Wireless Charger Capacitive Sensing for Battery Swelling Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless charging systems cannot detect battery deformations, such as swelling, which can lead to hazardous gas release, capacity loss, and device damage, posing risks to consumers and their devices during charging.
Innovation Solution
Integration of capacitive sensors into wireless chargers that analyze capacitance values to detect battery deformations by measuring changes in distance between the charger and the device, preventing or terminating charging sessions when deformation is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging systems are used, then charging convenience is improved, but battery deformation detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wireless charging functionality with capacitive sensing capability into a single integrated system. The charging pad incorporates capacitive sensors that simultaneously perform charging and deformation detection, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms and maintaining ease of use while adding safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging pad is designed to perform multiple functions: wireless power transfer and battery deformation detection. The capacitive sensors integrated into the charging pad serve dual purposes by monitoring both charging status and battery physical condition, making the system universally applicable for both charging and safety monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors are integrated into wireless chargers, then battery deformation detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging pad and capacitive sensors into a single integrated unit. The charging pad structure itself serves as the sensor substrate, eliminating the need for separate sensor housings and mounting mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging pad structure provides its own sensing capability through integrated capacitive sensors. The system uses its inherent electrical characteristics to detect battery deformation, eliminating the need for additional mechanical or optical detection components and simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Reliability
If multiple capacitive sensors are used, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging pad into multiple sensing zones with individual capacitive sensors arranged in an array. This segmentation allows the system to detect deformation patterns across different locations, improving reliability through spatial resolution while using simple, low-cost capacitive sensor elements that can be manufactured using standard PCB techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variations in capacitive sensor readings (electrical parameters) to detect battery deformation. By monitoring changes in capacitance values across multiple sensors, the system achieves high detection reliability using inexpensive electrical measurements rather than costly mechanical or optical sensing 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
This solution effectively monitors for battery swelling, safeguarding consumers and their devices by preventing further damage and ensuring safety during wireless charging.
Implementation Method 1
the processor obtains capacitance values from multiple capacitive sensors integrated into or on the wireless charger
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes techniques for capacitive sensing to detect battery deformations during wireless charging of rechargeable batteries. An example system includes a processor that detects the placement of a mobile device with a rechargeable battery on a wireless charger. Before or during the charging session, the processor obtains capacitance values from multiple capacitive sensors integrated into or on the wireless charger. The processor analyzes the capacitance values and determines whether they indicate the deformation of the rechargeable battery, which may be caused by swelling or enlargement. In response to determining that the capacitance values indicate the deformation of the rechargeable battery, the processor does not initiate or terminates the charging session. In this way, the described techniques and systems can monitor for battery swelling and protect consumers and their mobile devices from the effects of battery swelling.