Multistage Battery Charge Apparatus with Address Code Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery chargers face inefficiencies when charging multiple batteries in parallel, leading to inconvenient and prolonged charging times as they charge batteries sequentially rather than simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A multistage battery charge apparatus comprising multiple charge modules connected in series, where each module includes a processor, auxiliary power switch, and charge units, allowing for sequential charging based on address codes and mastership control to optimize charging sequences and reduce overall charging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a conventional battery charger charges multiple batteries sequentially, then the charging process is simple to operate, but the total charging time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The charge apparatus is divided into multiple charge modules (first charge module, second charge module, etc.), each capable of independently charging batteries. This segmentation allows parallel charging operations while maintaining modular simplicity, directly reducing total charging time without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple charge modules are combined into a single integrated charge apparatus with shared power input terminals and control logic. The modules work cooperatively under unified management, enabling parallel charging capability while avoiding the complexity of completely independent charging systems.
2Productivity
If multiple charge modules operate independently, then charging parallelism increases, but control and coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each charge module is designed with universal functionality to perform both main charging operations and auxiliary functions (such as providing auxiliary power to subsequent modules). This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components in each module, thereby controlling complexity while maintaining high charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge modules implement feedback mechanisms where each module monitors its charging status and communicates with the overall system controller. This feedback enables coordinated control of parallel charging operations, allowing the system to optimize charging sequences and manage complexity through intelligent coordination rather than purely hardware-based control.
3Reliability
If auxiliary power is provided to subsequent modules, then system coordination improves, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary power switch in each charge module is designed to be turned on in advance before the module begins its main charging operation. This preliminary action ensures that auxiliary power is already available when needed by subsequent modules, improving system coordination and reliability without requiring complex real-time power management decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charge apparatus and a charge system are disclosed. The charge apparatus includes first and second charge module connected to each other. The first charge module is connected to an auxiliary power, makes a processor thereof generate a charge-unit-address code for the charge unit thereof, and turns on an auxiliary switch thereof for transmitting the auxiliary power to the second charge module for activated the second charge module. The second charge module then sends a charge-module-address request to the first charge module to ask for a charge-module-address code. Thereafter, the first charge module performs charge procedure and informs the second charge module to perform charge procedure when battery connected to the first charge module is fully charged. The second charge module then performs charge procedure and sends fully charged information to the first charge module when the battery connected to the second charge module is fully charged.