External Relay Charge Controller for Lithium Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-based batteries in consumer devices suffer reduced cycle life and capacity due to overcharging, which is exacerbated by high temperatures, and existing solutions lack user control over charging regimes, leading to premature battery degradation.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated charge state control system using a hardware device with a microprocessor and relay circuit, connected via communication protocols like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, that limits battery charging to a user-set percentage below full capacity, preventing overcharging and extending battery life without requiring device modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If manufacturers charge lithium cells to the highest voltage possible to maximize time between charges, then the initial battery capacity and time between charges is improved, but the overall usable battery life and cycle life deteriorates due to stress and internal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter by which the battery is charged, limiting the maximum charge voltage to below the full capacity voltage (e.g., stopping at 80% charge instead of 100%). This parameter change reduces the stress on lithium cells during charging, thereby extending the battery's cycle life and overall reliability while still providing sufficient operational duration between charges
2Productivity
If manufacturers hard code battery charging regimes to maximize initial performance, then the device meets consumer expectations for battery duration, but the user loses control and the battery degrades prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where the user themselves controls the charging regime through a mobile application. The user can set their own maximum charge voltage limits and charging parameters, allowing them to balance between initial performance needs and long-term battery preservation according to their own preferences and usage patterns
3Device complexity
If no automated solution is provided for battery charge control, then the device maintains simple manufacturing and operation, but the user must manually monitor and control charging which is impractical and leads to overcharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile application as an intermediary between the user and the battery charging system. This application communicates with the device's charging hardware through existing communication protocols, providing automated charge management without requiring direct modification of the device's internal charging circuitry. The intermediary layer enables reliable automated control while maintaining relative simplicity in the core charging system
Data Source
AI summary
A charge state control system and device for controlling charge sent to a consumer device is disclosed. A software application is provided on a consumer device. A separate hardware device comprises a microprocessor; a transistor relay circuit which is controlled by the microprocessor to open or close a relay; and a connector for connection with the consumer device. The software application is configured to receive an input from a user, determine a battery level of the consumer device and communicate with the hardware device to instruct the microprocessor to open or close the relay depending upon the battery level and the input.