Battery Kill Switch Circuit for Unauthorized Displacement Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Theft of battery systems, particularly during installation, transport, or storage, poses a significant problem in regions with unstable electricity grids, and existing technologies lack effective deterrence methods to prevent unauthorized removal or displacement.
Innovation Solution
A battery system incorporating a kill switch circuit with a controller that detects unauthorized displacement and discharges the battery to a permanently depleted state upon detection, using sensors for charge level and position, and optionally requiring external confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a battery system is made portable and valuable for backup power, then its utility and energy storage capability are improved, but it becomes vulnerable to theft and unauthorized displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a kill switch circuit that proactively prevents theft before it can be fully executed. The system detects unauthorized displacement attempts and responds by disabling the battery's functionality, thereby counteracting the potential harm before the thief gains full control of the stolen battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful aspect of battery value (which attracts thieves) into a beneficial security feature. The same high-capacity energy storage that makes the battery valuable and attractive to thieves is also what gets disabled by the kill switch, transforming the vulnerability into a security mechanism where the battery's own functionality becomes the deterrent.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a kill switch circuit is implemented to deter theft, then security against unauthorized displacement is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the kill switch circuit with the existing battery management system components. The switch is integrated into the current circuitry, sharing components such as the controller, sensors, and power management elements, thereby reducing overall system complexity rather than adding independent security subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller in the battery system performs multiple functions: it manages normal battery operations, monitors sensor data for unauthorized displacement, and activates the kill switch when needed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated security control hardware, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the kill switch discharges the battery to a permanently depleted state, then theft deterrence is maximized, but the battery becomes unusable and represents a total loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by disabling the battery before theft can be completed. By detecting unauthorized displacement and immediately activating the kill switch, the system prevents the thief from obtaining a functional battery, making the potential loss to the thief zero while maintaining full reliability for the legitimate owner.
Solution Approach 2:
The kill switch circuit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the battery and the external world. It controls the flow of energy and functionality, allowing full access during authorized use while completely blocking access during unauthorized attempts, thereby reconciling the contradiction between usability and security.
4Measurement precision
If sensors are added to detect unauthorized displacement, then detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller that manages battery operations is also programmed to interpret sensor data for displacement detection. This multi-functional use of the existing controller eliminates the need for separate dedicated processing hardware for security functions, maintaining measurement precision while avoiding additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the displacement detection function with the existing battery management system. Sensors that could be part of the environmental monitoring or protection circuitry are also used for security detection, merging multiple functions into unified hardware and software components to minimize overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery system is provided, the battery system comprising a battery cell pack and a sensor unit comprising a charge detection sensor arranged to detect a level of charge of the battery cell pack and at least one further sensor. The battery system further comprises a cell protection unit (114) arranged between the battery cell pack and a terminal of the battery system. The battery system further comprises a kill switch circuit comprising a load and a switch arranged in series over the battery cell pack. The switch is configured initially to be in an open state and, once closed, to remain in a closed state. The battery system further comprises a controller configured to receive measurements from the sensor unit. The controller is further configured to detect, using measurements from said charge detection sensor,the level of charge being below a predetermined threshold. Upon detection of the level of charge being below a predetermined threshold, the controller is configured to disconnect the terminal from the battery cell pack using the cell protection unit. The controller is further configured to detect, using measurements from the at least one further sensor, an unauthorized displacement of the battery cell pack outside of an allowed range. Upon detection of the unauthorized displacement of the battery cell pack, the controller is configured to close the switch of the kill switch circuit to discharge the battery cell pack to a permanently depleted state.