Battery Maintenance Interface for EV Pack Connector Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance of battery packs in electric vehicles is challenging due to the variety of battery pack configurations, high voltages, and the need for safe and efficient discharging, especially in accident scenarios where access and electrical connections are difficult.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack maintenance device that includes loads for discharging and charging circuitry, along with optional input/output circuitry for communicating with the battery pack and vehicle systems. The device can determine the correct connector configuration and interface with the vehicle's databus to control and monitor the battery pack operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different cables are used to interface with different battery pack configurations, then compatibility with various battery packs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cable design where a single cable incorporates multiple contact arrangements that can interface with different battery pack configurations. The cable includes a plurality of contacts arranged in different patterns (first contact arrangement, second contact arrangement, third contact arrangement) within the same cable structure, allowing it to adapt to various battery pack types without requiring multiple specialized cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is divided into functional segments with different contact arrangements that can be selectively activated or engaged based on the specific battery pack configuration being serviced. This segmentation allows the single cable to present different interface configurations as needed, maintaining versatility while simplifying the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If the maintenance device is made portable and battery-powered for outdoor use, then ease of operation is improved, but power delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance device incorporates a dynamic power delivery system that can adjust its output based on the specific battery pack being serviced. The device includes controllable switches and circuitry that can configure the power delivery characteristics in real-time, allowing a portable battery-powered unit to deliver the necessary high power for maintenance operations while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions including power delivery, communication, and control within a single portable maintenance device. By merging the power delivery circuitry with the communication interface and control systems, the device achieves sufficient power capability for battery pack maintenance while remaining portable and battery-operated for outdoor use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the maintenance device includes comprehensive communication capabilities with vehicle databus, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance device incorporates a universal communication interface that can interface with multiple vehicle databus protocols and configurations through a single integrated communication module. The device includes circuitry that can detect and adapt to different communication protocols, allowing comprehensive vehicle system integration without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each communication standard.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a battery pack maintenance device for performing maintenance on battery packs of hybrid and/or electrical vehicles (referred herein generally as electric vehicles). In various embodiments, the device includes one or more loads for connecting to a battery pack for use in discharging the battery pack, and/or charging circuitry for use in charging the battery pack. Optional input/output circuitry can be provided for communicating with circuitry of in the battery pack and/or circuitry of the vehicle. A method and device for determining connector configuration is also provided.