USB Battery Connector With Adaptive Charging and Power Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery chargers lack versatility in charging methods and power output options, particularly for battery packs used in power tools and temperature-controlled garments, as they often rely on specific voltage inputs and do not efficiently manage charging rates based on different power sources.
Innovation Solution
A battery connector with a USB input and multiple output options, featuring an electronic controller that determines the power input and adjusts charging rates based on low voltage DC or AC inputs, allowing simultaneous charging and power output to connected devices, including temperature-controlled garments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery charger uses a specific voltage input for charging, then the charging process is simple and reliable, but the charger lacks versatility in accepting different power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The battery charger is designed with a universal input circuit that can accept both AC power input and DC power input through the same input terminal. The electronic controller automatically detects the input power type and switches between charging modes, enabling the charger to function with multiple power sources without requiring separate charging circuits for each power type.
2Productivity
If a battery charger charges at a fixed rate, then the charging process is simple and fast, but it cannot efficiently manage charging based on different power source capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The battery charger employs a dynamic charging rate adjustment mechanism where the electronic controller continuously monitors the input power type and battery charge level. The controller automatically adjusts the charging current between a first charging rate for AC power input and a second charging rate for DC power input, and between fast charging and trickle charging modes based on battery state, optimizing charging efficiency for each scenario.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a battery charger provides only charging function, then the device is simple and focused, but it cannot simultaneously supply power to connected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The battery charger integrates multiple functions into a single device: it combines the battery charging function with a power output function that can supply power to connected devices. The electronic controller manages power distribution to simultaneously charge the battery pack and provide power through the output terminal, merging two separate functions into one unified system.
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 charging of battery packs and simultaneous power supply to devices, such as power tools and temperature-controlled garments, by adapting charging rates to different power sources, enhancing versatility and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a battery charging portion operable to receive power from the USB input terminal and to output a charging current to the charging terminal to charge the battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
A battery connector, an electrical combination and methods. The electrical combination may include a battery connector including a housing with a support portion for a battery pack, and a circuit supported by the housing, the circuit including a universal serial bus (USB) input terminal connectable to a USB cable for receiving power, a charging terminal connectable to a pack terminal of the battery pack, and a battery charging portion operable to receive power from the USB input terminal and to output a charging current to the charging terminal to charge the battery pack.