Battery bulging is more than just a sign of an aging battery pack, but also a matter of safety risk. Now, Xiaomi has patented a new lithium battery technology that seeks to address this issue.

According to a MyDrivers report, the Chinese tech giant applied for a patent last month, which got published earlier this week. This patent was titled “Battery Expansion Prompt Method and Device,” and was invented by Luo Wenhui. As the name suggests, this technology will be able to detect and inform the user regarding their aging battery and its health. In other words, it can detect if the battery is bulging and alert the user, so as to avoid any complications.

The description states that “The present disclosure relates to a method for prompting battery expansion. The device includes: a battery compartment, a battery back cover, piezoelectric ceramics, and a current detection circuit; wherein the piezoelectric ceramic is arranged on the inner side of the battery back cover at a position facing the battery; or the bottom of the battery compartment. The current detection circuit is connected to the piezoelectric ceramic and is used to detect a current signal generated by the piezoelectric ceramic. When the piezoelectric ceramic generates a current signal, it indicates that the degree of battery expansion exceeds an expansion threshold.”

To put it simply, the technology would be based around the battery/surrounding it and will be able to detect any abnormalities in its shape. This technology could soon even be staple in the industry, especially in terms of safety. So stay tuned for more, as we will be providing updates when additional information is available.

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The post Xiaomi patents new technology that can detect if a battery is bulging appeared first on Gizmochina.

Last week, a Fitbit Flex 2 owner, Dina Mitchell said her fitness tracker suddenly caught fire and caused injuries to her arm. Ms. Mitchell who was reading a book at the time had to hurriedly pull off the device from her wrist but still ended up with second-degree burns.

The Flex 2 uses a lithium polymer battery which is usually the cause in cases of exploding devices (remember the Galaxy Note 7?). Fitbit decided to investigate the matter and the result says the battery wasn’t responsible.

Fitbits’s spokesperson is quoted as saying “Based on our initial investigation, including testing of her device by a leading third-party failure analysis firm, we have concluded that Ms. Mitchell’s Fitbit Flex 2 did not malfunction. The testing shows that external forces caused the damage to the device.”

The spokesperson however failed to mention the “external forces” responsible for the incident. Fitbit says there have been no new reports of Flex 2 units catching fire, therefore owners can continue wearing the smartband without fear.

Fitbit said the health and safety of their customers is top priority, hence their products are not only designed to meet the standards set but are also put through rigorous external and internal testing.

READ MORE: Xiaomi’s 78th Crowdfunding Product – Weloop Hey 3S Smartwatch Launched

An IDC report released this year for 2016 puts Fitbit at the top of the wearables’ list with a 19.2% market share. China’s Xiaomi is number two with 15.2% and Apple closes the top 3 with 13.6%.

(Source)

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