Power Bank Recharge Estimation via Dynamic Efficiency Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power banks often disappoint users by providing fewer recharges than expected due to inefficiencies in charging transfer and battery capacity loss over time, leading to frustration and inefficient use.

Innovation Solution

A mobile computing device with a communication module and control module that determines the present fuel gauges of both the device and the power bank, calculates charging efficiency factors, and displays the number of potential recharges, allowing for more accurate estimation and efficient use of the power bank.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users calculate recharges based on stated battery capacities, then they can estimate power bank longevity, but the estimation is inaccurate due to efficiency losses and capacity degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecharge estimation accuracyVSAvoidcalculation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual charging transfer between power bank and device, comparing it against theoretical capacity values, and using this information to dynamically adjust and refine the recharge remaining estimates. This closed-loop approach allows the system to learn from actual performance and improve accuracy over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters from static stated capacity values to dynamic measured parameters including actual charging efficiency, real-time fuel gauge readings, and observed capacity degradation. By transitioning from manufacturer-specified parameters to empirically measured parameters, the system achieves more accurate recharge estimation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If power bank provides more recharges, then user satisfaction increases, but charging efficiency losses reduce the actual number of recharges available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of recharges providedVSAvoidcharging efficiency loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful effect of charging efficiency losses into beneficial information by measuring and quantifying these losses. The microcontroller monitors the discrepancy between power bank output and device input, transforming energy loss into useful data about actual capacity and recharge remaining, which then enables more accurate user guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The power bank system performs self-diagnosis and self-characterization by autonomously measuring its own charging efficiency and capacity degradation without external intervention. The microcontroller automatically monitors charging sessions, calculates efficiency metrics, and updates internal models of power bank performance, enabling the device to serve itself in characterizing its actual capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If power bank capacity is maintained over time, then reliability increases, but battery capacity naturally degrades with use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower bank capacity retentionVSAvoidbattery lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary characterization of battery capacity degradation by conducting measurements during early usage phases. By establishing baseline performance and tracking degradation trends from the beginning of the battery's life, the system can predict future capacity retention and provide advance notice to users about remaining power bank longevity, allowing them to plan recharging needs accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution provides users with a more accurate assessment of the power bank's capacity, reducing frustration and enabling more efficient charging practices by accounting for charging efficiency losses and battery health.

Implementation Method 1

A power bank is a portable electronic device, chiefly including a rechargeable battery that is electrically connectable to one or more mobile computing devices. The power bank uses the electrical connection to supply electric charge to respective batteries of the mobile computing device(s).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS11233412B2Intelligent determination of charges remaining via a power bank

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 DURACELL US OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A portable power bank and mobile computing device are described, where the mobile computing device includes a rechargeable battery that receives electric charge from the power bank via an electrical connection. Systems and methods facilitate determination of a “number of potential rechargings” of the mobile computing device battery via the power bank, e.g., how many times the power bank can charge the mobile computing device battery to a desired fuel gauge (e.g., 100%) before the power bank is depleted. The number of potential rechargings is determined based upon the desired fuel gauge of the mobile computing device, present fuel gauges of the mobile computing device and the power bank, and charging efficiency factors corresponding to the mobile computing device and the power bank, respectively.