Battery Recharge Current Monitoring for Overcurrent Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring methods for rechargeable battery charging do not adequately protect the battery from overcurrent, which can lead to reduced lifespan and potential hazards such as fire or electrocution due to converter failures.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring method that determines if the charging current is within a safe range (between a maximum current and a specified value) and authorizes or interrupts the charging phase based on predefined actions, including generating alerts and recording fault codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If voltage monitoring is used to detect charging abnormalities, then the monitoring system is simple to implement, but it cannot detect overcurrent conditions caused by converter failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces voltage-based monitoring with direct current measurement using a current sensor. This substitution allows the system to directly detect overcurrent conditions that voltage monitoring cannot identify, particularly those caused by converter failures. The current sensor provides accurate real-time monitoring of charging current, enabling reliable detection of abnormal conditions while maintaining system simplicity.
2Device complexity
If no current monitoring is implemented, then the system has fewer components and lower cost, but the battery is vulnerable to damage from overcurrent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current sensor as an intermediary component between the charging system and the battery. This sensor acts as a mediator that provides accurate current measurement data to the control unit, enabling the system to detect and respond to overcurrent conditions. The intermediary sensor adds minimal complexity while providing critical protection against overcurrent damage to the battery and electrical components.
3Ease of operation
If voltage threshold monitoring is used, then the monitoring method is simple, but it provides insufficient protection against converter failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the indirect voltage-based monitoring method with direct current measurement. This substitution maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving reliability. The current sensor provides direct feedback on actual charging current, enabling the control unit to accurately detect overcurrent conditions and take protective action, thereby ensuring battery safety while keeping the monitoring approach straightforward.
Data Source
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AI summary
A monitoring method is implemented in a system comprising a rechargeable battery designed to receive a measurable charging current during a charging phase from an external power source. This method includes a step (10-60) in which it is determined during the charging phase whether the measured charging current is between a chosen maximum charging current and this chosen maximum charging current plus a first chosen value, and if so, the charging phase is allowed to continue and at least one action is performed in the system; whereas if the measured charging current is greater than the chosen maximum charging current plus the first chosen value, the charging phase is interrupted and at least one second action is performed in the system.