STANDARDIZED RECHARGEABLE BATTERY CELL

• US 20160197337A1
• Filed: 08/22/2014
• Published: 07/07/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tricopian, LLC
• Original Assignee: Tricopian, LLC
• Inventors: Yau, Chi W.
• Granted Patent: US 10,529,973 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/0436 Small-sized flat cells or batteries for portable equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/425 Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing printed circuits H05K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2010/4271 Battery management systems including electronic circuits, e.g. control of current or voltage to keep battery in healthy state, cell balancing
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/30 Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/213 adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic H01M50/209, H01M50/216 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/572 Means for preventing undesired use or discharge
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/574 Devices or arrangements for the interruption of current
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 with provisions for charging different types of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 70/50 Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Abstract

Applications for use with a rechargeable power unit. In one embodiment, the rechargeable power unit is configured to be releasably connected to one or more interchangeable attachments having an electric functionality. In one embodiment, an electric device is configured having a compartment and connection portion configured to receive and use the rechargeable power unit as power source. In some embodiments, the rechargeable power unit can be obtained or exchanged at a battery exchange machine.

Claims

1. A rechargeable power unit comprising:

an electrochemical cell;

an input/output module in electrical connection with the electrochemical cell;

an output port configured to receive a connector of an electrical device, the output port in electrical contact with the input/output module;

an input port configured to receive a charging connector, the input port in electrical contact with the input/output module;

a casing housing the electrochemical cell and the input/output module; and

an a mechanical attachment feature connected to the casing, wherein the mechanical attachment feature is configured to releasably engage a corresponding feature on an electrical device.

2. The rechargeable power unit of claim 1, further comprising a jacket disposed on the casing, the jacket comprising a unique computer readable identifier.

6. The rechargeable power unit of claim 1, wherein the input/output module comprises an internal memory storing a unique identifier.

7. The rechargeable power unit of claim 6, wherein the internal memory stores information related to a user of the rechargeable power unit.

8. The rechargeable power unit of claim 6, wherein the memory comprises an authentication module, the authentication module configured to allow or prohibit flow of current through the input/output module.

9. The rechargeable power unit of claim 1, wherein the

10. The rechargeable power unit of claim 2, wherein the unique computer readable identifier encodes a unique serial number.

11. The rechargeable power unit of claim 1 wherein the casing comprises a removable top cap housing, wherein the input/output module is disposed within the top cap housing, and wherein the input/output module is removably connected to the electrochemical cell.

3. A system using a rechargeable power unit with an interchangeable accessory comprising:

a rechargeable power unit comprising;

an electrochemical cell;

an input/output module in electrical connection with the electrochemical cell;

an output port configured to receive a connector, the output port in electrical contact with the input/output module;

an input port configured to receive a charging connector, the input port in electrical contact with the input/output module;

a casing housing the electrochemical cell and the input/output module; and

an a first mechanical attachment feature connected to the casing, wherein the first mechanical attachment feature is configured to releasably engage a corresponding feature on an electrical device;

an interchangeable attachment comprising;

an electrical device;

a connector configured to be received in the output port;

a circuit module in electrical connection with the connector, wherein the circuit comprises circuitry for transmitting electrical power from the cell to the electrical device; and

a second mechanical attachment feature disposed on the electric device which corresponds to the first attachment feature on the rechargeable power unit.

12. The system of claim 3, wherein the first attachment feature extends along a length of the casing and is configured to receive the corresponding second attachment feature on the electric device.

4. A system using a rechargeable power unit with an electric device comprising:

a rechargeable power unit comprising;

an electrochemical cell;

an input/output module in electrical connection with the electrochemical cell;

an output port configured to receive a connector, the output port in electrical contact with the input/output module;

an input port configured to receive a charging connector, the input port in electrical contact with the input/output module;

a casing housing the electrochemical cell and the input/output module;

a battery compartment comprising;

a connector removably connected to an electric device, wherein the connector is configured to be received into the output port and provide a path for current flow from the input/output module to the electric device; and

a housing partially surrounding the connector, the housing configured to receive a portion of the rechargeable power unit as the connector is received into the output port.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the casing comprises an orientation feature.