Battery Module Power Source Switch Circuit for Reliable Breaker Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery modules in vehicles face instability in power supply, leading to potential short circuits and increased power consumption due to unreliable breaker states when external power is interrupted, and there is a challenge in increasing capacitor capacity without enlarging the module or raising manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a power source switch circuit that autonomously switches from external to internal power sources, using a capacitor to retain control signal potential and a control circuit to manage the breaker operation, ensuring safe shutdown and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a capacitor is added to retain the potential of the control signal, then the breaker can maintain its conductive state during external power interruption, but the external shape of the module grows in size and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capacitor and resistor into a single integrated power retention circuit that works together to maintain breaker state. The capacitor stores energy while the resistor controls discharge rate, creating a compact unified solution rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically switches between charging from external power and discharging from the capacitor to maintain the breaker's conductive state. The system adapts its power source based on external power availability, allowing compact design while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If the breaker is a relay or contactor being conductive by passing electric current, then the conductive state can be maintained, but more power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous current flow, the system uses periodic charging of the capacitor from external power when available, then uses the stored energy to maintain the breaker state. This periodic energy transfer reduces continuous power consumption while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the external power source and the breaker. It decouples the continuous power requirement from the breaker maintenance, allowing the breaker to stay conductive without continuous high power consumption
3Ease of manufacture
If the supply of source power from the external power source stops instantaneously, then the control circuit loses power, but the breaker goes into open state causing potential short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is pre-charged from external power before interruption occurs. This preliminary energy storage ensures that when external power stops, the breaker already has the energy needed to maintain its conductive state, preventing open state and short circuits without complex control circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor-resistor circuit provides beforehand cushioning by storing energy that cushions against the harmful effect of instantaneous power loss. This energy buffer prevents the breaker from transitioning to an unsafe open state during power interruptions
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
The solution allows continuous operation and safe shutdown of the battery module even when external power is stopped, reducing power consumption and preventing short circuits, while maintaining a compact module design.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor for retaining the potential of the control signal to be transmitted to the breaker of the battery module
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module according to an embodiment includes a battery; a breaker that switches electrical connection of an output line from the battery to outside; a power source switch circuit that receives an internal source voltage supplied from the battery, an external source voltage supplied from an external power source, and an boot signal from outside, and switches a source of power that supplies source voltage from the external power source to the battery when at least one of the external source voltage and the boot signal is at a second level; and a control circuit that uses, as power supply, the source voltage that is output from the power source switch circuit, and controls operation of the breaker and of the power source switch circuit.