Battery Module Isolation via Communication Isolators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery module systems face high manufacturing costs and limited development flexibility due to the use of expensive processors and analog front ends (AFE) to ensure reliable communication between modules, which hinders the improvement of communication reliability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating isolation units within each module, allowing for the use of general-purpose processors and AFEs, and employing communication isolators like capacitors and high-frequency transformers to enable reliable isolated communication between the master and slave modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If expensive processors and analog front ends are used to improve communication reliability between modules, then communication reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces communication isolators as intermediary components between modules with different reference potentials. These isolators act as mediators that enable reliable signal transmission across potential differences without requiring expensive processors or analog front ends, thus resolving the contradiction by providing a cost-effective isolation solution that maintains communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive processors and analog front ends with cheaper isolation components such as communication isolators and isolating units. These simpler, less expensive components achieve the same functional goal of reliable communication isolation, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If expensive processors and analog front ends are used to ensure reliable communication, then communication reliability is improved, but development flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevelopment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal communication isolators and isolating units that can be applied across different module configurations and communication scenarios. These components provide multi-functional isolation capabilities that work with various processor types and communication protocols, thereby enhancing development flexibility while maintaining communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication isolators serve as universal intermediaries that can interface between different reference potentials and communication standards. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain reliability while being adaptable to different development requirements, as the isolators can be configured for various applications without requiring custom expensive processors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If modules with different reference potentials communicate directly, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces communication isolators as intermediary components between modules operating at different reference potentials. These isolators mediate the communication by providing galvanic isolation, allowing signal transmission while blocking direct electrical connection. This approach maintains relatively simple device architecture while significantly improving communication reliability across potential differences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the communication system into isolated units with defined reference potentials. Each module maintains its own reference potential domain, and communication isolators provide controlled interfaces between these segmented domains. This segmentation approach allows direct communication between modules with different potentials while ensuring reliability through proper isolation boundaries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enhances communication reliability between modules while reducing manufacturing costs and increasing development flexibility by utilizing general-purpose components, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective battery module systems.

Implementation Method 1

The first communication isolator may include at least one capacitor arranged on the first communication line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the second communication isolator may include a high-frequency transformer arranged on the (2-1)th communication line and the (2-2)th communication line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11075410B2Battery module system

Publication Date: 2021.07.27 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

A battery module system includes a master module and at least one slave module that are connected in series. An isolated communication is performed between the master module and the at least one slave module.