Timer-Controlled Switch for Charger Standby Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chargers continue to consume electricity when not in use, leading to wasteful energy usage and battery degradation due to standby current, even after the battery is fully charged, contributing to significant global energy waste equivalent to several nuclear power plants.
Innovation Solution
A device with a timer-controlled switch that automatically disconnects the electrical current supply after a predetermined charging time, incorporating a housing that can generate a stimulus to reset the timer and an LED illumination system for user feedback, minimizing power consumption and preventing overcharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charger remains connected to the mains current after the battery is full, then the charger can be ready for the next charging cycle, but the charger continues to consume electricity and supply standby current that wastes energy and degrades the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The charger automatically detects when the battery is full and disconnects itself from the mains current without user intervention. The control unit monitors charging status and actuates the switching device to stop current flow, making the system self-regulating and eliminating continuous energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The charger incorporates a control unit that continuously monitors the charging state of the battery and provides feedback to the switching device. When the battery reaches full charge, the control unit receives this feedback and automatically triggers disconnection, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents energy waste.
2Loss of energy
If the charger automatically disconnects after detecting full battery charge, then energy waste is eliminated, but the charger requires additional control components and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors battery charge level, determines when charging is complete, controls the switching device for disconnection, and can provide user notifications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall system complexity despite adding intelligence to the charger.
3Ease of operation
If the charger supplies continuous standby current to maintain battery charge, then the battery remains ready for use, but the battery capacity degrades and overall charging time lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charger proactively disconnects the battery from the power source immediately upon detecting full charge, preventing the harmful effect of standby current before it can cause battery degradation. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential damage by eliminating the cause (continuous current supply) as soon as it becomes unnecessary.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, disconnecting a supply of an electrical charging is described. In an embodiment, a device comprises: a reception configured to receive an electric current. A supply configured to supply an electric current out from the device in a connection with charging a battery of an electrical device. Connectors configured to connect the device between a power unit, which supplies the electric current to the reception,and the electrical device. A switch configured to disconnect at least one of the electrical currents. A control unit configured to control the switch, wherein the control unit comprises a timer configured to control the switch according to a predetermined timing function. A housing, wherein a movement of the housing is configured to generate a stimulus that is configured to the switch for connecting the at least one of the electrical currents and reset the timer.