Pluggable Battery SOC Indicator for On-Demand Charge Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SOC indicators for batteries are often built into the battery housing, making it impractical for soldiers to check the state of charge without removing their rucksack, and they continuously drain the battery, reducing shelf life and increasing maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable SOC indicator that connects to the battery via a slip-on, non-locking connector, allowing intermittent voltage measurement without modifying the battery housing, and only draws power when actively attached, providing a lightweight and portable solution for monitoring battery charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SOC indicator is built into battery housing, then SOC monitoring is always available, but battery shelf life is reduced due to continuous power draw
Solution Approach 1:
The SOC indicator is separated from the battery housing into an independent removable device. This segmentation allows the indicator to be detached when not in use, eliminating continuous power draw on the battery while maintaining monitoring capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The SOC indicator operates intermittently rather than continuously. It draws power only when attached to the battery for monitoring, following a periodic on-demand operation pattern that preserves battery shelf life between monitoring instances.
2Reliability
If SOC indicator is built into battery housing, then SOC can be monitored continuously, but soldier must remove rucksack to check battery
Solution Approach 1:
A cable connector serves as an intermediary between the battery and the SOC indicator. The connector allows the indicator to be attached externally to the battery, enabling monitoring without requiring access to the battery housing interior or removal of the rucksack.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SOC indicator is built into battery housing, then monitoring is integrated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into separate modular components: the battery with its native connector and the standalone SOC indicator device. This modular segmentation avoids complex integration into the battery housing while maintaining full monitoring functionality through simple external connection.
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
Enables soldiers to easily check battery voltage without removing their rucksack, extends battery run time by minimizing continuous power draw, and reduces maintenance needs, while maintaining situational awareness and safety.
Implementation Method 1
control electronics capable of measuring a voltage received from the at least one voltage input connector when the voltage input connector is electrically coupled to the at least one voltage output connector of a battery or battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable state-of-charge (SOC) indicator and methods of use are disclosed. The pluggable SOC indicator includes at least one voltage input jack for connecting to a battery, at least one instance of control electronics, and at least one SOC indicator, such as a 5-bar liquid crystal display (LCD). Embodiments of the pluggable SOC indicator include, but are not limited to, a pluggable single-connector SOC indicator, a pluggable dual-connector SOC indicator, a pluggable tri-connector SOC indicator, and a pluggable quad-connector SOC indicator. Further, the control electronics are programmable for any input voltage range and/or battery discharge characteristics.