Open Circuit Voltage Monitoring And Notifying Device For An Electric Battery
Abstract:
An open circuit voltage monitoring and notifying device for an electric battery is disclosed in the present invention. The device includes a voltage divider adapted to step down the voltage and provide voltage value to an MCU, the MCU is adapted to process the voltage and provide output data corresponding to the processed voltage, and a notification module to notify the output data from the MCU to a user. The device is compact enough to be coupled with any battery or DC source of voltage. The device further includes a reverse protection and a voltage regulator for protecting the circuitry of the device. The device also provides advantaged of first in and first out feature to the manufacturers, distributers and finally to the customers.
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Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence
Claims:1. An open circuit voltage monitoring and notifying device for an electric battery, the voltage monitoring and notifying device comprising:
a voltage divider adapted to measure a voltage value of the electric battery;
a micro controller unit (MCU) connected with the said voltage divider, wherein the said MCU comprises,
an analog to digital converter (ADC) adapted for converting a voltage value of the voltage divider into a digital value,
a clock (RTC) adapted for measuring a time value for enabling a user to determine the number of days of storage of the battery and providing the said time value to,
an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) connected with the said ADC and the RTC, and the said ALU processes the digital value and the time value; and
a notification module connected to the MCU to notify output from the MCU,
wherein the notified output allows monitoring of one or more parameters of the electric battery.
2. The voltage monitoring and notifying device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a switch unit having an input switch adapted for displaying a plurality of time values and a reset switch adapted for resetting the voltage monitoring and notifying device to a normal state.
3. The voltage monitoring and notifying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage divider is a voltage divider adapted to step down the voltage of the battery to generate the voltage value and send the generated voltage value to the MCU for its functioning.
4. The voltage monitoring and notifying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the output is at least one of a critical low voltage of the electric battery, a low voltage of the electric battery, an ideal voltage of the electric battery, and a plurality of time values.
5. The voltage monitoring and notifying device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ALU is adapted to receive the digital value from the ADC and process the said the digital value with preprogrammed values and provide the output.
6. The voltage monitoring and notifying device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plurality of time values is at least selected from a time value of manufacturing date of battery, a time value of installation date of battery, a time value of service date of battery, or a time value of expiry date of battery warranty.
7. The voltage monitoring and notifying device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the said plurality of time value provides the user to determine the number of days in the manufacturer’s storage, number of days in the distributer’s storage and number of days since installation of the battery,
wherein the said plurality of time values and the said digital value of the measured voltage of the electric battery improves the battery life;
by providing a first in and first out feature for efficient storage of the battery, and
by providing a timely signal to recharge the battery before its complete voltage drainage, thereby reducing the time battery spends on shelf and ensuring that the battery under goes less wear and tear to improve battery life.
8. The voltage monitoring and notifying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the notification module comprises:
a display screen adapted for displaying a plurality of time values as well as displaying a digital value of the measured voltage of the electric battery;
a buzzer adapted for ringing a sound alert in case the electric battery has a critical low voltage or, a low voltage; and
a LED indicator adapted for providing a light indicator alarm in case the electric battery has a critical low voltage, a low voltage or, an ideal voltage.
9. The voltage monitoring and notifying device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a reverse protection, wherein the said reverse protection is adapted to protect the said MCU from wrong connections to battery terminals or reverse polarity.
10. The voltage monitoring and notifying device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a voltage regulator, wherein the said voltage regulator is adapted to regulate the battery voltage to maintain a constant voltage range for the working of the device. , Description: FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of voltage monitoring and notification, and particularly, the present invention provides a device for open circuit voltage monitoring and providing open circuit voltage notification to a user of an electric battery. More specifically, the present invention relates to an independent and small device that can be fit on a battery and monitor its voltage.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] To a great extent the electric batteries are used for storing energy in houses, vehicles etc. However users often face trouble regarding identifying the voltage value of a battery, remaining number of days of its use for purpose of warranty, and the like. These issues are not specific only for the household batteries but these issues are also commonly faced by vehicle batteries too. The information regarding the battery condition would keep a user informed and provide him with time to deal with issues regarding the battery beforehand.
[0003] Few systems such as the battery indicator in inverters coupled to the batteries show the battery condition, namely charged, overcharged, low battery etc. But this indication does not provide the user sufficient information beforehand if the battery is about to die. Such as, if the household battery is all out of charge then suddenly the inverter’s indicator displays that the battery is low, but then it’s too late since there is no more charge left and the system has to be shut down.
[0004] Similar is the case with the vehicle batteries, when the battery voltage/health is fine then there will be no indicator until the battery voltage/health becomes critically low. However, when the battery voltage/health is critically low then the user has very limited time to recharge the battery and hence the end user suffers problems regarding starting the vehicle engine. If the information about the battery voltage is provided to the end user then the user can have battery replaced/ charged before it dies.
[0005] Therefore, a device that can measure open circuit voltage value for an electric battery and provide the measured value to the user, would overcome the problems with present systems. A device that is small enough to be installed on the battery and monitor its voltage without requiring an additional power source for its working. This device would not only be portable and small but also cost effective, attached to the battery, and be easily implementable on present batteries without any change in their assembly and working.
[0006] Hence, there is a need for a device that can monitor and notify the battery voltage in open circuit without incurring additional cost to the users.
SUMMARY
[0007] In view of the aforesaid needs and shortcomings in the state of the art, in an aspect, the present invention provides an open circuit voltage monitoring and notifying device for an electric battery.
[0008] It will be apparent to a person skilled in art that the present device continuously monitor and notify the state of the electric battery to the user. The invention therefore achieves the following objects, among many.
[0009] The present invented voltage monitoring and notifying device includes a voltage divider adapted to generate a voltage value of the electric battery. The said voltage divider helps in dividing the voltage, or stepping down the incoming voltage to a usable voltage for the MCU of the device. This feature of voltage stepping down provides an acceptable range voltage to the MCU. The voltage divider thus helps in providing the device necessary power for its functioning.
[0010] Further, the open circuit voltage monitoring and notifying device includes a micro controller unit (MCU) connected with the said voltage divider. The said MCU includes an analog to digital converter (ADC), a real time clock (RTC), and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU). The ADC is adapted for converting the measured voltage value of the voltage divider into a digital value. The RTC is adapted for measuring a plurality of time values. The ALU is connected with the said ADC and RTC, wherein the said ALU processes the said digital value and the said plurality of time values.
[0011] Further, the ALU is adapted to analyze the said digital value and the said plurality of time values in a plurality of stimulus signals such as a critical low voltage of the electric battery, a low voltage of the electric battery, an ideal voltage of the electric battery, a high voltage of the electric battery, a time value of manufacturing date of battery, a time value of installation date of, a time value of service date of battery, or a time value of expiry date of battery warranty.
[0012] In one embodiment, the open circuit voltage monitoring and notifying device is also termed as Voltage Display Module or Voltage Date Module (hereinafter referred as “VDM”). The open circuit voltage monitoring and notifying device (VDM) includes a notification module adapted to provide a notification to the user for the state of the electric battery. The said notification module communicates with the MCU via drivers installed therein. Wherein, the said drivers are adapted to direct the plurality of stimulus signals of the ALU towards the said notification module.
[0013] Specifically, the said notification module includes a display screen adapted for displaying a plurality of time values as well as displaying a digital value of the measured voltage of the electric battery. Further, the said notification module includes a buzzer adapted for ringing a sound alert in case the electric battery has a critical low voltage or, a low voltage. Further, the said notification module includes a LED indicator adapted for providing a light indicator alarm in case the electric battery has a critical low voltage, a low voltage or, an ideal voltage.
[0014] Accordingly, the present inventive open circuit voltage monitoring and notifying device provides notification of the voltage state of the battery to the user.
[0015] These aspects together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an open circuit voltage monitoring & notifying device for an electric battery, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
[0018] Fig. 2 illustrates a flowchart for an exemplary process to monitor and notify the open circuit voltage of an electric battery, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
[0019] Fig. 3a illustrates exemplary implementation of the open circuit voltage monitoring & notifying device on an electric battery, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] Fig. 3b illustrates exemplary components involved in the functioning of the open circuit voltage monitoring & notifying device, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
[0021] Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary process that occurs in the microcontroller of the open circuit voltage monitoring & notifying device, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
[0022] Fig. 5a and 5b illustrate an exemplary scenario of different output data and their notification corresponding to different voltage values of the electric battery, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
[0023] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subjected to many variations. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to an open circuit voltage monitoring & notifying device for an electric battery. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
[0025] Unless otherwise specified, the terms, which are used in the specification and claims, have the meanings commonly used in the field of cleaning the windows. Specifically, the following terms have the meanings indicated below.
[0026] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
[0027] The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.
[0028] The term “open circuit voltage monitoring & notifying device” mentioned herein, refers to the device that contains various components of the invention and is interchangeably referred to as “device” hereinafter.
[0029] The term “Electric Battery” refers to an apparatus that stores electricity inside and provides it as and when required.
[0030] The term “Microcontroller” or “MCU” refers to a small microchip with components such as ADC, ALU, RTC, and the like.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the open circuit voltage monitoring & notifying device 100 for an electric battery 10. In an embodiment, the battery 10 is a household battery whose terminals (+ve and –ve electrodes) are connected to the open circuit voltage monitoring & notifying device 100. In an embodiment, the device 100 is compact enough to be placed over battery 10 without any physical or electric modifications.
[0032] The reverse protection 110 protects the device 100 in case wrong connections or reverse polarity is established with the battery 10. Further, voltage regulator 112 maintains constant voltage for the device 100 i.e. protects the device in case there is fluctuation in voltage. Hence, the voltage regulator 112 provides sufficient power from the battery 10 for the working of the device 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 does not require additional power source for its functioning and hence reduces both cost and circuit complexity.
[0033] The voltage divider 102 of the device 100 is adapted to measure the voltage of the battery 10. Further, the voltage divider 102 is adapted to divide the voltage (step down) for the use of the device. The voltage measured by the voltage divider is an analog value and this voltage value is sent to the MCU 104.
[0034] The MCU 104 is a microcontroller that processes the voltage value sent by the voltage divider 102. The voltage value from the voltage divider 102 is first converted into digital value by the analog to digital convertor (ADC) 104a of the MCU 104. The said ADC 104a converts analog voltage value to a digital value for the use of ALU 104b.
[0035] The ALU 104b is the arithmetic and logic unit of the MCU 104 which performs the analysis, and decides the output upon different input conditions. The MCU 104 is programmed with preprogrammed values of voltages which are compared with the instant battery voltage. The digital value sent from the ADC 104a is analyzed with preprogrammed values and the output data is set accordingly.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, RTC 104c is a real time clock embedded in the device 100 to store a plurality of time values. The plurality of time values is a time value of manufacturing date of battery 10, or a time value of installation date of battery 10, or a time value of service date of battery 10, or a time value of expiry date of battery warranty or a combination thereof.
[0037] The plurality of time values stored in the RTC 104c is also sent to the ALU 104b. The ALU 104b then combines the plurality of time values with the processed information about battery voltage into an output data and sends it to the notification module 106 of the device 100.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the notification module 106 includes a display screen for displaying output data from the MCU 104, a buzzer for sounding alert if the voltage of the battery 10 drops below certain levels, and an LED indicator for indicating the voltage of battery 10.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the LED indicator of the notification module 106 displays different colored lights according to different measured voltages of the battery 10.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the buzzer of the notification module 106 sounds different alarms (at different frequency or intervals) according to different measured voltages of the battery 10.
[0041] It must be appreciated by a person skilled in art that the MCU utilizes certain driver software to engage the notification module 106. The drivers installed in the MCU help establishing a communication network between the MCU and the notification module. In an embodiment, the drivers installed are display drivers and/ or sound drivers.
[0042] In an embodiment, pulse width modulator (PWM) generator is used to notify the user of the state of the battery. The said pulse width modulator (PWM) generator provides an input to a buzzer to produce a sound resulting in an audio notification to the user.
[0043] In various embodiments of the present invention, the device 100 has a switch unit 108 (tactile or a push button) having input switch 108a which enables the user to view different time values corresponding to the battery namely date of manufacturing, number of days since installation, date of installation, date of service, and the like. The time values corresponding to the battery are viewed on the display screen of the notification module 106 of the device 100.
[0044] In an embodiment, the switch unit is a toggle button switch and/ or a push button switch.
[0045] In yet another embodiment, the switch unit 108 includes a reset switch 108b which is adapted to reset the time values corresponding to a battery 10. This enables the user to reuse the device i.e. on a different battery 10.
[0046] In various embodiments of the present invention, Fig. 2 illustrates a flowchart of the exemplary process 200 to monitor and notify the voltage of an electric battery. The process 200 is better understood along with functions of different components of Fig. 1.
[0047] The whole process is to measure the voltage across the terminals. Step wise, the voltage across the terminals is applied to the voltage divider, the divided voltage is accepted by the ADC of the MCU, the voltage is then calculated by the ALU, the display drivers and other output methods give the necessary output. The first step of the process 200 involves stepping down the voltage or dividing the voltage (from the battery) for the use of MCU of the device. At step 210, the voltage of the battery is divided by the voltage divider. This value is analog and is sent to the ADC to be converted into digital value for the utilization of the ALU. At step 220, the ADC converts the analog voltage value from voltage divider to a digital value.
[0048] At step 230, the digital value is processed based on the preprogrammed values stored in the ALU and accordingly an output data is generated. An example of such, preprogrammed values will be discussed in the description of Fig. 4 below.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the invented device 100 is a modular device i.e. can vary in size according to the shape of batteries. Further, the device is fit at the manufacturer’s end. Furthermore, the invented device 100 is attached to the batteries.
[0050] In another embodiment, the preprogrammed values for the MCU are set according to an end user, and the device is easy enough to be installed by the end user. For example, the device has instructions and depictions of terminals to be connected with electrodes of the battery for the end user to install the device on the battery.
[0051] At step 240, the notification module receives the output data generated by the MCU in the previous step. This output data is the measured voltage value of the battery along with certain protocols for the components of the notification module.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the output data sent by the MCU to the notification module is a critical low voltage state of the electric battery, or a low voltage state of the electric battery, or an ideal voltage state of the electric battery, a high voltage state of the electric battery, and a plurality of time values. According to different voltage states different protocols are initiated for the notification module. These protocols are discussed in Fig 5a and 5b.
[0053] The input switch 108a of the device can depict different time values corresponding to the battery. At step 250, the user is notified of plurality of time values for the battery by the use of input switch 108a.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the said device 100 provides an advantage to display a time value of manufacturing of the battery. The said time value of manufacturing of the battery is pre-installed by the manufacturer while attaching the said device to the battery. This displaying of the time value of manufacturing (i.e. number of days in storage after manufacturing) of the battery provides an advantage of first in and first out (FIFO) the battery during a distribution process line. This FIFO feature provides that the battery having earliest manufacturing date is to be distributed/marketed/sold as early as possible. Thus, this FIFO feature ensures that the battery manufactured first is distributed first in the market. This added advantage of first in and first out (FIFO) streamlines the process of distribution. The FIFO feature is very helpful to stream line the process of storage at the manufacturers end, at the distributors end, at the store end and finally helps in effectively controlling the warranty of the electric battery. Further, the FIFO feature also improves the battery life by improving the storing process.
[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, if the input switch 108a is pressed, the display screen of the notification module shows different time values at an interval of 3 seconds.
[0056] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the reset switch is pressed for more than certain number of seconds (e.g. more than 10 seconds), then the open circuit voltage monitoring and notifying device is reset.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3a illustrates exemplary implementation of the open circuit voltage monitoring & notifying device 100 on an electric battery 10. In an embodiment, the battery 10 is a household battery. In another embodiment, the battery 10 is a vehicle battery.
[0058] Fig. 3b illustrates exemplary components involved in the functioning of the open circuit voltage monitoring & notifying device 100. As illustrated in Fig. 3b printed circuit board (PCB) 114 provides the base and electric connections for the components of the device 100. The conductive tracks or electric paths are formed on a non-conductive substrate to form connections among electronic components.
[0059] Further, the connectors 118 establish connections with the terminals (+ve and –ve electrodes) of the battery 10. The switch unit 108 helps indicate different time values on the display 106a.
[0060] The voltage stepped down by the voltage divider (not shown) is sent to the MCU 104 which processes the voltage value and sends a corresponding output voltage data to the display 106a, LED 106b and buzzer 106c.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the display 106a is also adapted to notify a plurality of time values of the battery. Wherein the plurality of time values is at least selected from a time value of manufacturing date of battery, a time value of installation date of battery, a time value of service date of battery, or a time value of expiry date of battery warranty (i.e. number of days to expiry).
[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the said time value of manufacturing date of battery is pre-installed by the manufacturer while attaching the said device to the battery. This displaying of the time value of manufacturing of the battery provides an advantage of first in and first out (FIFO) the battery during a distribution process line. This FIFO feature provides that the battery having earliest manufacturing date is to be distributed/marketed/sold as early as possible. It is noted that if a battery is allowed more ideal time on the storage shelf than the chances of battery stratification/wear increases. This added advantage of first in and first out (FIFO) provides a marketing advantage and streamline the process of distribution. The FIFO feature is very helpful to stream line the process of storage at the manufacturers end, at the distributors end, at the store end and finally helps in effectively controlling the warranty. Hence, the FIFO feature is very important for the storage and distribution operation and enhances the battery life by reducing the storage shelf stratification/wear of the battery.
[0063] The device 100 as illustrated in Fig. 3a and 3b can be used on any battery or a DC voltage source, further it is small enough to be fitted on the battery unit itself. The device 100 also helps the battery manufacturers as it helps them sell out the batteries 10 which have been manufactured earlier based on the plurality of time values (i.e. first in first out, FIFO). For the end users or consumers the device helps in indicating ideal voltage, low voltage, critically low voltage and the like. Besides, the design of the device is such that it can fit most lead acid batteries.
[0064] In an embodiment of the present invention, Fig 4 illustrates an exemplary scenario where “V” is the instant voltage of the battery 10. Assuming “V1” is the voltage below which the voltage is critical low, “V2” is the voltage below which the voltage is low and “V3” is the voltage below which the battery has ideal voltage. The values “V1”, “V2” and “V3” here are assumed to be preprogrammed values for the MCU as they are treated as standard for determining the health of the battery 10.
[0065] The processing 230 done by the MCU 104 of the device 100 is illustrated in Fig. 4. Since the voltage value is already converted to digital value by the ADC of the MCU, the ALU of the MCU compares the digital value (V as assumed) with the preprogrammed values at step 232. Hence, in an exemplary embodiment, the MCU checks for typically four (4) conditions.
[0066] The MCU determines if “V