Programmable Battery Charger Using Dynamic Parameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging systems are inflexible and inefficient, leading to prolonged charging times, potential battery damage, and reduced useful lifetime due to mismatched voltage and current settings, which vary by battery type and change over time.
Innovation Solution
A programmable battery charging system that stores and adjusts charging parameters such as constant currents, voltages, and timers using programmable data storage elements and software algorithms, allowing for dynamic control of charging processes to optimize battery charging efficiency across a range of values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If static charging systems are used with fixed voltage and current settings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the charging efficiency deteriorates and battery characteristics cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charging parameters by replacing fixed static settings with programmable voltage and current values that can be modified through software. The charging system dynamically adjusts parameters based on battery state and charging stage, allowing optimization of charging efficiency without permanent hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by storing multiple sets of charging parameters (voltages, currents, time constants) in memory and selecting appropriate parameters programmatically. This allows the system to adapt charging characteristics to match specific battery types and charging requirements, improving efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through software control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If charging parameters are fixed for a specific power source and battery type, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different battery types and changing characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal charging system capable of handling multiple battery types and charging scenarios through programmable parameters. By storing diverse charging profiles in memory and selecting them based on battery identification or user selection, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each battery type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software copies of charging parameter sets stored in memory to represent different charging regimes. Instead of duplicating hardware circuits for each battery type, the system creates virtual copies of charging profiles that can be loaded and executed, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If inefficient charging parameters are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the charging time increases and battery lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor battery voltage, current, and temperature during charging, then use this information to adjust charging parameters in real-time. This feedback loop ensures optimal charging conditions are maintained throughout the process, extending battery life while managing complexity through controlled adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of charging parameters based on battery identification or user input before the actual charging begins. By pre-loading appropriate voltage, current, and time constants into registers, the system prepares optimal charging conditions in advance, preventing damage from inappropriate parameters while keeping the charging control logic relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of charging a battery comprising storing a plurality of charging parameters in one or more programmable data storage elements. The charging parameters may be used to program a variety of battery charging parameters including constant currents, voltages, thresholds, timers, or temperature controls. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a software algorithm that changes the charging parameters to improve battery charging efficiency.