Battery Pack Current Pattern Identification for E-Bike Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrically assisted bicycles face challenges in ensuring the correct identification of a mounted battery pack due to potential misconnection with adjacent vehicles, particularly in rental and sharing services, where wireless communication can lead to safety and security issues.

Innovation Solution

A power storage pack superimposes a current pattern representing identification information on the electric power supplied to the vehicle, using a variable precharge circuit to generate multiple current levels for easy detection via the power line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a power storage device is disassembled to replace a damaged battery module, then the damaged module can be replaced, but the disassembly and reassembly processes are troublesome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of battery module replacementVSAvoidtime for disassembly and reassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power storage device is divided into multiple independently replaceable battery modules connected in series. Each module can be individually removed and replaced without affecting other modules, allowing damaged modules to be quickly swapped out without disassembling the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery modules are designed with nested structures where terminal tabs are inserted into receiving grooves, and connecting tabs are embedded within module housings. This nesting provides automatic alignment and secure connection, reducing the complexity of assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If battery modules are connected using traditional tab welding methods, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connection strength is insufficient and welding quality is hard to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strength between modulesVSAvoidwelding quality control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional welding methods are replaced with a mechanical pressing connection system. Conductive pressing pieces apply controlled mechanical pressure to create electrical connections between battery tabs, eliminating the need for welding operations while achieving reliable electrical contact through pure mechanical force.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection method transitions from thermal-welding parameters (temperature, time) to mechanical-pressing parameters (force, pressure distribution). This parameter change allows for more precise control and easier quality assurance through force measurement rather than welding inspection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the power storage device uses a fixed battery module configuration, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different battery types is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different battery types
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The module housing and terminal receiving structures are designed with universal features that can accommodate different battery cell types and configurations. The standardized interface allows the same housing structure to work with various battery chemistries and form factors, enabling one design to serve multiple functions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system incorporates adjustable pressing forces and flexible terminal designs that can adapt to different battery module specifications. This dynamic capability allows the fixed housing structure to accommodate variable battery types while maintaining stable electrical connections through adjustable mechanical pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4391279B1Power storage pack and electric moving body
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4391279B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4391279B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4391279B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a power storage pack, a power storage unit feeds electric power to an electric moving body. A controller superimposes a current pattern representing identification information of the power storage pack on electric power to be supplied to electric moving body. The controller generates a current pattern with current values of a plurality of levels other than zero level. The controller may superimpose a current pattern on electric power supplied to an electric moving body through a precharge circuit.