Multi-Mode Charger Circuit for Adaptive Voltage Conversion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in incorporating a charger that can dynamically adapt to different charging scenarios, leading to increased size and cost due to the need for multiple chargers to handle various operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A multi-mode charger that can operate as a charge pump, direct charger, or other types with different conversion ratios, supporting both wired and wireless charging, and dynamically switching between modes to optimize efficiency for varying temperatures and loads, eliminating the need for additional chargers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chargers are incorporated to handle different charging scenarios, then charging adaptability is improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single charger circuit that can operate in multiple charging modes including charge pump mode, direct charging mode, and wireless charging mode. The charger selectively switches between different conversion ratios (e.g., 2:1, 1:1, 1:2) to handle various charging scenarios, thereby providing universal charging capability without requiring multiple separate charger components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charger dynamically switches between different operating modes and conversion ratios based on real-time charging conditions. The system can transition between charge pump mode, direct charging mode, and wireless charging mode to optimize performance for different scenarios, making the charging system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chargers are incorporated to handle different charging scenarios, then charging adaptability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single charger circuit that can operate in multiple charging modes including charge pump mode, direct charging mode, and wireless charging mode. The charger selectively switches between different conversion ratios (e.g., 2:1, 1:1, 1:2) to handle various charging scenarios, thereby providing universal charging capability without requiring multiple separate charger components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple charging functions (charge pump charging, direct charging, wireless charging) into a single integrated charger circuit. By merging these previously separate functions into one unified component, the system reduces the total number of parts needed, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers overall device cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If a single charger operates in multiple modes, then device size is reduced, but charger complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidcharger complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charger dynamically switches between different operating modes and conversion ratios based on real-time charging conditions. The system can transition between charge pump mode, direct charging mode, and wireless charging mode to optimize performance for different scenarios, making the charging system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The charger changes its operating parameters including conversion ratio and charging mode based on detected charging conditions. The system adjusts parameters such as voltage conversion ratio (2:1, 1:1, 1:2) and switching between different charging methodologies to optimize performance for different battery states and charging scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The multi-mode charger conserves space and reduces costs by adapting to different charging conditions, ensuring efficient charging across various scenarios while providing protection functions for different modes.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one charger is configured to selectively operate in a first mode as a charge pump to generate a first output voltage that is greater than or less than the input voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge pump voltage conversion:

Implementation Method 2

operate in a second mode as a direct charger to generate a second output voltage that is substantially equal to the input voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirect voltage transfer:

Data Source

PatentUS11923715B2Adaptive multi-mode charging

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

An apparatus is disclosed for adaptive multi-mode charging. In an example aspect, the apparatus includes at least one charger having a first node and a second node. The at least one charger is configured to accept an input voltage at the first node. The at least one charger is also configured to selectively operate in a first mode to generate a first output voltage at the second node that is greater than or less than the input voltage or operate in a second mode to generate a second output voltage at the second node that is substantially equal to the input voltage.