Pluggable Battery SOC Indicator for Low-Drain 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 and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SOC indicator is segmented from the battery housing into a separate pluggable device. The indicator connects to the battery through a connector that interfaces with existing battery terminals, allowing the indicator to be detached when not in use. This segmentation eliminates the continuous parasitic drain on the battery while maintaining SOC monitoring capability when the indicator is connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The SOC indicator functionality is extracted from the battery housing and implemented as an external device. The indicator contains its own power consumption management circuitry that allows it to draw minimal power during measurement and enter low-power states when not actively monitoring, thereby preserving battery shelf life while maintaining monitoring availability.
2Measurement precision
If SOC indicator is built into battery housing, then SOC is continuously monitored, but power consumption increases and run time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pluggable SOC indicator employs periodic measurement cycles rather than continuous monitoring. The indicator's microcontroller activates the voltage measurement circuitry at predetermined intervals, allows the circuit to settle, takes a measurement, and then enters a low-power sleep mode. This periodic operation significantly reduces average power consumption while maintaining adequate SOC monitoring precision for military battery applications.
3Ease of operation
If built-in SOC indicator is used, then SOC is always visible, but device complexity and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pluggable SOC indicator is designed with a universal connector that interfaces with standard military battery terminals. The indicator can be used with multiple different battery types and configurations, eliminating the need for custom-built-in indicators for each battery application. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining ease of SOC checking.
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 pluggable SOC indicator extends battery run time by minimizing power consumption and allows soldiers to easily check battery voltage without disrupting their operations, while maintaining battery health and reducing maintenance requirements.
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 the 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.