Battery Pack Line Disconnection Detection via Third-Line Power Path

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery management systems stop operating when the power supply line is disconnected, leading to a halt in the use of the entire battery pack, as they lack a reliable method to sense disconnection and continue operation.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design that includes a detecting unit to monitor current on a third line connecting the first power supply line with a voltage sensing line, using a photo-coupler and micro-controller unit to determine disconnection of the first line, allowing the battery management apparatus to receive power through the third line if the first line is disconnected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the battery management apparatus uses a single power supply line (first line) to receive power from the battery, then the power supply structure is simple, but the system stops operating when the power supply line is disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation continuityVSAvoidpower supply structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The third line is designed to serve dual purposes: normally it carries voltage sensing signals, but when the first power supply line is disconnected, it automatically functions as an alternative power supply path. This multi-functionality ensures continuous operation without requiring a completely separate backup power line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A photo-coupler is introduced as an intermediary component to detect current flow on the third line and transmit disconnection detection signals to the determination unit. This intermediary enables reliable detection of the first line's disconnection status through optical coupling, isolating the detection circuit from direct electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the battery management apparatus separates the power supply line and voltage sensing line, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the disconnection detection capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage measurement accuracyVSAvoiddisconnection detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The third line is designed to serve dual purposes: normally it carries voltage sensing signals, but when the first power supply line is disconnected, it automatically functions as an alternative power supply path. This multi-functionality ensures continuous operation without requiring a completely separate backup power line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The detecting unit continuously monitors current flow on the third line and provides feedback to the determination unit. When disconnection is detected through the photo-coupler, the system receives immediate feedback and switches to using the third line for power supply, ensuring continuous operation with automatic adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the battery management apparatus uses voltage drop method to detect disconnection, then the detection is simple, but the detection accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection methodVSAvoiddisconnection detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A photo-coupler is introduced as an intermediary component to detect current flow on the third line and transmit disconnection detection signals to the determination unit. This intermediary enables reliable detection of the first line's disconnection status through optical coupling, isolating the detection circuit from direct electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces simple voltage drop measurement with a photo-coupler-based current detection system. This substitution uses optical detection instead of direct electrical measurement, providing more reliable and accurate disconnection detection while maintaining circuit isolation and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate detection of power supply line disconnection, preventing the battery pack from stopping operation even when the primary power line is disconnected, and improves disconnection detection accuracy compared to voltage drop-based methods.

Implementation Method 1

a photo-coupler and a diode included in the photo-coupler is connected to the third line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoto-coupling: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240421369A1Battery pack and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

Provided is a battery pack including a battery cell, a battery management apparatus connected to the battery cell through a first line and a second line, a detecting unit for detecting current of a third line that connects the first line with the second line, and a determining unit for determining whether a disconnection of the first line has occurred, based on whether the current of the third line is detected.