Lithium Ion Battery Pack Control Unit for Engine Starting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lead acid batteries used in outdoor power equipment, such as lawn tractors, become ineffective when fully depleted and are often replaced due to prolonged idle periods, leading to unnecessary replacements under warranty.
Innovation Solution
A lithium ion battery pack with a control unit that manages power distribution to the starter motor and auxiliary loads, including an ignition input terminal to detect engine status and a shutdown switching element to control engine operation, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements by optimizing battery usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lead acid battery is used in outdoor power equipment, then the equipment can operate with a reliable starting system, but the battery becomes ineffective when fully depleted and requires replacement after prolonged idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from lead acid battery chemistry to lithium ion battery chemistry, fundamentally changing the chemical parameters of the energy storage system. This parameter change enables the battery to maintain effectiveness over longer periods and allows for controlled discharge/charge cycles that extend service life while maintaining reliable starting performance
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors battery state of charge and automatically manages power distribution, enabling the battery system to self-regulate its operation. The system selectively connects battery cells to auxiliary loads based on engine status, preventing over-discharge and extending battery life without requiring user intervention
2Ease of operation
If the battery is left connected during prolonged idle periods, then the equipment remains ready for operation, but the battery becomes completely discharged and must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors engine status through the ignition input terminal and uses this feedback to automatically control the connection state of the battery cells. When the engine is off, the system disconnects the battery from auxiliary loads to prevent discharge, while maintaining readiness for immediate operation when the engine starts
Solution Approach 2:
The battery connection system transitions from a static connected state to a dynamic controlled state. The switching elements enable the battery to be selectively connected or disconnected based on real-time engine status, optimizing both readiness and service life
3Productivity
If the battery provides continuous power to auxiliary loads, then the equipment functions properly, but the battery depletes faster and requires more frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the battery connection to auxiliary loads changes based on engine status. The auxiliary switching element connects battery cells to auxiliary loads only when the engine is running, disconnecting them when the engine is off, thereby extending battery life while maintaining full equipment functionality during operation
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 lithium ion battery pack effectively manages power to the internal combustion engine and auxiliary systems, extending battery life and reducing unnecessary replacements by allowing controlled shutdown and efficient starting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a group of battery cells that are connected in series to provide 12 volts
Implementation Method 2
a starter switching element that is positioned within the outer housing between a starter terminal and the battery pack
Implementation Method 3
The control unit can control the condition of the shutdown switching element to selectively connect an ignition circuit of the internal combustion engine to ground
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack for use in providing starting power for a starter motor of an internal combustion engine and to supply power to one or more auxiliary loads. The battery pack includes an outer housing that encloses a plurality of battery cells. A control unit is positioned within the outer housing and is connected to at least a starter switching element and an auxiliary switching element. The control unit controls the position of both the starter switching element and the auxiliary switching element to selectively connect the battery cells to the starter motor and the auxiliary loads. The battery pack further includes an ignition input terminal that is connected to the ignition circuit of the internal combustion engine such that the control unit can monitor the operational status of the internal combustion engine. The control unit can selectively ground the ignition coil of the ignition circuit to enable and/or terminate operation of the internal combustion engine.