Battery Pack Terminal Multiplexing for Charger Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs and chargers often do not synchronize well, leading to inefficiencies in charging new generation battery packs with previous generation chargers.
Innovation Solution
The battery pack incorporates a second power terminal that forms a time-division electrical connection with the cell group, allowing for simultaneous power and communication data transmission, and includes switches and a controller to manage this connection based on compatibility with the charger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate communication terminal is used for data transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication terminal functions with the existing power terminal by using the same physical terminal for both power transmission and communication data transmission. This merging approach eliminates the need for a separate communication terminal, reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability through protocol-based data exchange over the shared terminal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple terminals are used for power and communication, then functional separation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the power terminal to serve dual purposes: transmitting power and transmitting communication data. This universal approach allows a single terminal to perform multiple functions, improving ease of operation by reducing the number of connections needed while maintaining functional separation through protocol-based differentiation of power and data signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If time-division multiplexing is used for power and data transmission, then terminal versatility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs time-division multiplexing where the terminal alternates between power transmission mode and communication data transmission mode in periodic time slots. During power transmission periods, full power measurement precision is maintained; during communication periods, data is exchanged. This periodic switching enables terminal versatility while managing measurement precision through dedicated measurement intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes: a cell group configured to store electrical energy; a power terminal configured to transmit power; and a communication terminal configured to transmit first communication data. The power terminal includes: a first power terminal forming a first electrical connection with the cell group to transmit power; and a second power terminal forming a second electrical connection with the cell group to transmit power and second communication data. The battery pack further includes a controller electrically connected to at least the second power terminal and the communication terminal and capable of controlling the second electrical connection to be enabled or not.