Battery Pack Optical BMS Communication for Faster Mode Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battery packs with a multi-module structure face challenges in managing charge/discharge states due to complex hardware and software requirements for effective communication between a master BMS and multiple slave BMSs, leading to communication delays and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack design utilizing a communication module with a master light emitting unit and slave light receiving unit for optical communication, allowing efficient signal transmission between the master and slave BMSs, with a closed structure to prevent external light interference and a detachable design for easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired or wireless communication network is used for communication between master BMS and slave BMS, then communication can be established, but hardware circuit structure becomes complex and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoidhardware circuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical communication circuits with optical communication using light emitting units and light receiving units. This substitution eliminates complex hardware circuit structures while maintaining reliable communication between master and slave BMS units.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) as a medium for communication between master and slave BMS units. This intermediary enables signal transmission without requiring complex wired circuits, simplifying the hardware structure while ensuring effective communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex software algorithm is used to change operation mode of slave BMS, then mode change can be achieved, but processor requirements increase and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation mode change capabilityVSAvoidsoftware algorithm
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex software algorithms with optical signal-based control mechanisms. By using light emitting units to transmit control signals and light receiving units to detect them, the system achieves operation mode changes without requiring complex processors or software algorithms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The slave BMS units automatically respond to optical signals from the master BMS by changing their operation modes. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex processing algorithms, as the units directly translate optical signals into operational changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional communication structure is used, then communication between BMS units can be established, but communication delays occur and standby power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal-based communication with optical signal communication. Light signals travel faster and can be processed more quickly than electrical signals through complex circuits, thereby reducing communication delays while maintaining reliable communication capability.

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

4Reliability

If conventional communication module design is used, then communication function can be provided, but maintenance difficulty increases and replacement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the communication module into a separate, independent unit that can be easily detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the communication module to be maintained independently from the main BMS units, simplifying repair and replacement processes while maintaining communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach reduces communication delays, minimizes standby power consumption, and simplifies maintenance by allowing for easy replacement of the communication module, thereby enhancing communication efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a master light emitting unit and a slave light receiving unit in the inside, the slave light receiving unit being configured so that a first signal output from the master light emitting unit is input thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3961788B1Battery pack
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3961788B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3961788B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3961788B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a communication module configured to block light between an inside and an outside, the communication module including a master light emitting unit and a slave light receiving unit in the inside, the slave light receiving unit being configured so that a first signal output from the master light emitting unit is input thereto; a master BMS connected to the master light emitting unit and configured to output the first signal by flickering the connected master light emitting unit; and a slave BMS connected to the slave light receiving unit and configured to change an operation mode thereof when the slave light receiving unit receives the first signal from the master light emitting unit.