Battery Module Discharge Control Circuit for High-Temperature Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium batteries pose safety risks due to non-aqueous electrolyte decomposition at high temperatures, leading to pressure increases and potential swelling, which can cause devices to burn or explode.

Innovation Solution

A battery circuit architecture comprising a power level measuring circuit, temperature detecting circuit, and discharging control circuit that controls the discharge of the battery module based on its remaining power level and temperature to prevent swelling, including a discharging circuit between the battery module's positive end and ground, ensuring safe operation in high-temperature environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If lithium batteries are used to supply power to electronic devices, then high energy density and long operation time are achieved, but safety issues arise due to non-aqueous electrolyte decomposition at high temperatures leading to swelling and potential explosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary protective actions by continuously monitoring battery temperature and power levels before dangerous conditions develop. The control circuit proactively activates cooling mechanisms and regulates discharge rates when temperature rises or power levels become critical, preventing electrolyte decomposition and swelling before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control circuit as an intermediary between the battery and the electronic device. This intermediary monitors battery conditions (temperature, power level) and mediates the power supply by adjusting discharge rates or activating cooling systems, thereby protecting the battery from dangerous conditions while maintaining device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If the battery module discharges at high temperature, then power supply continues, but the non-aqueous electrolyte decomposes causing pressure increase and swelling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation timeVSAvoidelectrolyte decomposition
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting temperature rises and power level changes before electrolyte decomposition occurs. The control circuit preemptively reduces discharge rates or activates cooling mechanisms when critical thresholds are approached, counteracting the harmful thermal effects before they cause electrolyte decomposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring battery temperature and power levels, then adjusting discharge rates based on these measurements. When temperature rises or power levels indicate approaching critical states, the control circuit reduces discharge current, creating a feedback loop that prevents electrolyte decomposition while maintaining operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10720677B2Discharging control method for battery module and battery circuit architecture
Publication Date: 2020.07.21 GETAC TECH CORP
  • US10720677B2 patent drawing
  • US10720677B2 patent drawing
  • US10720677B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A discharging control method for a battery module and a battery circuit architecture are provided. The discharging control method includes: measuring a current remaining power level of the battery module by a power level measuring circuit, detecting a current temperature of the battery module by a temperature detecting circuit, and controlling a discharging circuit by a discharging control circuit in accordance with the current remaining power level and the current temperature of the battery module to discharge the battery module toward a ground end.