USB Power Pack with Dynamic Voltage Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery packs do not allow for charging of mobile electronic devices using a personal computer's USB port, limiting the ability to recharge batteries when external power is unavailable.

Innovation Solution

A mobile battery charging pack with a casing, metal electrode set, and power input/output terminals, including a USB connector, that enables charging of rechargeable batteries by connecting to a personal computer's USB port, allowing for DC power input and output, and supporting series or parallel connections of battery cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional battery packs are used without USB connector, then the battery pack structure is simple, but the battery pack cannot be charged using a personal computer's USB port

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capabilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack is designed with a USB connector that enables it to function both as a power source for mobile devices and as a rechargeable device when connected to a personal computer's USB port. This dual functionality allows the same device to serve multiple purposes: charging external devices via its power output terminal and being recharged itself via the USB connector, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving charging adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If battery cells are connected in series to provide one particular DC voltage, then the voltage output is stable, but the battery pack cannot support multiple voltage requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage outputVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack incorporates a switching mechanism that dynamically reconfigures the battery cell connections between series and parallel arrangements. This allows the system to adapt its voltage output based on the connected device's requirements: series connection for higher voltage devices and parallel connection for lower voltage devices. The dynamic switching capability enables the battery pack to serve multiple voltage requirements while maintaining stable output during each configuration state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of moving object

If the battery pack is designed for portability, then the device is easy to carry, but the battery capacity may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack utilizes multiple individual battery cells (at least two cells) that can be independently arranged and configured. This segmentation allows for flexible capacity scaling - users can choose the number and arrangement of cells based on their specific needs. The modular cell structure enables optimization between capacity and weight by selecting appropriate cell configurations, thereby resolving the contradiction between extended duration of action and manageable weight for portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 the charging of mobile electronic devices using a personal computer's USB port, providing a versatile and practical solution for recharging batteries in both indoor and outdoor settings, with multiple voltage options and easy portability.

Implementation Method 1

connectable to one USB port of a personal computer to obtain DC power supply from the personal computer for charging the rechargeable battery set therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery charging: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

output of battery power supply from the battery set to an external electronic device connected thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery discharge: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS7394220B2USB power pack and charger
Publication Date: 2008.07.01 HUANG YU HUEI
  • US7394220B2 patent drawing
  • US7394220B2 patent drawing
  • US7394220B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile battery charging pack includes a casing, which has positive and negative electrodes for the connection of a battery set, a plurality of power input/output terminals respectively electrically coupled to the battery set, and a power control switch that controls the connection between the power input/output terminals and the battery set and the function of the power input/output terminal for power into to charge the battery set with external power supply or to charge the battery of an external mobile electronic device with the battery power supply of the battery set.