Battery Lock Electronics Using Charge Thresholds for Anti-Theft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery technologies require special batteries with internal high-current switches and electronics for anti-theft features, which are costly and complex to implement, especially for small quantities and different form factors.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of battery lock electronics that connect to a battery management system, allowing for the easy integration of an anti-theft device without modifying the battery or management system. These electronics include a processor unit that communicates with the battery management system to set upper and lower threshold values for charge and discharge, limiting the battery's usage to prevent theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special batteries with internal high-current switches and electronics are equipped for anti-theft features, then battery security is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces battery lock electronics as an intermediary component that mediates between the communication device and the battery management system. This separate electronics unit implements the anti-theft functionality without requiring modifications to the battery's internal structure, thus maintaining battery security while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the anti-theft functionality into a separate battery lock electronics unit that can be independently added to the battery system. This segmentation allows the anti-theft feature to be implemented as an add-on component rather than integrating it into the battery's core structure, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If special batteries with anti-theft electronics are manufactured for different form factors, then battery security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to small quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The battery lock electronics is designed as a universal component that can be applied to multiple battery form factors through standardized communication interfaces. This universality allows a single design to serve multiple applications, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs even for small production quantities
Solution Approach 2:
By using the battery management system's existing communication interface as an intermediary, the patent avoids the need for form factor-specific hardware modifications. The battery lock electronics communicates through standard protocols that work across different battery types, simplifying manufacturing
3Reliability
If internal high-current switches are integrated into batteries for anti-theft, then battery security is improved, but ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery lock electronics serves as an intermediary that implements security control through software and communication protocols rather than mechanical or electrical switches. This allows the battery to maintain its original physical design for easy installation and removal, while security is enforced through the battery management system's control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/internal high-current switch approach with an electronic control system that uses communication protocols and software logic to enforce security. This substitution eliminates the need for physical modifications to the battery structure, preserving ease of installation and removal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to battery lock electronics (1) for a battery unit (4) having a battery management system (3), the battery lock electronics (1) having:a) a first electronic interface (1a) with a battery management system (3),b) a second electronic interface (1b) with a communication device (2) andc) a processor unit (1c) connected to the first (1a) and to the second interface (1b),and performing, upon detection of an unlock signal via the second interface (1b):reading out of a battery state-of-charge value (7) from the battery management system (3),storing an upper threshold value (8) in the battery management system (3),storing a lower threshold value (9) in the battery management system (3), anddetermining from the battery state-of-charge value (7):the upper threshold value (8) which is determined to be greater than the battery state-of-charge value (7) by a predetermined upper value;the lower threshold value (9) which is determined to be lower than the battery state-of-charge value (7) by a predetermined lower value.