Battery Pack Communication Port for Device Type Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face issues with low universality of external devices, as they often require specific communication functions and cannot accurately determine the type of external device connected, leading to potential damage from communication faults.
Innovation Solution
A method for recognizing the working status of a battery pack, which involves detecting digital and analog signals at a communication terminal to determine the type of external device, whether it's a charger or consumer, and adjusting protection mechanisms accordingly to prevent overcharge or over-discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the battery pack uses a single communication channel for data transmission, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of communication is worsened due to potential faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines digital signal transmission and analog signal transmission into a single communication channel. The communication unit can switch between receiving digital signals (for devices with communication functions) and analog signals (for devices without communication functions), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability through multiple signal types in one channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication channel is designed to handle multiple types of signals (digital and analog) and accommodate different types of external devices (those with communication functions and those without). This multi-functional design allows the same communication channel to serve universal purposes, reducing the need for separate channels while maintaining reliable communication across different device types.
2Reliability
If the battery pack is designed to work with specific external devices only, then the reliability of communication is improved, but the adaptability to different devices is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack's communication unit is designed with universal functionality to work with both devices that have communication functions (receiving digital signals) and devices that lack communication functions (receiving analog signals). This multi-functional design ensures reliable communication while maintaining high adaptability to different device types without requiring separate communication channels for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication unit can dynamically change its reception parameters based on the type of external device connected. When a device with communication functions is detected, the unit switches to receiving digital signals; when a device without communication functions is detected, it switches to receiving analog signals. This parameter switching mechanism ensures reliable communication across different device types while maintaining broad adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If the battery pack uses digital signal transmission only, then the measurement precision of communication data is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to incompatibility with devices without communication functions
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit dynamically changes its signal reception parameters based on the external device type. For devices with communication functions, it uses digital signal reception for high measurement precision. For devices without communication functions, it switches to analog signal reception to ensure ease of operation and compatibility. This parameter switching allows the system to maintain data accuracy where possible while ensuring broad operational compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication unit acts as an intermediary that adapts between different signal types. It can receive both digital signals (from modern devices) and analog signals (from legacy devices), translating and processing them appropriately. This intermediary function maintains measurement precision for digital communications while ensuring ease of operation with analog devices, bridging the gap between different device capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present invention relate to a battery pack, detachably connected to an external device for charging or discharging. The battery pack includes a control module, and a communication terminal. The communication terminal is connected to the control module and the external device, and the control module detects the signal from the communication terminal to decide the pattern to determine the type of the external device. The battery pack further includes a state indication terminal, which is connected to the control module and the external device, and the control module detects at least one operating parameter of the battery, and generates a state parameter related to the operating parameter according to the operating parameter. The control module sends the state parameter to the outside by using the communication terminal, and the control module sends an abnormality signal to the outside by using both of the communication terminal and the state indication terminal. The embodiments of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: the battery pack may be used for an external device without a communication function and may also be used for an external device with the communication function with a plurality of usage scenarios and high universality. Further, the battery pack can not only receive a digital signal but also receive an analog signal by using only one port, to recognize types of external devices on different platforms with communication and without communication, with a small quantity of ports and a high degree of integration. In addition, the battery pack transmits to the outside by using two terminals, to doubly ensure communication, thereby preventing any abnormal communication terminal from causing damage to the use of the battery pack, and improving the use security.