework provides universal applicability across different measurement scenarios and control situations, enhancing reliability without proportional increases in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring temperatures at accessible points, using the thermal model to infer battery temperature, and adjusting device operations based on the estimated overall thermal state. The model provides real-time feedback about the unmeasurable battery temperature, enabling proactive heat management before critical thresholds are reached.
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 enables precise control of heat generation in electronic devices by accurately measuring battery temperature and adjusting device functions to maintain optimal operating conditions, thereby preventing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor disposed in a first region of the circuit board that is adjacent to a component in the one or more components, a second temperature sensor disposed in a second region away from the first region
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a battery supplying power to the electronic device, at least one circuit board having one or more components disposed thereon, a first temperature sensor disposed in a first region of the circuit board that is adjacent to one of the one or more components, a second temperature sensor disposed in a second region away from the first region, and a processor configured to measure a first temperature corresponding to the first region using the first temperature sensor, measure a second temperature corresponding to the second region or the outside of the electronic device using the second temperature sensor, determine a third temperature for the battery based at least on the first and second temperatures, and control the use of a resource of the electronic device when the third temperature satisfies a specified condition. Other various embodiments are also possible.