Switchable Multi-Battery Circuit for Low-Standby Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management systems face challenges in optimizing battery life and reducing current consumption, especially in multi-battery configurations where balancing charging and discharging is difficult, leading to potential battery damage and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A switchable battery path system that configures two batteries to operate either serially or individually, switching from a serial configuration during operation to a single battery configuration during standby, thereby reducing current draw and eliminating issues associated with parallel battery configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If two batteries are configured in parallel to increase power capacity, then the device can operate longer, but current consumption during standby increases and battery balance becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between parallel and series battery configurations based on device state. During standby mode, the system switches to series configuration to reduce current consumption. During active operation, the system uses parallel configuration to maximize power capacity. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by adapting the battery topology to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameters (series vs. parallel) of the battery system based on operational state. By switching the connection topology, the system changes the voltage and current characteristics to optimize for either standby efficiency or active power delivery, thereby reducing standby current while maintaining operational duration.
2Duration of action of moving object
If two batteries are configured in parallel to increase power capacity, then the device can operate longer, but battery balance becomes difficult to maintain leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between parallel and series configurations to avoid the battery balance problems inherent in parallel connections. During charging and standby, the series configuration is used, which naturally maintains better voltage balance between batteries. During high-power operation, the parallel configuration is temporarily activated with appropriate control to manage power delivery while minimizing balance issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the battery operation into distinct phases (charging, standby, active operation) with different connection configurations. By separating the charging phase from the discharge phase and using different topologies for each, the system maintains battery balance during charging while still providing high power during operation, thereby improving reliability.
3Loss of energy
If serial battery configuration is used during operation, then current consumption is reduced, but power delivery capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between series and parallel configurations based on power requirements. During low-power standby mode, series configuration is used to minimize current consumption. During high-power active operation, the system transitions to parallel configuration to maximize power delivery capability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameters (series vs. parallel) based on operational state to optimize both current consumption and power delivery. The series configuration reduces current draw during standby, while the parallel configuration increases current capacity during active operation, thereby addressing both requirements at different times.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments to provide a multi-battery energy storage device. One embodiment comprises a first battery and a second battery, with a first circuit branch coupling a positive side of the first battery to a positive side of the second battery, a second circuit branch coupling a positive side of the first battery to a negative side of the second battery, a third circuit branch coupling the negative side of the first battery to the negative side of the second battery, and multiple switchable devices configured to control flow of current through corresponding branches. Other embodiments comprise other configurations and operations.