Battery Pack Dynamic Current Control via Microcomputer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery packs lack the ability to dynamically adjust the current supplied to a load based on the remaining battery capacity and expected usage time, leading to inefficient energy utilization and potential overcharging or over-discharging.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack with a current converting unit connected between the battery cell and the load, controlled by a microcomputer that determines the discharge current based on the remaining capacity, current consumption, and expected time of use, using switches and variable resistances to adjust the current flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a fixed current is supplied to the load without dynamic adjustment, then the circuit is simple, but energy utilization is inefficient and overcharging/over-discharging may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic current adjustment by controlling switches to connect different resistance values in series with the battery cell. The microcomputer dynamically selects appropriate resistance values based on real-time battery status (charge/discharge state, temperature, remaining capacity) and load requirements, transforming a static circuit into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical resistance parameter in the circuit by switching between different resistance values (R1, R2, R3, etc.) connected in series with the battery cell. This parameter change allows precise control of the current flowing to the load, enabling optimal energy utilization while preventing overcharging and over-discharging conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the discharge current is increased to meet high power demands, then the power delivery is improved, but the battery may be over-discharged or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery to loadVSAvoidbattery safety
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The microcomputer continuously monitors battery status parameters including remaining capacity, charge/discharge current, and temperature. Based on this feedback information, the system dynamically adjusts the resistance value in the circuit to control the discharge current. When the battery approaches over-discharge conditions or abnormal temperature ranges, the system automatically reduces current, thereby maintaining battery safety while delivering required power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the discharge current by switching between different resistance values based on real-time battery status. This dynamic control allows the system to deliver high power when battery conditions permit while automatically reducing current when approaching safety limits, thus resolving the contradiction between power delivery and battery safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of moving object

If the discharge current is reduced to conserve battery capacity, then battery life is extended, but the load may not receive sufficient power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery operating durationVSAvoidpower delivery to load
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the discharge current based on the specific operational phase and battery status. During normal operation, it delivers sufficient power to the load. When the battery approaches low capacity thresholds or during idle periods, it automatically reduces current to extend operating duration. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between power delivery and battery life extension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The microcomputer periodically monitors battery status and adjusts the discharge current in cycles. During high-demand periods, it maintains higher current delivery; during low-demand or critical capacity periods, it reduces current. This periodic adjustment strategy allows the system to balance power delivery requirements with battery life extension goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple resistance values are used for current adjustment, then current control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent control precisionVSAvoidcircuit component quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resistance control function into multiple discrete resistance values (R1, R2, R3, etc.) that can be switched independently. Each resistance value corresponds to a specific current level, allowing precise current control through switch selection. This segmentation approach achieves high current control precision while keeping each individual switch and resistance component simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple resistance values and switches serve multiple functions: they control current magnitude, provide protection against overcharging and over-discharging, and adapt to different load requirements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control circuits for each function, thereby achieving precise current control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS8786258B2Battery pack and method of controlling the battery pack
Publication Date: 2014.07.22 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • US8786258B2 patent drawing
  • US8786258B2 patent drawing
  • US8786258B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A battery pack includes a battery cell, a current converting unit connected between the battery cell and a load and converts a discharge current of the battery cell, and a microcomputer that determines an amount of a discharge current of the battery cell and controls the current converting unit based on the amount of the discharge current. Accordingly, a current needed for the load may be adjusted in the battery pack.