Programmable Switching Battery Charger with Dynamic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery chargers are inflexible and inefficient, leading to suboptimal charging times and reduced battery lifespan due to fixed voltage and current settings that do not adapt to changing battery characteristics or specific device requirements.
Innovation Solution
A programmable switching battery charger system that uses a switching regulator with digital control, sensing battery voltage and current to adjust charging parameters dynamically, allowing for variable voltage and current settings based on sensed conditions and stored charging parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If static charging systems with fixed voltage and current settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but charging efficiency and battery lifespan are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charging by allowing the charger to adjust voltage and current settings in real-time based on battery state feedback. The system transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic variable parameters, enabling the charging profile to adapt continuously during the charging process, thereby improving charging efficiency without requiring overly complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the charging system monitors battery parameters (such as voltage, current, and temperature) and uses this information to adjust charging settings. This closed-loop control enables the system to optimize charging efficiency automatically, reducing the need for complex pre-programming while maintaining high performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed voltage and current settings are applied to all batteries, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different battery characteristics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the charging system to automatically identify and adapt to different battery types and states without requiring manual configuration by the user. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment of charging parameters based on detected battery characteristics, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability across various battery types and conditions.
3Speed
If high current is supplied to charge the battery quickly, then charging speed is improved, but battery damage risk and lifespan reduction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic adjustment of charging current, alternating between higher current phases for faster charging and lower current phases for battery protection. This pulsed or cyclical charging approach allows the system to achieve higher average charging speeds while preventing continuous high-stress conditions that would damage the battery, thereby balancing speed and reliability.
4Loss of energy
If inefficient charging processes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but charging time and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes energy efficiency by dynamically changing charging parameters (voltage, current, frequency) based on real-time battery conditions. The system adjusts these parameters to operate at optimal efficiency points, minimizing energy losses during charging. This intelligent parameter adjustment achieves high energy efficiency without requiring excessively complex system architecture, as the changes are implemented through controlled modulation rather than hardware complexity.
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 approach enhances charging efficiency, optimizes battery capacity, and extends battery lifespan by adapting to individual battery characteristics and charging conditions, improving both charging speed and overall battery health.
Implementation Method 1
a switching regulator having at least one switching transistor, the switching transistor having first input and a first output... the switching regulator is configured to receive a USB voltage, and in accordance therewith, generate a switching signal to the control terminal of the switching transistor
Implementation Method 2
a filter having a first input and a first output, wherein the first input of the filter is coupled to the first output of the switching transistor... a switching current and switching voltage at the output of the switching transistor are coupled through the filter to generate a filtered current and a filtered voltage
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A programmable switching battery charger comprising a switching regulator having at least one switching transistor, the switching transistor having first input and a first output, wherein the first input of the switching transistor is coupled to a USB power source; a filter having a first input and a first output, wherein the first input of the filter is coupled to the first output of the switching transistor; a battery coupled to the first output of the filter; at least one controller coupled to at least one sensing input, to a programmable data storage element and to a control terminal of the switching transistor, wherein the programmable data storage element is adapted to configure the controller to set a signal to the battery and a corresponding method for charging a battery.