Battery Module Monitoring via Sensor-Based Identification Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery systems with multiple modules face challenges in standardizing monitoring units due to unique identification information set in each module, hindering cost reduction and efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

The battery system employs a monitoring unit with a connector and temperature sensors to generate unique identification information based on voltage signals, eliminating the need for internal identification settings, allowing standardization across modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If unique identification information is preset in each monitoring unit, then battery modules can be identified for monitoring and control, but monitoring units cannot be standardized across modules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery module identificationVSAvoidmonitoring unit standardization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring unit automatically generates unique identification information for each battery module using the connection pattern of electrical wirings and temperature sensors, eliminating the need for manual presetting of identification information. This self-service mechanism enables both reliable identification and standardization of monitoring units across different battery modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the approach from static preset identification information to dynamic generation based on electrical connection parameters. The identification information is derived from the specific connection pattern of electrical wirings to terminals and temperature sensors, allowing each monitoring unit to generate unique identification based on its own connection configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If different connection patterns are used for temperature sensors, then unique identification information can be generated for each battery module, but the monitoring unit structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunique identification generationVSAvoidmonitoring unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring unit is designed with a universal structure that can handle multiple temperature sensors with different connection patterns. The same monitoring unit hardware can generate unique identification information for any battery module by detecting the specific connection pattern of electrical wirings to terminals, making the monitoring unit multi-functional and adaptable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual configuration mechanisms with an automatic detection and generation system. Instead of mechanically or manually setting identification information, the system uses electrical signal detection from temperature sensor connections to automatically generate unique identification, simplifying the monitoring unit structure.

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

This approach enables standardized monitoring units across battery modules, improving cost efficiency and operational accuracy by generating distinct identification information for each module based on electrical signals from temperature sensors.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor configured to be electrically connected to the monitoring unit and output voltage signals corresponding to a detected temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a generation unit configured to generate, based on the voltage signals input to the respective terminals, an identification information item on the corresponding one of the battery modules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal processing:

Data Source

PatentUS11876193B2Battery system

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A battery system includes a plurality of battery modules, each of the battery modules has an assembled battery, which includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series, a monitoring unit that monitors the assembled battery, and an external member that is electrically connected to the monitoring unit. The monitoring unit of each of the battery modules has a generation unit that generates, based on an electric signal input from the external member, an identification information item on the corresponding one of the battery modules, the identification information items of the respective battery modules being different from one another.