USB Current Meter Switching for Full-Charge Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable device chargers often fail to disconnect the battery from the charging voltage after full charge, leading to battery wear, and require replacement cables for different devices, limiting universality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cable-free current meter device that connects between the adapter and charging element, monitoring current flow to disconnect the device when the charge is complete, using a switch and timer system to prevent prolonged charging and ensure compatibility with various USB types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB charging cables with control electronics are used to monitor and control charge, then battery charge state can be monitored and controlled, but the device is not universal and requires replacement of original charging cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current meter device as an intermediary component that connects between the existing USB charging cable and the device to be charged. This mediator monitors the charging current and automatically disconnects when the battery is fully charged, without requiring modification of the original charging cable or device. The current meter serves as a universal interface that works with any USB charging setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is segmented into three independent components: the power adapter, the original USB charging cable, and the current meter device. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its original function while the current meter adds monitoring and automatic disconnection capabilities. Users can keep their original charging cables and only add the current meter for enhanced functionality.
2Reliability
If charging cable with control electronics is used to disconnect battery at full charge, then battery wear is limited, but the cable structure becomes more complex and less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The current meter device acts as an intermediary that provides the disconnection function without being integrated into the charging cable itself. This separates the control electronics from the cable structure, maintaining cable simplicity and robustness while adding intelligence through the standalone current meter that monitors current and triggers disconnection at full charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical integration of control electronics into the cable with an electrical/electronic solution using a standalone current meter device. Instead of modifying the cable's physical structure to include control circuits, the system uses electrical current monitoring through the existing cable conductors, substituting mechanical integration with electrical measurement and control.
3Ease of operation
If devices keep battery connected after full charge, then battery remains powered and functional, but battery wear increases due to prolonged charging
Solution Approach 1:
The current meter device implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the charging current and compares it against threshold values to determine battery charge state. When the current drops below the threshold indicating full charge, the system automatically provides feedback to disconnect the battery, preventing prolonged charging and associated wear while maintaining optimal battery availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically monitoring its own charging state and making disconnection decisions without user intervention. The current meter device independently assesses battery status through current monitoring and autonomously controls the disconnection process, eliminating the need for user awareness or manual unplug actions while protecting against battery wear.
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
The device effectively limits battery wear by disconnecting the charge when full, maintaining battery health and providing universal compatibility without replacing original charging cables.
Implementation Method 1
a current reader for reading the electric current flowing between the input connector device and the output connector device
Data Source
AI summary
A current meter device is disclosed comprising: an input connector device designed to operatively connect to at least one adapter device; an output connector device designed to operatively connect to at least one charging element, wherein the connector device is operatively connected to at least one charging element; at least one switch designed to operatively connect the connector device to the input connector device connected to the adapter device when the charging phase of the charging element begins and to operatively disconnect the connector device from the power supplied by the adapter device when the charging phase is finished.