Detection of swollen batteries and more capacity in the same space: Rumorsphere

Batteries, although we give them the right importance in new devices, contain a lot of technology and how well they work, how long they last, etc. depend on their design. In this area, Apple continues to investigate the secret laboratories of Apple Park and recently filed some patents that we hints at some of the more interesting future changes.

Bigger batteries in the same space, but safer

In the first patent, Apple explored the possibility of enclosing the battery in a metallic element. This would allow this official to have greater autonomy from the rest of the system. Currently, batteries must be physically separated from other components

for the simple act of containing the cargo. This separation represents a wasted space in a device inside which we increasingly want to insert more components and at the same time reduce their size.

The patent states that a metal case, with the corresponding ground connection, would allow the battery to come close to the rest of the components and, therefore, give us more energy in the same space. In the image below, Apple represents the required spacing using the dotted line in Figure 1. Eliminate this space, although it may not seem like much. will help the battery to give us maximum life no change in product design.

In the second patent, Apple describes a system to detect and even control swollen batteries. A system that could be used both on an Apple Watch or an iPhone and in a car. To detect these variations in size, the patent raises use capacitors in the battery packaging

So if the distance between two components of the capacitor changes, the capacitance changes, and this alerts the sensor.

Using this capacity, expansions in various parts of the battery could be measured, giving the battery monitor more information to change charging patterns and reduce or prevent further swelling. This system, in addition, could present a notice to the user to go to an Apple Store or similar for a more comprehensive battery check.

Batteries, as highly reactive chemical elements, present risks when, in particular because of their age, their reactions and their functioning are altered. In the Mac, we already notice that the battery needs maintenance, although it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. These warnings are based on the battery’s response to the load, but are not able to detect its physical state, so they are limited to a fairly discreet warning. A detection that the battery has increased in size could give rise to a and that he will take us to check his status to avoid surprises.

As we wait for the next revolution in mobile device batteries, it’s clear that Apple continues to research how to improve current technology. Systems like this will allow future devices to give us longer runtime and the peace of mind that the battery is at full capacity.