Battery Charger Control for Mixed Battery Pack Architectures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging devices cannot optimally charge battery packs with different internal structures, as they lack the ability to discern structural differences, leading to inefficient charging and potential overheating issues due to the lack of temperature data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A charging device equipped with a battery type discriminating means and control means that can differentiate between autonomous and device-dependent battery packs, allowing for optimal charging conditions by inferring the internal state and controlling cooling and charging operations based on the type of battery pack, including the use of a cooling fan and charging current detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the charging device uses a universal charging interface to support multiple battery pack types, then the adaptability is improved, but the charging precision and safety are worsened because the device cannot discern internal structural differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component between the charging device and the battery pack. The adapter detects battery type information and transmits it to the charging device, enabling the charging device to identify battery characteristics without direct contact with the battery terminals. This mediator approach allows universal compatibility while maintaining precise battery state detection through the adapter's sensing capabilities.
2Reliability
If the charging device drives the cooling fan continuously to prevent overheating, then the safety is improved, but the energy consumption increases and the battery's autonomous temperature control function is unnecessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the charging device receives temperature data from the battery pack (or adapter) and adjusts the cooling fan operation accordingly. The control unit monitors battery temperature in real-time and activates the cooling fan only when temperature exceeds a threshold, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes energy consumption while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the battery pack to autonomously monitor its own temperature and control its internal cooling system through its built-in microcomputer and temperature sensors. This self-service capability eliminates the need for the charging device to continuously drive the cooling fan, as the battery pack manages its thermal regulation independently based on its own sensor data.
3Reliability
If the charging device interrupts charging when temperature rises too high without temperature data transmission, then the safety is maintained, but the charging efficiency is reduced due to unnecessary charging halts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where temperature data is continuously transmitted from the battery pack to the charging device during charging. The charging device uses this real-time temperature information to make informed decisions about charging continuation or interruption, rather than using fixed threshold-based shutdown. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary charging halts while maintaining safety through continuous monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
A charging device includes: a connection portion; charging means; and control means. A first type battery pack and a second type battery pack are connectable to the connection portion. The first type battery pack is configured to control charging itself to determine whether charging is feasible. The second type battery pack is configured to provide information to the charging device for determining whether charging is feasible and controlling a charging operation. The charging means supplies charging current to a secondary battery included in a battery pack connected to the connection portion. The control means is configured to control a charging condition based on a type of the battery pack connected to the connection portion.