Smart Battery with Programmable Charge Circuit and Remote Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery designs are static and do not allow for direct information about the battery to be determined from the battery itself, nor do they enable user-controlled operational attributes.
Innovation Solution
A smart battery with internal components that enable communication with remote devices, tracking of power usage, and control of power output, including a charge circuit that allows safe recharging and remote configuration of operational parameters through a battery application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery includes internal components for smart functionality, then the battery's operational capabilities are enhanced, but the battery's complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple battery functions (power storage, communication, tracking, control) into a single integrated battery unit. The battery includes a power cell, communication module, tracking module, and control module all housed within one battery casing, allowing it to serve as both a power source and a smart device with multiple capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: storing and providing power, communicating with external devices via Bluetooth or other protocols, tracking power usage statistics, controlling power output to connected devices, and providing location tracking. This multi-functional design enhances versatility while keeping the battery as a single replaceable unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a battery enables communication and tracking functions, then the battery's functionality is enhanced, but the battery's power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication and tracking modules operate periodically rather than continuously. The battery can be configured to communicate at specific intervals or when certain events occur (e.g., when the device is plugged in, when battery level reaches thresholds), reducing continuous power consumption while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different modules within the battery have different power consumption characteristics. The control module can selectively activate or deactivate specific functions (communication, tracking, monitoring) based on current needs, allowing critical functions to remain active while non-critical functions are powered down to conserve energy.
3Ease of manufacture
If a battery allows external charging current, then the battery can be recharged, but internal components may be damaged by charging voltage
Solution Approach 1:
A charge circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the external charging source and the internal battery components. This charge circuit receives the external charging current and voltage, conditions it to appropriate levels, and then supplies it to the power cell and internal components, protecting them from damage while enabling rechargeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery's electrical system is segmented into separate circuits: a charging circuit that handles external charging current, a power management circuit that distributes power to internal components, and a power cell circuit that handles energy storage and discharge. This segmentation allows independent optimization and protection of each circuit, enabling safe charging while protecting sensitive components.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for a smart battery are described. In at least some implementations, a smart battery includes internal components that enable the smart battery to perform various actions, such as communicating with a remote device, tracking power usage, controlling power output, and so forth. In at least some implementations, a smart battery includes in internal charge circuit that enables the smart battery to be recharged via an externally-supplied charging current without damaging internal components of the smart battery. In at least some implementations, a battery application enables operational parameters of a smart battery to be configured by a remote device.