Battery Pack Line Disconnection Detection for BMS Power Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management systems fail to accurately detect disconnection of power supply lines, leading to the shutdown of the entire battery pack when a line for supplying power to the battery management apparatus is disconnected.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design that includes a detecting unit to monitor current flow through a third line connecting the first power supply line with a second voltage sensing line, using a photo-coupler and diode to determine disconnection of the first line, with a micro-controller unit to verify current flow, ensuring continuous power supply to the battery management apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power supply line is used to supply power to the battery management apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because disconnection causes the entire battery pack to shut down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first power supply line and second power supply line into a unified power supply system where both lines can supply power to the battery management apparatus. The detecting unit monitors both lines and the system automatically switches between them, merging their functions to ensure continuous operation and prevent shutdown upon single line disconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a detecting unit that proactively monitors the connection status of power supply lines before disconnection causes system failure. The micro-controller unit is prepared with switching logic that activates upon detecting line disconnection, cushioning against the harmful effect of power interruption and maintaining battery management functionality
2Measurement precision
If voltage sensing lines are separated from power receiving lines, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional lines requiring disconnection detection
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting unit serves multiple functions: it detects disconnection of the first power supply line, detects disconnection of the second power supply line, and enables automatic switching between power sources. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms for each line, managing complexity while maintaining measurement precision through separated voltage sensing lines
3Reliability
If a detecting unit with photo-coupler and diode is implemented, then the reliability is improved through accurate disconnection detection, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a photo-coupler as an intermediary component in the detecting unit that optically couples the detection circuit with the power supply line monitoring. This intermediary enables accurate disconnection detection while electrically isolating different circuit portions, improving reliability without requiring complex direct electrical connection monitoring schemes
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
Accurately detects disconnection of power supply lines, preventing the battery pack from shutting down and enabling continuous operation by switching to an alternate power source when the primary power line is disconnected.
Implementation Method 1
a photo-coupler and a diode included in the photo-coupler is connected to the third line
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a battery pack including a battery cell, a battery management apparatus connected to the battery cell through a first line and a second line, a detecting unit configured to detect current of a third line that connects the first line with the second line, and a determining unit configured to determine whether disconnection of the first line occurs, based on whether the current of the third line is detected.