Universal Battery Charging Terminal with Conversion Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inconvenience of requiring multiple charging devices for different types of battery packs, such as nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, and lithium-ion batteries, due to their specific charging requirements, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single charging device with a conversion unit and dual charging terminals that can adapt to charge different types of battery packs by using a single power supply and switching mechanism, allowing for the connection of nickel-cadmium/nickel metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated charging devices are used for each battery pack type, then charging reliability is ensured, but device complexity and quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device incorporates multiple charging terminals (first charging terminal for nickel-cadmium/nickel metal hydride batteries, second charging terminal for lithium-ion batteries) within a single device, enabling it to charge different battery pack types. The conversion unit switches between terminals based on battery type, providing universal charging functionality while maintaining reliability through dedicated charging circuits for each battery type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging devices are used for different battery packs, then charging adaptability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple charging functions into a single charging device by integrating first and second charging terminals, along with a conversion unit that switches between them. This consolidation allows the device to handle both nickel-cadmium/nickel metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries without requiring separate charging devices, thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining charging adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging devices are used for different battery packs, then charging versatility is improved, but quantity of devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device achieves versatility by incorporating multiple charging terminals and a conversion unit that can switch between them. The first charging terminal serves nickel-cadmium and nickel metal hydride batteries, while the second terminal serves lithium-ion batteries. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate charging devices, reducing the quantity of devices required while maintaining broad charging versatility.
4Volume of stationary object
If a single charging device charges different battery types, then device size is reduced, but charging precision may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device segments its charging function into distinct first and second charging terminals, each optimized for specific battery types. The conversion unit selectively connects the appropriate terminal based on battery type, ensuring that each battery receives charging through a dedicated terminal designed for its specific requirements. This segmentation maintains charging precision while enabling a compact single-device design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A charging device for charging battery packs includes charging terminals including a first charging terminal to be connected to an electrode of a first battery pack and a second charging terminal to be connected to an electrode of a second battery pack. Here, the first and the second battery pack are different in kind. Further, the charging device includes a conversion unit for supplying electricity to the first charging terminal when the electrode of the first battery pack is connected to the first charging terminal and supplying electricity to the second charging terminal when the electrode of the second battery pack is connected to the second charging terminal.