Battery Pack Booting Circuit for Coupling Recognition and Shutdown

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery packs consume power when not in use, leading to potential discharge issues due to prolonged operation in sleep mode.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design that enters a shutdown mode when uncoupled from an external apparatus and automatically boots when coupled, utilizing a booting circuit and connector to manage power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fastening recognition function is added to ensure proper battery pack installation, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control logic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack's fastening recognition system uses its own structural features (protrusions and recesses) to automatically trigger detection. When the battery pack is inserted, the physical structure itself initiates the recognition process through mechanical interaction with the charger, eliminating the need for external active sensing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic sensing systems with a simple mechanical detection mechanism. The fastening recognition is achieved through direct mechanical contact between the battery pack's protrusion and the charger's detection structure, converting an electronic sensing problem into a mechanical one that is inherently simpler and more reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If fastening recognition function is implemented to prevent improper installation, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical engagement for proper positioning and simultaneously acts as the detection element for fastening recognition. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate safety detection components, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery pack structure itself provides the detection capability through its own geometric features. The protrusion and recess configuration enables the system to self-detect proper installation without requiring additional sensors or control systems, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If mechanical detection structure with protrusion and recess is used for fastening recognition, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening recognition accuracyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection structure is merged with the existing mechanical engagement features of the battery pack and charger. The protrusion and recess that provide mechanical connection also serve as the detection elements, combining fastening and recognition functions into a single integrated structure rather than adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical features serve dual purposes: providing structural engagement for proper battery pack positioning and enabling fastening recognition. This multi-functionality ensures that no additional structural components are needed beyond what is already required for basic mechanical operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3648235B1Battery pack having fastening recognition function
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3648235B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3648235B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3648235B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery pack in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, which is booted when coupled to an external apparatus, includes: a connector which is a member configured to connect the external apparatus and the battery pack; and a booting circuit configured to start operation of the battery pack when the battery pack and the external apparatus are coupled. The connector includes: a (+) output terminal connected to a (+) output terminal of the battery pack; a coupling check terminal configured to check whether the external apparatus and the battery pack are coupled; a data transceiving terminal configured to tranceive data between the external apparatus and the battery pack; and a (-) output terminal connected to a (-) output terminal of the battery pack.