Wireless Charging Current Profile Switching for Battery Overheat Risk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium ion batteries are vulnerable to heat generation and overcharging, which can lead to damage, explosion, and personal injury or property damage if not properly protected during charging.

Innovation Solution

A wireless charging apparatus with a power transmitter, temperature sensor, and controller that adjusts the current profile based on temperature, switching to a lower current profile when temperatures exceed a preset reference temperature to prevent overheating and overcharging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a high current profile is used for fast charging, then charging speed is improved, but heat generation increases causing safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the current profile adjustable based on temperature conditions. The controller dynamically switches between a first current profile (for normal temperature) and a second current profile (for elevated temperature) to optimize charging speed while preventing overheating. This resolves the contradiction by making the charging current adaptive rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the current parameter based on temperature feedback. When temperature exceeds a reference value, the controller switches to a second current profile with lower current magnitude, thereby reducing heat generation while maintaining charging functionality. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between charging speed and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If continuous high current is applied during charging, then charging efficiency is improved, but battery damage and explosion risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidbattery safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring battery temperature and adjusting the current profile accordingly. The temperature sensor provides feedback to the controller, which then switches between different current profiles to maintain charging efficiency while preventing dangerous temperature rise. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction between charging efficiency and battery safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preparing multiple current profiles in advance and switching to a safer profile before dangerous overheating occurs. When temperature reaches a reference threshold, the controller proactively switches to a second current profile with lower current, preventing battery damage before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If temperature-based current adjustment is implemented, then battery safety is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery safetyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the charging process into distinct current profiles based on temperature ranges. Instead of implementing a complex continuous control algorithm, the system segments the operating conditions and applies predefined current profiles for different temperature zones. This simplifies the control system while maintaining battery safety.

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

Prevents damage and explosion of batteries due to heat generated during charging and overcharging by reducing electric energy applied when temperatures rise, thereby ensuring safe charging operations.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit power to a battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor configured to detect at least one of a temperature of the power transmitter, a temperature of the battery, and a temperature of a power receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20230402867A1Wireless charging apparatus, method for controlling wireless charging apparatus, and recording medium storing instructions to perform method for controlling wireless charging apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 SKC CO LTD

AI summary

There is provided a wireless charging apparatus. The wireless charging apparatus comprises: a power transmitter for wirelessly transmitting power to a battery; a temperature sensor for detecting at least one of a temperature of the power transmitter, a temperature of the battery, and a temperature of a power receiver; and a controller for changing a current profile of the power transmitter based on the temperature.