Multi-Cell Power Supply Circuit for Lower Voltage Conversion Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

The electrical energy utilization efficiency of power supply solutions in electronic devices such as laptops is relatively low, leading to reduced battery life.

Innovation Solution

A power supply circuit with a battery module and multiple voltage converters is employed, where each converter is connected to the positive electrodes of different battery cells, minimizing the voltage difference across their terminals to enhance efficiency and reduce losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the input terminal of the second voltage converter is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery cell, then the voltage difference across the second voltage converter is larger, but the working efficiency of the second voltage converter decreases and voltage losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage lossesVSAvoidconnection configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery module is segmented into multiple battery cells (first battery cell and second battery cell) with separate positive electrodes. The second voltage converter is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery cell rather than the first, creating separate voltage conversion paths that minimize voltage differences and reduce energy losses in each converter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If the voltage difference across the second voltage converter is increased, then the output voltage capability is improved, but the working efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage capabilityVSAvoidworking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Each voltage converter is configured with optimal local voltage characteristics by connecting to the positive electrode of its corresponding battery cell. The first voltage converter receives voltage from the first battery cell's positive electrode, and the second voltage converter receives voltage from the second battery cell's positive electrode, ensuring each operates with minimal voltage difference for maximum efficiency while maintaining required output capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration improves the working efficiency of the voltage converters, reduces voltage losses, and extends the battery life of the electronic device by optimizing energy utilization.

Implementation Method 1

a first voltage converter, configured to convert the first battery voltage into a first operating voltage, and output the first operating voltage to the first load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second voltage converter, configured to convert the second battery voltage into a second operating voltage, and output the second operating voltage to the second load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4645645A1Power supply circuit and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4645645A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4645645A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4645645A1 patent drawingFigure 3(1)~3(4)

AI summary

This application provides a power supply circuit and an electronic device, to extend a battery life of the electronic device. The power supply circuit includes: a battery module, where the battery module includes at least one power supply branch, each power supply branch includes a first battery cell and a second battery cell, and a negative electrode of the first battery cell in each power supply branch is connected to a positive electrode of the second battery cell; a first voltage converter, where an input terminal thereof is connected to a positive electrode of the first battery cell, an output terminal thereof is connected to a first load, and the first voltage converter is configured to convert a first battery voltage into a first operating voltage; and a second voltage converter, where an input terminal thereof is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery cell, an output terminal thereof is connected to a second load, the second voltage converter is configured to convert a second battery voltage into a second operating voltage, and a first absolute difference between the second battery voltage and the second operating voltage is less than a second absolute difference between the first battery voltage and the second operating voltage.