Rapid Charge Algorithm for Battery-Powered Fluid Analyte Meter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered blood glucose meters face challenges in rapid charging without temperature rise and efficient power management, leading to inaccurate readings and increased battery size and cost due to continuous power consumption during sleep mode.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered meter with a rapid charge algorithm that monitors temperature and adjusts charging rates, implementing a high charge rate initially and then a lower rate to minimize temperature rise and conserve power, along with a battery fuel gauge that tracks charge state and switches off during sleep mode to reduce consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid charging is implemented at high charge rate, then charging speed is improved, but temperature rise occurs which affects measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts the charge rate based on real-time temperature monitoring. The microprocessor controls the battery charger to switch between high charge rate (when temperature is acceptable) and low charge rate (when temperature approaches threshold), optimizing both charging speed and measurement accuracy throughout the charging process
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic temperature monitoring during charging, with the microprocessor checking temperature at regular intervals and adjusting charge rate accordingly. This periodic control allows the system to maintain high charging efficiency while preventing temperature-induced measurement errors
2Loss of information
If continuous battery monitoring is implemented, then state of charge assessment is improved, but power consumption increases requiring larger battery
Solution Approach 1:
The battery fuel gauge operates dynamically, switching between active monitoring mode (when meter is in use) and sleep mode (when meter is inactive). The microprocessor controls the fuel gauge to minimize power consumption while maintaining accurate state of charge tracking, adjusting monitoring intensity based on device usage state
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the battery fuel gauge based on device state. During active use, the fuel gauge operates at full monitoring capability; during sleep mode, it transitions to a low-power state with reduced monitoring frequency, optimizing the balance between information accuracy and power consumption
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 rapid charging with minimal temperature increase, maintaining accurate readings and reducing battery size and cost by optimizing power usage during both active and sleep modes.
Implementation Method 1
A battery charger component capable of executing a rapid charge algorithm for a rechargeable battery includes: monitoring for a connection to an external power source; if the external power source is detected, implementing a charging routine for rapid charging of a battery at a first charge rate
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method is described for rapid charging and power management of a battery for a meter. A charger component is operably associated with the meter and is capable of executing a rapid charge algorithm for a rechargeable battery. The algorithm includes monitoring for a connection to an external power source and implementing a charging routine of a battery at a first charge rate and then at a second charge rate. The second charge rate is lower than the first charge rate. A temperature rise in the rechargeable battery due to the first charge rate has a negligible heat transfer effect on the fluid sample. The meter can also include a power switch for controlling current flow to a battery fuel gauge. The power switch is open when the meter enters into a sleep mode. The state of battery charge is determined after the meter exits the sleep mode.