USB Battery Recharge Circuit with Voltage-Adaptive Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB recharge circuits are inefficient in supplying maximum recharging current to batteries when they are discharged to low voltages, leading to prolonged recharge times and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A recharge unit with a voltage detector, switch, and resistor configuration that adjusts the recharge current based on the battery voltage, allowing for maximum current supply when the voltage is within a specific range, thereby optimizing recharge efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional USB recharge circuit is used, then the circuit is simple to configure, but the recharge current is insufficient when the battery voltage is low (around 3V)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two recharge circuits based on battery voltage detection. When battery voltage is below 3V, the first recharge circuit (with higher current capability) is activated; when voltage is above 3V, the second recharge circuit takes over. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing high power when needed while maintaining manageable complexity through voltage-based control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the recharge circuit based on battery voltage. By detecting voltage levels and switching between different circuit configurations, the patent optimizes the recharge current parameter to match battery conditions, achieving sufficient current at low voltages without requiring a permanently complex circuit design.
2Productivity
If the USB recharge circuit supplies maximum current when battery voltage is low, then recharge efficiency improves, but the circuit complexity increases due to voltage detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the recharge function into two separate recharge circuits, each optimized for specific voltage ranges. The first circuit handles low-voltage scenarios (below 3V) with higher current capability, while the second circuit handles normal-voltage scenarios. This segmentation allows each circuit to be relatively simple while the system as a whole achieves high efficiency across all conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs voltage detection feedback to determine which recharge circuit to activate. The voltage detector continuously monitors battery voltage and provides feedback to the control logic, which then selects the appropriate recharge circuit. This feedback mechanism enables efficient operation without requiring overly complex control systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If a FET is used instead of USB charger IC, then cost is reduced, but the voltage range is too wide to supply sufficient current to the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic voltage-based switching to overcome the FET's limitation of having a wide voltage range. By detecting battery voltage and switching between two different recharge circuits, the system ensures sufficient current is supplied at low voltages (where a single FET would fail) while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of simpler components in each individual circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between two different circuit configurations based on voltage. This allows the use of cost-effective FET-based circuits while ensuring adequate current delivery by adapting the circuit parameters to match the battery's voltage state.
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
This configuration enables batteries to be recharged with a higher current than conventional methods, reducing recharge time and power consumption, especially when the battery voltage is below the preset maximum recharge voltage.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage detector for detecting a voltage of the battery and for generating a signal for turning on a switch when the detected voltage is a voltage within a specific range
Implementation Method 2
a resistor for adjusting a quantity of an electric current to be supplied to the battery
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method of recharging a battery of a portable device using a USB are provided. In the method, a recharge unit of the portable device detects a voltage of the battery, and recharges the battery with a maximum recharge current of the USB. An amount of time for recharging a battery is shortened and power consumption for the recharging of the battery is reduced.