Wireless Battery Pack Architecture for In-Compartment Self-Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery designs often lack wireless charging capabilities due to space constraints and the bulky nature of traditional wireless charging circuitry, making it difficult to add wireless charging functionality to existing devices without altering their form factor.
Innovation Solution
A wireless battery pack architecture that reduces the size of the necessary circuitry by removing the battery charger IC and low-dropout voltage regulator, using a processor to mimic the IC's functionality and regulate current and voltage based on a predetermined charging profile, allowing the wireless power circuitry to be enclosed with the battery and fit within existing compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wireless charging circuitry is used, then wireless charging capability is provided, but the circuitry becomes bulky and cannot fit within existing device compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery charger IC and low-dropout voltage regulator functions into the processor, eliminating separate components. The processor is configured to mimic battery charger IC functionality and regulate current to the battery, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component that fits within existing device compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor serves multiple functions: it processes device operations, mimics battery charger IC functionality, regulates current to the battery, and controls the wireless power receiver. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated battery charger circuitry, reducing overall circuitry volume.
2Volume of moving object
If battery charger IC and voltage regulator are removed, then circuitry size is reduced, but charging control functionality must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is configured to mimic the functionality of a battery charger IC by copying its charging control algorithms and regulation functions. The processor implements constant current and constant voltage charging stages, reproducing the behavior of traditional battery charger circuitry through software-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hardware-based battery charger IC and voltage regulator with a software-based implementation in the processor. The charging control functionality is transferred from dedicated hardware circuits to processor-executed instructions, eliminating the need for separate charger IC and regulator components.
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 addition of wireless charging capabilities to devices without altering their form factor, allowing for efficient charging of batteries in devices that previously did not support wireless power, while maintaining the original look and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power receiver, a battery electrically connected to the wireless power receiver
Data Source
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AI summary
An efficient architecture for a battery pack capable of wirelessly charging is provided. An example battery pack may include a wireless power receiver, a battery electrically connected to the wireless power receiver, and a processor electrically connected to the wireless power receiver. In addition, the processor may configure an electrical output of the wireless power receiver, based at least in part on a charge level of the battery, such that an output voltage and an output current are updated in coordination with a predetermined charging profile. The battery pack, capable of charging via a wireless power charger, may further include a housing, wherein the housing encloses the battery, the processor, and the wireless power receiver.