Battery Pack Low-Side Switch Control via Coupling Voltage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face challenges with ground voltage mismatch issues when the charge/discharge switch is installed on the low side, leading to communication failures and potential electrical shorts when coupled with external devices, necessitating a solution to control the switch effectively.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design that utilizes a control unit and resistors to determine normal electrical coupling with an external device via the voltage division rule, allowing the charge/discharge switch on the low side to be turned on only when properly coupled, preventing electrical shocks and spikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the charge/discharge switch is installed on the low side of the battery pack, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but ground voltage mismatch occurs leading to communication failures and potential electrical shorts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the coupling state between the battery pack and external device before enabling the charge/discharge switch. The control unit detects whether the connector is properly coupled to the charging device through voltage detection on the auxiliary terminal. Only after confirming proper coupling does the control unit enable the charge/discharge switch, preventing ground voltage mismatch issues from occurring in the first place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the voltage on the auxiliary terminal to determine the coupling state. The control unit uses this feedback information to dynamically control the charge/discharge switch - turning it on only when coupling is detected and turning it off when coupling is lost. This closed-loop control ensures the switch operates safely based on real-time coupling status.
2Reliability
If the charge/discharge switch is always kept in turn on state to avoid communication issues, then communication between battery pack and external device is maintained, but two power terminals are unintentionally electrically shorted creating spike risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing an auxiliary terminal and associated detection circuitry as a mediator between the power terminals and the charge/discharge switch. This auxiliary terminal allows the control unit to detect coupling status without directly exposing the power terminals. The intermediary detection mechanism enables safe control of the switch without requiring it to remain constantly on for communication purposes.
3Reliability
If voltage detection is implemented to control the charge/discharge switch, then electrical safety is improved, but additional components such as resistors and control units are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the auxiliary terminal to serve multiple functions: it provides communication capability between the battery pack and external device, enables coupling detection through voltage measurement, and triggers the control logic for the charge/discharge switch. This multi-functional design allows voltage detection and safety control to be achieved without adding separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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
Enables controlled operation of the charge/discharge switch on the low side, ensuring safe and proper functioning by preventing unintended electrical connections and reducing the risk of user shock or spikes.
Implementation Method 1
a first resistor having a first end electrically connected to ground and a second end electrically connected to the first auxiliary terminal, a second resistor electrically connected between the second end of the first resistor and the first auxiliary terminal
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a battery pack and a power system including the same. The battery pack includes a battery module having a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, a first connector having a first power terminal connected to the positive electrode terminal, a second power terminal connected to the negative electrode terminal and a first auxiliary terminal, a first resistor having a first end electrically connected to ground and a second end electrically connected to the first auxiliary terminal, a switching unit installed between the negative electrode terminal and the second power terminal, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to operate in any one of a wakeup state and a sleep state according to a voltage of the first resistor.