Battery Control Unit Internal Power Source Switch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery control unit systems stop monitoring and control operations when the battery pack switch is turned off, leading to sudden disconnection from the load circuit and failure in vehicle operation during travel.
Innovation Solution
A battery control unit system with an internal power source connected directly in parallel with the battery and a microcontroller that detects the on/off-state of the battery pack switch via software, allowing the system to maintain operation and control without an auxiliary battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the battery pack switch is turned off to stop current supply to the battery ECU system, then power consumption is reduced, but the monitoring and control operation stops and the battery disconnection switch is turned off causing sudden disconnection from the load circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into two independent paths: the main battery pack switch (2) for normal operation and a second switch (12) controlled by the ECU for maintaining critical functions. This segmentation allows the system to reduce power consumption by turning off the main switch while maintaining vehicle operation through the second switch, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy savings and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery ECU system acts as an intermediary that mediates between the battery pack switch and the battery disconnection switch. When the battery pack switch is turned off, the ECU detects this state and automatically controls the second switch to maintain the connection between the battery and load circuit, preventing sudden disconnection and ensuring continuous vehicle operation while allowing power reduction.
2Ease of operation
If the battery pack switch is turned off, then manual control over battery usage is achieved, but the system cannot maintain monitoring and control operation to prevent vehicle operation failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control where the battery ECU continuously monitors the state of the battery pack switch and automatically adjusts the second switch accordingly. When the first switch is turned off, the ECU detects this change and activates the second switch to maintain vehicle operation, providing feedback-based automatic compensation that preserves both manual control capability and operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU performs preliminary action by detecting the off-state of the battery pack switch before actual disconnection occurs and proactively activating the second switch to maintain the circuit connection. This preliminary response prevents the harmful effect of sudden disconnection and ensures continuous vehicle operation while respecting the user's manual switch operation.
3Reliability
If an auxiliary battery is used to maintain monitoring and control operation when the battery pack switch is off, then vehicle operation can be maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second switch (12) controlled by the ECU serves multiple functions: it acts as a normal circuit switch during regular operation and simultaneously serves as a backup power path when the battery pack switch is turned off. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain vehicle operation without requiring an auxiliary battery, reducing device complexity while preserving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery ECU system uses its own control capabilities to manage the second switch and maintain vehicle operation when the battery pack switch is off, rather than requiring an external auxiliary battery system. The system serves itself by utilizing its existing computational and control resources to ensure continuous operation, avoiding the need for additional complex power supply infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery control unit system is provided that detects a state of a battery used for driving a vehicle and monitors the state of the battery on the basis of detected information so as to control a circuit device surrounding the battery according to a result of the monitoring. The battery control unit system may include an internal power source that is connected directly in parallel with the battery and that supplies power to the battery control unit system, and a microcontroller that operates using the internal power source and detects, by a software process, an on/off-state of a battery pack switch that is provided in a battery pack including the battery and the battery control unit system.