Supplemental Power Supply Switching for Battery-Powered Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered control devices face significant power drain from communication circuitry, leading to reduced battery life, especially when used infrequently, and solar charging methods are inefficient and costly for rechargeable batteries.
Innovation Solution
Implement a supplemental power supply using renewable but unreliable energy sources, such as electromagnetic, acoustic, or thermal energy, to power control and communication circuits, while the primary battery powers larger loads, with a monitor circuit to manage energy transfer efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If solar charging methods are used to extend battery life, then battery lifetime is improved, but cycling lifetime is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent parts: a primary non-rechargeable battery for main power and a supplemental power supply for control circuitry. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal mode without the degradation issues of rechargeable batteries subjected to solar charging cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses inexpensive non-rechargeable primary batteries instead of expensive rechargeable batteries. The primary battery is designed for single use with long shelf life, while the supplemental power supply handles the charging function, eliminating the need for costly rechargeable battery cycles.
2Reliability
If control and communication circuitry continuously checks for instructions, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A supplemental power supply acts as an intermediary between the primary battery and the control/communication circuitry. It provides dedicated power to the communication circuit, allowing it to maintain continuous monitoring and reliable communication without drawing excessive power from the primary battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental power supply provides more than enough power for the control and communication circuitry alone. This excessive action ensures that even during peak communication activity, the primary battery is not unduly drained, maintaining overall system reliability.
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
Extends battery life by reducing power draw from the primary battery, allowing it to last several times longer than without the supplemental power supply.
Implementation Method 1
supplemental power supply using renewable but unreliable energy sources, such as electromagnetic, acoustic, or thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
with a monitor circuit to manage energy transfer efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
A battery-powered device, such as a motorized window treatment, may provide power to an electrical load, such as a motor. The device may also include a control circuit and a communication circuit. In addition to the battery, the device may be configured to receive power from a supplemental power source, such as a solar cell or wireless RF power supply, through which to power the control and communication circuits. The device may include a voltage monitor and a switch to intelligently control whether the battery or the supplemental power source is powering the control and communication circuits.