Battery Module Cable Identification and Compatibility Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of standardization in control connectors and interfaces for battery modules in electric vehicle battery packs leads to inefficiencies and complexities in maintenance, requiring a large number of different cables and causing confusion and wasted time for maintenance operators.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that utilize identification elements integrated into cables and connectors, such as RFID tags, to recognize and match compatible charging and control cables with battery modules, using a library of correspondence and compatibility data to assist operators in selecting the correct cable combinations for leveling and monitoring operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of different cables are used to support various battery module types, then the adaptability of the maintenance system is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different battery module typesVSAvoidnumber of different cables required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal cable system where each cable is equipped with identification elements (RFID tags, barcodes, or other machine-readable identifiers) that enable a single cable type to be used with multiple battery module types. The control unit reads these identification elements to automatically determine compatibility and guide the maintenance operation, eliminating the need for operators to manually select from multiple specialized cable types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the cable and the battery module. This control unit contains a library of correspondence data that maps cable identification elements to compatible battery module types. The control unit automatically processes the identification information and determines compatibility, replacing the need for complex manual matching procedures and reducing the number of specialized cables required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of different cables are used to support various battery module types, then the adaptability of the maintenance system is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to operator confusion and time waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different battery module typesVSAvoidoperator selection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated feedback system where the control unit reads the identification element on the cable, automatically queries the library of correspondence data, and provides immediate feedback to the operator about compatibility. The system displays clear guidance indicating whether the selected cable is appropriate for the specific battery module type, eliminating operator confusion and preventing incorrect connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service operation by automatically performing the cable selection and compatibility verification process. The control unit autonomously reads the cable identification, determines compatibility with the battery module, and guides the operator through the maintenance procedure without requiring manual reference to complex cable selection charts or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual cable selection is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and measurement precision deteriorate due to time consumption and potential errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of system structureVSAvoidmaintenance operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cable selection with an automated electronic identification and verification system. Machine-readable identification elements (RFID tags, barcodes) on the cables are read by the control unit, which automatically queries the library of correspondence data and determines compatibility. This electronic substitution eliminates manual searching and selection, significantly improving maintenance productivity while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If manual cable selection is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to operator searching and verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of system structureVSAvoidcable selection and verification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing comprehensive correspondence data in the control unit's library before maintenance operations begin. The library contains pre-established relationships between cable identification elements and compatible battery module types. During actual maintenance, the system only needs to read the identification element and query the pre-prepared library, dramatically reducing selection and verification time without requiring complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3794703B1Device for controlling and assisting the charge levelling of a battery module, and corresponding method and kit
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 E XTEQ EURO
  • EP3794703B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3794703B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3794703B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (64) for controlling and assisting the charge levelling of a battery module (2), for cooperating with a charge cable (3) and a charge control cable (4) selected such that they are compatible with said battery module. Said device (64) comprises: means for recognising and identifying said charge cable (3) and said charge control cable (4) in a connection configuration, and means for supplying recognition and identification data; means for storing and querying a library of correspondence and compatibility between said battery modules and said cables (3, 4) compatible with each of said battery modules; comparison means for comparing recognition and identification data supplied by said recognition and identification means with the data stored in said library of correspondence and compatibility, and means for supplying a comparison result; and display and/or notification means activated by said comparison means.