Battery Pack BMS Firmware Reprogramming During EV Battery Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicle users face challenges in updating firmware for controllers without separate reprogramming devices, leading to potential software defects and limited vehicle layout design flexibility, as well as longer battery charging times compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A battery exchange station-based system that includes a battery management system within the battery pack, which communicates with vehicle controllers to download and update firmware automatically when the battery is exchanged, allowing for comparison and reprogramming of firmware versions without user intervention or additional equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate dedicated reprogramming devices and equipment are used to update firmware, then firmware reprogramming can be performed, but device complexity increases and vehicle layout design is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update capabilityVSAvoidreprogramming equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery management system is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only manages battery operations but also serves as the firmware reprogramming device for vehicle controllers. By integrating these functions into a single system, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated reprogramming equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining firmware update capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery management system automatically performs firmware reprogramming of vehicle controllers without requiring external dedicated equipment or user intervention. The system uses its own computational resources and communication capabilities to update firmware, making the reprogramming process self-service and eliminating the need for additional specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If separate dedicated reprogramming devices are installed in vehicles, then firmware can be updated, but ease of operation deteriorates as users must visit service centers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware version controlVSAvoidfirmware update process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery management system automatically checks for firmware updates, downloads them from the server, and reprograms vehicle controllers without requiring user action or visits to service centers. This automated self-service approach maintains reliable firmware version control while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs firmware updates proactively during battery charging cycles at exchange stations. By utilizing the time when the vehicle is already stationary for battery replacement, the system accomplishes firmware updates in advance before the user needs the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate service center visits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If battery charging is performed at exchange stations, then charging time is reduced, but opportunity for firmware updates is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery charging timeVSAvoidfirmware update opportunity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously performs firmware updates during the battery charging process at exchange stations. By utilizing the entire charging duration for both battery recharging and firmware updates simultaneously, the system maintains continuous useful action without extending the time the user needs to wait at the exchange station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges two previously separate processes - battery charging and firmware updating - into a single integrated operation. The battery management system performs both functions simultaneously during the battery exchange station visit, so users benefit from both shortened charging time and reliable firmware updates without requiring separate time allocations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250010750A1Battery exchange station-based firmware reprogramming system and firmware reprogramming method using same

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 HYUNDAI KEFICO CORP

AI summary

A system and method support automatic downloading and reprogramming of firmware utilizing a battery management system provided inside a battery pack in which a battery is mounted in a vehicle in an exchangeable manner. The system includes: a vehicle controller which communicates with a plurality of part controllers provided inside an electric vehicle so as to receive and store version information of firmware of each of the part controllers; the battery management system provided in the battery pack of the electric vehicle; a battery exchange station having a plurality of slots so as to charge the battery pack separated from the electric vehicle; and a server which transmits the firmware of each of the part controllers to the battery management system when the battery pack is inserted into a slot, where when the battery pack is mounted in the electric vehicle, firmware version information may be received and updated.