Universal Battery Harvester with Microprocessor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for energy recovery from batteries are limited to a single source voltage or battery type, restricting their application and ability to recharge multiple battery types.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple battery compartments and a microprocessor that can determine the polarity and type of batteries, allowing for selective discharging or recharging across various battery types, using a combination of fixed and moveable contacts, electronic circuitry, and a microprocessor for energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single battery type is used for energy recovery, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different battery types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The battery harvester is designed with multiple battery compartments that can accommodate different battery types (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, button cells). The system includes a microprocessor that automatically detects battery type and polarity, and switching circuitry that routes energy appropriately. This universal design allows a single device to handle various battery formats without requiring separate harvesting circuits for each battery type.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the battery receiving area into multiple segmented compartments, each capable of holding different battery types. This segmentation allows the system to process different battery formats independently while maintaining a unified control architecture through the microprocessor that manages energy flow from all compartments.
2Loss of energy
If energy recovery is limited to a single source voltage, then the circuit design is simple, but the quantity of recoverable energy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The energy recovery circuit is designed to accept multiple source voltages from different battery types (1.5V AA/AAA, 3V button cells, 9V batteries). The microprocessor monitors the voltage from each battery compartment and automatically configures the harvesting circuitry to match the detected voltage level, enabling energy recovery from diverse voltage sources through a single unified circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts circuit parameters including voltage levels, current limits, and switching frequencies based on the detected battery type and voltage. The microprocessor modifies operating parameters in real-time to optimize energy harvesting efficiency for each specific battery configuration, transitioning between different voltage regimes as needed.
3Productivity
If the device can only recharge a single battery type, then the control system is simple, but the productivity of energy utilization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor continuously monitors the state of charge, voltage, and polarity of batteries in all compartments. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines the optimal energy transfer strategy - whether to harvest energy from a partially depleted battery, recharge a low battery, or balance energy distribution across multiple batteries. This closed-loop control maximizes energy utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically switches between different operating modes including energy harvesting mode, battery recharging mode, and power management mode. The microprocessor adjusts the system behavior in real-time based on the current state of batteries, enabling flexible and adaptive energy utilization across different scenarios and battery configurations.
4Reliability
If battery polarity detection is not implemented, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability of energy transfer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor performs polarity detection by measuring the voltage polarity at each battery compartment's terminals. Based on this feedback, the system automatically configures the switching circuitry to connect batteries in the correct orientation for energy transfer. This prevents reverse polarity connections that could damage components and ensures reliable energy harvesting from properly oriented batteries.
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
Enables efficient energy harvesting and recharging across multiple battery types, optimizing energy transfer and extending the usability of recovered energy.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for biasing the moveable contact towards the first end
Implementation Method 2
an electronic circuitry connected between the fixed contact and the moveable contact and comprising a resistance having a value varying with a change in position of the moveable contact along the axis
Implementation Method 3
a device for harvesting energy from a plurality of energy sources including at least one battery
Data Source
AI summary
A universal battery harvester which harvests energy from a plurality of different batteries and stores the harvested energy in an onboard storage battery under control of a microprocessor.