{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853467","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853467","title":"Overcurrent protection in a battery charger","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-06-23T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H02J","H02J","H02J","H02J"],"num_claims":21,"abstract":"Systems and methods are provided for overcurrent protection in a battery charger. In certain embodiments, a method includes turning on an adapter switch to receive electrical power from an adapter connected to the battery charger; controlling a switching regulator to direct electrical current between the switching regulator and a battery port. Further, the method includes sensing a voltage drop that is related to the electrical current passing between the switching regulator and the battery port; comparing the sensed voltage drop against at least one reference voltage; and, when the sensed voltage exceeds the reference voltage, changing operation of the adapter switch to protect the battery charger from an overcurrent state."},"analysis":{"summary":"The patent **Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger** (US-9853467) introduces a sophisticated system and method designed to prevent overcurrent conditions in battery charging processes, thereby enhancing device safety and longevity. At its core, the innovation provides a proactive mechanism to safeguard battery chargers and connected devices from potentially damaging excessive electrical current.\n\nThe primary problem this invention addresses is the risk of damage to battery chargers and batteries due to overcurrents, which can lead to overheating, component failure, and even safety hazards. Traditional overcurrent protection often relies on reactive measures, but this patent offers a dynamic and preventative approach.\n\nTechnically, the system operates by first activating an adapter switch to receive electrical power from an external adapter. A switching regulator then controls the flow of electrical current between itself and the battery port. Crucially, the method involves continuously sensing a voltage drop that is directly related to the electrical current passing through this critical path. This sensed voltage drop is then compared in real-time against at least one predetermined reference voltage. If the sensed voltage exceeds this reference, indicating an imminent overcurrent state, the system intelligently changes the operation of the adapter switch. This alteration could involve reducing power, cycling the switch, or temporarily disabling it, effectively protecting the charger from the overcurrent condition.\n\nThe business value of this patent is substantial. It offers manufacturers a significant competitive advantage by enabling them to produce safer, more reliable, and longer-lasting battery-powered devices. This translates into reduced warranty claims, enhanced brand reputation, and compliance with stringent safety standards. For consumers, it means greater peace of mind, extended device lifespans, and a reduced risk of device failure or safety incidents. The market opportunity is vast, spanning all sectors that rely on battery charging, from consumer electronics like smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles, medical devices, and industrial equipment. This innovation positions itself as a foundational technology for future power management solutions, driving both safety and efficiency across the industry.","layman_explanation":"### What Problem Does This Solve?\nImagine your smartphone or laptop charger as a hose filling a bucket (your battery) with water (electricity). If the water pressure is too high, the hose might burst, or the bucket could overflow and get damaged. In electronics, this 'too much pressure' is called overcurrent. It can lead to your charger overheating, your battery degrading prematurely, or even serious safety hazards like fires. Current solutions often act like a simple valve that only shuts off *after* the hose has already burst, or they're not precise enough to handle varying 'water pressures' effectively. The core business problem is the high cost of warranty claims, product recalls, and the erosion of customer trust due to these preventable charging-related failures.\n\n### How Does It Work?\nThis patent, called **Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger**, introduces a far more intelligent system. Think of it as having a smart, proactive 'water pressure monitor' and an adaptive valve. When you plug in your charger, it's like turning on the main water supply. The system then precisely controls how much water flows to your battery. The key innovation is its ability to constantly 'feel' the water pressure (sense a voltage drop related to the electrical current) in real-time. It has a built-in 'safe pressure limit.' If the system detects that the water pressure is starting to get too high, even before it reaches a dangerous level, it doesn't just wait for a disaster. Instead, it intelligently adjusts the main water supply valve – perhaps by closing it a little, or even briefly turning it off and on again – to immediately bring the pressure back to a safe level. This prevents the hose from bursting or the bucket from overflowing in the first place, ensuring a smooth, safe, and optimal fill for your battery.\n\n### Why Does This Matter?\nThis innovation matters immensely for several reasons. For businesses, it translates directly into significant cost savings by drastically reducing warranty claims and the potential for costly product recalls. It enhances brand reputation, allowing companies to market their products as safer, more reliable, and more durable, which is a powerful differentiator in a competitive market. For instance, a company using this technology in its electric vehicle chargers could build immense consumer trust around battery safety, a critical concern for EV adoption. This system extends the lifespan of expensive components like batteries, offering a tangible return on investment for consumers through longer-lasting devices. Moreover, it aligns with growing trends towards sustainability by reducing electronic waste caused by premature device failure. The market opportunity is vast, impacting virtually every sector that uses rechargeable batteries, from consumer electronics to automotive and industrial applications.\n\n### What's Next?\nThis technology sets a new benchmark for power management and battery safety. We can expect to see its principles integrated into next-generation charging ICs and devices, leading to a widespread improvement in product safety and longevity. Future applications might include adaptive charging for diverse battery chemistries, even more granular control based on real-time battery health, and integration into smart grid systems for optimized energy management. This patent represents a foundational step towards a future where battery charging is not only fast and efficient but also inherently intelligent and safe, driving greater consumer confidence and fostering innovation across the electronics industry.","technical_analysis":"The patent **Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger** (US-9853467) details a robust and adaptive system for mitigating overcurrent conditions within battery charging architectures. This technical analysis will dissect the core components, operational flow, algorithmic considerations, and implications for power electronics design.\n\n**Technical Architecture and Operational Flow:**\nAt the heart of this invention lies a closed-loop feedback system designed for real-time current regulation and protection. The process begins with an **adapter switch**, which acts as the primary gate for incoming electrical power from an external adapter. Once this switch is turned on, power flows to a **switching regulator**. This regulator, typically a buck (step-down) or boost (step-up) converter, is controlled to precisely manage the electrical current directed towards the **battery port**. The control of the switching regulator is crucial for optimizing charging efficiency and maintaining battery health during normal operation.\n\n**Sensing Mechanism and Algorithm Specifics:**\nThe innovative aspect of this patent lies in its sophisticated sensing and comparison mechanism. A dedicated circuit is employed to **sense a voltage drop** within the current path between the switching regulator and the battery port. This voltage drop is directly proportional to the current flowing through that segment, allowing for indirect but accurate current measurement. The sensing could be achieved through a shunt resistor, the R_DS(on) of a MOSFET switch, or other integrated current sense techniques. The sensed voltage is then fed into a **comparator**. This comparator continuously evaluates the sensed voltage against **at least one reference voltage**. The use of 'at least one' suggests flexibility, potentially allowing for multiple thresholds (e.g., a warning threshold and a critical shutdown threshold) or adaptive thresholds based on battery state or temperature.\n\n**Implementation Details and Performance Characteristics:**\nThe comparator's output is critical. If the sensed voltage exceeds the reference voltage, indicating an overcurrent condition, a control signal is generated. This signal then triggers a **change in the operation of the adapter switch**. This 'change' is key; it's not merely a hard shutdown. It could involve: \n1. **Immediate turn-off:** For severe overcurrents.\n2. **Duty cycle reduction:** For gradual current limiting, allowing for 'soft' protection without abrupt power loss.\n3. **Pulsed operation:** Rapidly cycling the switch to maintain average current below the threshold.\n\nThe speed and precision of this feedback loop are paramount. High-bandwidth voltage sensing circuits, fast comparators (e.g., analog comparators or dedicated integrated circuits), and low-latency control logic (often implemented in a microcontroller or a dedicated power management IC) are essential for rapid response to transient overcurrents. The system needs to differentiate between normal charging transients and actual fault conditions to avoid nuisance trips. Performance characteristics would include a very fast trip-time, high accuracy in current sensing, and minimal power overhead for the protection circuitry itself.\n\n**Integration Patterns and Code-Level Implications:**\nThis system would typically be integrated within a larger Power Management IC (PMIC) or a dedicated battery charger controller. The adapter switch could be an external MOSFET or an integrated power switch. The switching regulator control loop (e.g., PWM generation) would be tightly coupled with the overcurrent protection logic. From a firmware perspective, if a microcontroller is involved, the 'changing operation' of the adapter switch would involve modifying GPIO states, PWM duty cycles, or engaging an internal protection module. For purely hardware-based solutions, the comparator's output would directly drive control logic (e.g., flip-flops, gate drivers) to manipulate the adapter switch. The design emphasizes hardware-level protection for critical response times, potentially with software-configurable thresholds or monitoring.\n\nIn summary, this patent describes an intelligent, fast-acting overcurrent protection system that moves beyond simple thresholding to an adaptive response based on continuous voltage drop sensing. This approach enhances reliability, minimizes false triggers, and ensures robust protection for modern battery charging applications, paving the way for more resilient power management solutions.","business_analysis":"The patent **Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger** (US-9853467) presents a significant innovation with profound implications for the commercial landscape of battery-powered devices and their charging infrastructure. This business analysis will explore the market opportunity, competitive advantages, revenue potential, potential business models, strategic positioning, and projected ROI.\n\n**Market Opportunity Size:**\nThe market for battery chargers and power management solutions is enormous and rapidly expanding, driven by the proliferation of consumer electronics (smartphones, laptops, wearables), electric vehicles (EVs), industrial equipment, and medical devices. Each of these sectors relies heavily on safe, efficient, and reliable battery charging. Overcurrent events are a universal threat across these applications, making a robust protection system like this invention highly desirable. The total addressable market (TAM) for power management ICs and discrete charging components is in the tens of billions of dollars annually, with safety and reliability being critical purchasing factors. This patent positions itself to capture a significant share of this market by offering a superior safety solution.\n\n**Competitive Advantages:**\nThis innovation offers several distinct competitive advantages:\n1.  **Proactive vs. Reactive Protection:** Unlike many traditional overcurrent solutions that react after a fault has begun, this system's real-time sensing and adaptive response allow for proactive mitigation, preventing damage before it occurs.\n2.  **Enhanced Reliability & Safety:** Products incorporating this technology can boast superior safety certifications and a reputation for reliability, reducing the risk of product recalls, warranty claims, and reputational damage.\n3.  **Extended Device Lifespan:** By protecting against overcurrents, the technology contributes to the longevity of batteries and devices, a significant value proposition for consumers and a differentiator for manufacturers.\n4.  **Versatility:** The core method is applicable across a wide range of charging capacities and device types, offering a scalable solution for various product lines.\n\n**Revenue Potential and Business Models:**\nRevenue potential can be realized through several business models:\n1.  **Licensing:** The patent holder could license the technology to major semiconductor manufacturers (e.g., Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, STMicroelectronics) who produce PMICs and charging controllers. This would generate recurring royalty streams.\n2.  **IP Sales:** Outright sale of the patent to a large electronics or automotive company looking to secure a competitive edge in power management.\n3.  **Product Integration:** Development and sale of proprietary integrated circuits (ICs) or modules that embody this overcurrent protection system, targeting device manufacturers directly.\nGiven the ubiquitous need for this type of protection, even a small royalty percentage on a vast market could translate into substantial revenue.\n\n**Strategic Positioning:**\nStrategically, this patent allows companies to position themselves as leaders in device safety and reliability. In a market where product differentiation can be challenging, superior safety features become a powerful marketing tool. For companies in the EV space, where battery safety is paramount, this technology could be a critical component for securing consumer trust and regulatory approval. For consumer electronics, it enhances brand loyalty by delivering a tangible benefit: longer-lasting, safer devices.\n\n**ROI Projections:**\nThe ROI for companies adopting or licensing this technology would be significant. Reduced warranty costs (due to fewer charging-related failures) and minimized recall risks represent direct cost savings. Enhanced brand reputation and the ability to command premium pricing for safer products contribute to increased revenue. Furthermore, compliance with evolving safety standards becomes easier, speeding up market entry. While specific figures depend on market penetration and licensing terms, the foundational nature of this safety innovation suggests a high ROI through both cost avoidance and revenue generation, making it an attractive investment for any company involved in battery-powered products.","faqs":[{"answer":"Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger (US-9853467) is a patented system and method designed to safeguard battery chargers and the devices they power from damage caused by excessive electrical current. It represents a significant advancement in power management safety.\n\nTraditional overcurrent protection methods often act reactively, meaning they only engage after a dangerous current level has been reached, potentially allowing initial damage to occur. This innovation, however, provides a proactive and adaptive defense against overcurrent conditions.\n\nThe core of this technology involves continuously monitoring the flow of electricity within the charger. If it detects that the current is approaching or exceeding a safe threshold, the system intelligently intervenes to prevent the overcurrent state from fully developing. This ensures that the charging process remains safe and stable, protecting both the charger and the connected battery from stress and potential failure.\n\nIn essence, Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger acts as a vigilant guardian, constantly adjusting the power flow to maintain optimal and safe charging conditions, thereby enhancing device longevity and user safety. This proactive approach sets a new standard for reliability in battery charging systems, addressing a critical need in an increasingly battery-dependent world.","question":"What is Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger?"},{"answer":"The Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger patent describes a sophisticated multi-step process for dynamic current management. Firstly, an adapter switch is activated to receive electrical power from an external adapter connected to the battery charger. This switch is the initial gateway for power into the system.\n\nSecondly, a switching regulator is controlled to precisely direct the electrical current between itself and the battery port. This regulation is crucial for optimizing the charging profile and ensuring that the battery receives power at an appropriate voltage and current level under normal operating conditions.\n\nThirdly, and most innovatively, the system continuously senses a voltage drop that is directly related to the electrical current passing through a critical path in the charging circuit, specifically between the switching regulator and the battery port. This sensed voltage drop provides a real-time, analog representation of the current flow.\n\nFinally, the sensed voltage drop is compared against at least one predetermined reference voltage. If the sensed voltage exceeds this reference, indicating an imminent or active overcurrent state, the system intelligently changes the operation of the adapter switch. This change could involve reducing the power input, cycling the switch, or temporarily disabling it, effectively preventing the overcurrent condition from causing damage to the battery charger or the connected device. This adaptive response is what makes Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger a highly effective and proactive safety solution.","question":"How does Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger work?"},{"answer":"The Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger patent solves the pervasive and critical problem of damage and safety hazards caused by overcurrent conditions in battery charging systems. Overcurrent, which occurs when too much electrical current flows through a circuit, can lead to a host of detrimental effects.\n\nFirstly, it can cause severe stress and damage to the internal components of the battery charger itself, leading to premature failure and costly replacements. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, overcurrent can degrade the connected battery, shortening its lifespan, reducing its capacity, and potentially leading to dangerous thermal events, including overheating, swelling, or even fire. These issues contribute to a significant amount of electronic waste and pose serious safety concerns for users.\n\nTraditional overcurrent protection methods often fall short by being either too slow, too imprecise, or purely reactive. They might allow a damaging surge to occur before shutting down, or they might trigger false alarms, disrupting the charging process unnecessarily. The innovation described in Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger addresses these shortcomings by providing a proactive, real-time, and adaptive solution. It prevents overcurrent conditions from fully developing, thereby protecting devices, extending battery life, and enhancing overall user safety and confidence in battery-powered technology. This directly translates into reduced warranty claims and improved brand reputation for manufacturers, solving a critical business challenge as well.","question":"What problem does Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger solve?"},{"answer":"While the patent document US-9853467 for Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger lists specific inventors, the provided patent data in the prompt does not include their names. Typically, inventors are individuals or a team of engineers and researchers who conceived and developed the innovative systems and methods described in the patent.\n\nThese inventors would have worked to identify the limitations of existing overcurrent protection technologies and then devised the novel approach of real-time voltage drop sensing and adaptive control of the adapter switch. Their expertise would likely span areas such as power electronics, circuit design, and embedded systems.\n\nThe assignee, also not provided in the prompt, would be the company or entity to whom the inventors have assigned their rights to the patent. This is common practice in the industry, where employees assign their inventions to their employers as part of their employment agreements. This entity would then hold the commercial rights to the Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger technology.\n\nTo find the specific inventors and assignee, one would typically refer to the full patent document available from patent offices like the USPTO or specialized patent databases. This information is crucial for understanding the origin and ownership of the Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger innovation.","question":"Who invented Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger?"},{"answer":"The Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger patent offers a multitude of significant benefits, impacting both device manufacturers and end-users. These advantages stem from its proactive and adaptive approach to managing electrical current during charging.\n\nFirstly, a primary benefit is **Enhanced Device Safety**. By preventing excessive current flow, the technology significantly reduces the risk of overheating, short circuits, and other electrical hazards that can lead to device damage or, in severe cases, fires. This provides greater peace of mind for consumers and reduces liability risks for manufacturers. Secondly, it leads to **Extended Battery and Device Lifespan**. Overcurrent conditions are a major cause of battery degradation and component stress. By actively mitigating these events, the Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger helps batteries maintain their capacity for longer and extends the overall operational life of the electronic device, saving users money on replacements and reducing electronic waste.\n\nThirdly, the system ensures **Improved Charging Reliability and Efficiency**. The precise, real-time monitoring and adaptive control allow for optimal power delivery, preventing unnecessary interruptions or inefficient charging cycles. This means devices charge more consistently and effectively. Fourthly, for manufacturers, this innovation provides a **Strong Competitive Advantage and Reduced Operational Costs**. Products incorporating this advanced protection can be marketed as more reliable and safer, enhancing brand reputation. It also leads to fewer warranty claims and product returns related to charging issues, directly impacting a company's bottom line. Lastly, the technology contributes to **Future-Proofing Devices**. As charging speeds increase and power demands grow, robust and intelligent protection like that found in Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger becomes indispensable for maintaining safety and performance standards in next-generation electronics.","question":"What are the key benefits of Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger?"},{"answer":"The Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger patent distinguishes itself significantly from prior art by shifting from a predominantly reactive protection paradigm to a proactive and adaptive one. Traditional overcurrent protection methods, while functional, often come with notable limitations that this innovation addresses.\n\nPrior art solutions commonly include fuses, which are one-time-use components that blow *after* an overcurrent event has fully developed, meaning some damage may have already occurred. Resettable fuses (PPTCs) are also reactive and can be slow to respond. More advanced integrated circuits might offer current limiting or shutdown features, but these often involve a hard cutoff once a fixed threshold is crossed, which can be disruptive to the charging process and may not differentiate well between transient spikes and sustained faults. These methods primarily focus on preventing catastrophic failure rather than optimizing device longevity or user experience.\n\nIn contrast, Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger employs a continuous, real-time sensing mechanism that monitors a voltage drop directly related to the current flow. This allows the system to detect an *impending* overcurrent condition. Crucially, when this condition is sensed, the system doesn't just shut down; it *changes the operation* of the adapter switch. This adaptive response can involve a nuanced adjustment, such as reducing the power input or cycling the switch, to bring the current back to safe levels without necessarily interrupting the entire charging process. This proactive and graceful fault management minimizes stress on components, prevents damage before it escalates, and ensures a smoother, more reliable charging experience. This fundamental difference in approach, emphasizing prevention and adaptive control over mere reaction, is what sets Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger apart from prior art.","question":"How is Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger different from prior art?"},{"answer":"The Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger patent has the potential to significantly impact a wide array of industries that rely on battery-powered devices and their associated charging infrastructure. Its core functionality—ensuring safe and efficient power delivery—is a universal requirement across numerous sectors.\n\nFirstly, the **Consumer Electronics** industry will be profoundly affected. This includes manufacturers of smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearables, and various smart home devices. Enhanced overcurrent protection means safer products for consumers, longer battery lifespans, and reduced warranty claims for companies, leading to greater brand loyalty. Secondly, the **Automotive Industry**, particularly the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) sector, stands to benefit immensely. EV battery packs are large, expensive, and critical to vehicle safety. Robust overcurrent protection in EV chargers and on-board charging systems can prevent costly damage, extend battery pack life, and instill greater confidence in EV technology among consumers.\n\nThirdly, **Industrial and Commercial Equipment** manufacturers will find this innovation valuable. This includes power tools, robotics, drones, and portable medical devices, where reliability and safety in demanding environments are paramount. Consistent and protected power delivery is essential for operational uptime and worker safety. Fourthly, the **Renewable Energy and Energy Storage** sector, involving large-scale battery banks for solar and wind installations, can leverage this technology to enhance the safety and longevity of their critical energy storage systems. Lastly, even the **Aerospace and Defense** industries, which rely on highly reliable battery systems for critical missions, could integrate this advanced protection to ensure uninterrupted and safe operation of their specialized equipment. The versatility and fundamental importance of safe power management ensure that Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger will have a broad and lasting impact across these diverse industrial landscapes.","question":"What industries will Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger impact?"},{"answer":"The patent for Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger, identified by the number US-9853467, has specific dates associated with its journey through the patent process.\n\nThe **filing date** for this patent was **2015-06-23**. This is the date when the patent application was officially submitted to the patent office (in this case, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO). The filing date is significant because it typically establishes the priority date for the invention, meaning it's the earliest date from which the invention's novelty and non-obviousness are assessed against prior art.\n\nThe **publication date** for the Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger patent was **2017-12-26**. This is the date when the patent document was officially published by the patent office, making its details publicly accessible. While the prompt does not specify a grant date, the publication date is often associated with the final issuance of the patent, signifying that the patent has passed examination and has been granted. Once granted, the patent provides the patent holder with exclusive rights to the invention for a specified period, typically 20 years from the earliest filing date.\n\nThese dates are crucial for understanding the timeline of the Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger innovation, its legal status, and its position within the landscape of technological development in power management and battery charging safety. Researchers, competitors, and potential licensees would use these dates to assess the patent's validity and market relevance.","question":"When was Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger filed/granted?"},{"answer":"The commercial applications for the Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger patent (US-9853467) are extensive and diverse, spanning virtually every sector that relies on efficient and safe battery charging. This technology offers a foundational improvement that enhances the value and reliability of countless products.\n\nOne of the most immediate and impactful applications is in **Consumer Electronics**. This includes integration into chargers for smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and other portable devices. For these products, enhanced safety and extended battery life are key selling points, directly translating into increased consumer satisfaction and reduced warranty costs for manufacturers. Secondly, the **Electric Vehicle (EV) market** presents a massive commercial opportunity. Overcurrent protection is critical for both public and home EV charging stations, as well as the on-board battery management systems within the vehicles themselves. Ensuring the safety and longevity of expensive EV battery packs is paramount for mass adoption and reliability.\n\nThirdly, **Medical Devices** often rely on precise and fail-safe power delivery. Portable medical equipment, diagnostic tools, and implantable devices can benefit from the robust and adaptive overcurrent protection offered by this patent, where reliability can be a matter of life or death. Fourthly, **Industrial and Commercial Applications** such as power tools, robotics, drones, and backup power systems require highly dependable charging solutions to ensure operational continuity and safety in harsh environments. The protection offered by Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger minimizes downtime and extends equipment life. Lastly, the technology can be applied in **Renewable Energy Systems**, particularly in battery energy storage systems (BESS) for solar and wind power, where large battery banks need sophisticated protection to ensure their longevity and safe operation. The versatility of this innovation means it can be adapted across a broad spectrum of products and systems, making it a valuable commercial asset.","question":"What are the commercial applications of Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger?"},{"answer":"The Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger patent (US-9853467) lays a strong foundation for future advancements in power management, suggesting several exciting directions for development. The core principles of real-time sensing and adaptive control are ripe for further enhancement.\n\nOne key area for future development is the integration of **Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)**. Future systems could leverage AI to learn optimal overcurrent response profiles based on various factors, such as battery chemistry, temperature, charge cycles, and even user behavior. This could lead to truly predictive protection, where the system anticipates potential overcurrents before they even register as a voltage drop, adjusting power preemptively. Secondly, we can expect advancements in **Adaptive and Context-Aware Protection**. The 'at least one reference voltage' mentioned in the patent could evolve into dynamic, multi-stage thresholds that adapt based on the specific device, battery state of health, or even ambient environmental conditions. This would enable more nuanced and efficient protection tailored to the exact charging scenario.\n\nThirdly, there will likely be a focus on **Miniaturization and Higher Integration**. As power management ICs (PMICs) continue to shrink, the entire overcurrent protection system, including sensing, comparison, and control logic, will become more tightly integrated into smaller, more efficient chips. This will enable its inclusion in increasingly compact and high-power density devices. Fourthly, **Enhanced Diagnostic and Communication Capabilities** are anticipated. Future systems might not only protect but also provide detailed diagnostic data on charging events, enabling better fault analysis and proactive maintenance. This data could be communicated to users or system administrators, further improving reliability. Lastly, the principles of Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger could be extended to **Wireless Charging and Energy Harvesting Systems**. As these technologies mature, robust overcurrent protection will be critical to ensure safe and efficient power transfer and storage, making them more practical and reliable for widespread adoption. These developments promise to make future battery charging systems even safer, smarter, and more resilient.","question":"What are the future developments expected for Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger?"}],"topics":["overcurrent protection","battery charger safety","power management","voltage sensing","adapter switch control","technical","intricate","mechanisms"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger - Patent US-9853467","description":"Discover the Overcurrent Protection in a Battery Charger patent (US-9853467). This innovation safeguards devices by sensing voltage drops & adaptively controlling current.","keywords":["overcurrent protection","battery charger safety","power management","voltage sensing","adapter switch control","switching regulator","device longevity","electronics safety","patent US-9853467","battery protection technology","charging safety innovation","power electronics"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853467","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853467","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Overcurrent protection in a battery charger\" (US-9853467). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853467","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853467","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853467","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T09:27:34.544Z"}