Integrated Battery Gauge Equalization for UAV Miniaturization

Solution Overview

Problem

The miniaturization of unmanned aerial vehicle batteries poses a challenge as existing battery equalization methods, such as active and passive equalization, require significant space, compromising the compact design and increasing safety risks due to voltage inconsistencies.

Innovation Solution

A battery equalizing apparatus with an integrated battery gauge and microprocessor that monitors battery levels and pressure differences, triggering an internal equalization circuit to equalize batteries only when necessary, thereby saving circuit board space and ensuring consistent voltage without occupying additional volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If passive equalization using external resistor is used, then rapid equalization speed is achieved, but circuit board space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequalization speedVSAvoidcircuit board space

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the equalization function with the battery gauge chip by integrating the equalization switch inside the chip. This combines the monitoring function and equalization function into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for external equalization circuits and saving circuit board space while maintaining equalization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The equalization switch is nested within the battery gauge chip structure. The patent describes the equalization switch as being disposed inside the battery gauge, with control terminals connected to the microprocessor. This nested arrangement allows the equalization function to be contained within the existing chip footprint without requiring additional external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If active equalization is used, then voltage consistency is improved, but interface space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage consistencyVSAvoidinterface space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the equalization function with the battery gauge chip by integrating the equalization switch inside the chip. This combines the monitoring function and equalization function into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for external equalization circuits and saving circuit board space while maintaining equalization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential equalization switch component and integrates it within the battery gauge chip, removing the need for external equalization circuits. This selective extraction and integration approach maintains the equalization function while eliminating unnecessary external interfaces and components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If battery miniaturization is pursued, then compact design is achieved, but battery equalization space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery volumeVSAvoidequalization circuit space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the equalization function with the battery gauge chip by integrating the equalization switch inside the chip. This combines the monitoring function and equalization function into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for external equalization circuits and saving circuit board space while maintaining equalization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery gauge chip is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors battery voltage levels and simultaneously controls the equalization switch. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate equalization circuitry, allowing compact battery design while maintaining equalization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11605841B2Battery equalizing apparatus and method, and unmanned aerial vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 AUTEL ROBOTICS CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a battery equalizing apparatus and method, and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The battery equalizing apparatus includes: a battery gauge configured to monitor battery level information of a battery in a static state, a battery equalizing circuit being disposed inside the battery gauge; and a microprocessor connected to a communication port of the battery gauge and configured to: acquire the battery level information monitored by the battery gauge, and calculate a pressure difference between cells of the battery in a static state according to the battery level information, and determine whether the pressure difference is greater than a pressure difference threshold; the microprocessor sending a trigger signal to the battery gauge through the communication port when the pressure difference is greater than the pressure difference threshold, to trigger the equalizing circuit of the battery gauge to equalize the battery. Through implementation of the present invention, a space of a circuit board may be saved by using an internally integrated equalization function of the battery gauge, facilitating miniaturization of the battery.