Battery Cell Positioning via Loop Antenna Phase Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management systems cannot determine the position of individual battery cells within a battery system, leading to unnecessary replacement of entire battery packs when a fault is detected, resulting in waste of functional cells and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for pre-mapping during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method using near field radio coupling with an antenna configured as a loop to transmit signals of different frequencies in multiple directions, allowing the determination of a radio receiver's position based on the observed rate of change of phase difference, enabling accurate location of faulty cells without pre-existing communication hierarchies or direct connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-mapping during assembly is implemented to track battery cell positions, then position determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pre-mapping and tracking systems with electromagnetic field-based localization. Loop antennas generate electromagnetic fields that interact with battery cells containing conductive elements, enabling position determination through electrical measurements rather than mechanical recording during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cells themselves serve as the localization mechanism through their inherent conductive properties. The cells' own electrical characteristics are utilized to detect their position within the pack, eliminating the need for external tracking infrastructure or pre-configured identification systems.
2Measurement precision
If pre-mapping during assembly is implemented to track battery cell positions, then position determination accuracy is improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing position mapping during assembly, the system performs position determination automatically after assembly is complete. The localization function is activated post-assembly, eliminating the need to interrupt the manufacturing process for tracking setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical pre-mapping procedures with rapid electromagnetic field-based detection that can determine positions without adding significant manufacturing time.
3Reliability
If entire battery packs are replaced when a fault is detected, then system reliability is improved, but loss of functional cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables segmentation of the battery pack into individual replaceable units based on precise fault location. By identifying the specific position of faulty cells, only the affected segments need replacement rather than the entire pack, reducing waste of functional cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback on the precise location of faults within the battery pack. This location information enables targeted replacement decisions, allowing operators to replace only the necessary cells or modules rather than following a blanket replacement policy.
4Measurement precision
If direct connections and pre-existing communication hierarchies are used for position determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex wired connections and communication infrastructure with electromagnetic field-based detection. Loop antennas transmit signals that penetrate the battery pack structure, enabling position determination without physical connections to each cell or complex wiring harnesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop antenna system serves multiple functions: it generates electromagnetic fields for localization, can potentially serve as part of the battery pack structure, and enables position determination without requiring individual cell modifications or specialized connection infrastructure.
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
Enables precise identification and replacement of faulty battery cells, reducing waste and manufacturing time, while allowing for flexible system configurations and efficient fault detection within battery systems.
Implementation Method 1
A method using near field radio coupling with an antenna configured as a loop to transmit signals of different frequencies in multiple directions
Implementation Method 2
allowing the determination of a radio receiver's position based on the observed rate of change of phase difference
Data Source
AI summary
A battery system (200) comprising a plurality of battery cells (210) and a plurality of monitoring devices (215) for to monitoring characteristics of the plurality of battery cells (210) is disclosed wherein the plurality of monitoring devices (215) are communicatively coupled via a near field radio coupling with an antenna (260) configured as a loop. A controller (250) causes a radio manager (270) to transmit a plurality of signals of different frequencies in a first and then a second direction around the antenna (260). The controller (250) can then determine the position of a monitoring device (215) along the length of the antenna (260) based on an observed rate of change of phase difference of signals transmitted in different directions around the antenna (260) with frequency observed at the monitoring device (215).