AC Battery Heating Current Shaping for Audible Status Sounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery thermal control systems generate loud and unpleasing noise during heating, which can be confusing and concerning for users, and lack the ability to convert this noise into meaningful information or a pleasing sound experience.
Innovation Solution
A system that controls the parameters of an alternating current (AC) heating current to generate a selected sound pattern, including frequency, amplitude, and shape, to produce a desired sound profile or pattern that is audible to the user, providing a pleasing experience and conveying information about the battery's condition or status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If AC heating current is applied to heat the battery system, then the battery temperature is maintained at proper operating levels, but loud and unpleasing noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful noise generated during AC heating into a beneficial feature by controlling the AC current parameters to produce pleasant, informative sounds. The heating process that previously generated annoying noise is transformed to generate melodious tones that convey battery status information, turning a harmful factor into a useful communication tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the AC heating current characteristics (frequency, amplitude, waveform shape) to control the sound output. By adjusting these parameters dynamically based on battery temperature and status, the system generates different sound patterns that are both pleasant to hear and informative about battery conditions.
2Temperature
If AC heating current is applied to heat the battery system, then thermal control is achieved, but the noise lacks meaningful information for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the sound generation as a communication channel between the battery system and the user. The AC current parameters are controlled based on real-time battery status (temperature, charge level, health), and this status information is encoded into the sound output, providing continuous feedback about battery conditions to the user in an intuitive auditory format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sound as an intermediary medium to convey battery status information. Instead of relying solely on visual displays or silent operation, the system uses controlled acoustic signals as a mediator to communicate battery temperature, charge state, and health information to the user in a natural and attention-grabbing manner.
3Ease of operation
If the shape of AC heating current is controlled to generate selected sound patterns, then user experience is enhanced with pleasing sounds, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the existing AC heating current control system perform multiple functions: thermal control and sound generation. The same heating control module that regulates battery temperature also controls the AC current parameters to generate pleasant sounds and convey information, eliminating the need for separate sound generation hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the thermal control function with the sound generation function into a single integrated system. By combining these functions, the patent reduces control system complexity while enhancing user experience, as the heating control infrastructure is leveraged to provide both temperature management and auditory feedback without requiring additional dedicated components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Transforms potentially annoying noise into a pleasing sound, enhancing user experience by making it meaningful and informative, while using existing components to provide additional monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Some thermal control systems include capabilities for heating battery modules using an applied alternating current
Implementation Method 2
controlling a shape of the AC heating current to cause a component of the battery system to emit a selected sound pattern
Implementation Method 3
heating a battery system to a desired temperature by applying the AC heating current to the battery system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for thermal control of a battery system includes a heating control module configured to generate an alternating current (AC) heating current and heat the battery system to a desired temperature by applying the AC heating current to the battery system. The heating control module is configured to control a shape of the AC heating current to cause a component of the battery system to emit a selected sound pattern having a selected frequency, amplitude and shape.