Battery Pack Power Supply Source Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery packs continue to discharge after charging is complete, leading to a state where they cannot supply power to electrically-powered equipment if left attached to a charger, resulting in unnecessary battery degradation and standby power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A supply source selection unit that determines whether to draw power from the battery or the charger based on voltage thresholds, preventing further discharge once the battery is fully charged and ensuring power is available to the equipment when detached from the charger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery pack remains attached to the charger after charging is complete, then the charger continues to supply power to the power supply circuit, but the battery is discharged through the power supply circuit leading to overdischarge and battery degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the battery voltage and charger connection status, and automatically switches the power supply source between battery and charger based on real-time conditions. When the battery is detached from the charger and voltage drops below the threshold, the control unit detects this feedback and activates the battery power supply mode, ensuring reliable power delivery while preventing unnecessary discharge cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two power supply modes (battery mode and charger mode) based on operational conditions. The power supply path is not fixed but adapts to the connection state and voltage levels, allowing the system to optimize energy usage by selecting the appropriate power source at each moment, thereby preventing battery degradation while maintaining continuous power supply
2Reliability
If the battery voltage is monitored continuously to prevent overdischarge, then battery protection is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors battery voltage, detects charger connection status, determines power supply mode, and controls the switching between power sources. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit rather than using separate dedicated circuits for each function, the design achieves effective overdischarge protection while minimizing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a voltage threshold parameter (Vth) to simplify the control logic. Instead of complex algorithms, the control unit compares the battery voltage against this predetermined threshold and automatically switches power supply modes based on the comparison result. This parameter-based approach provides reliable protection while keeping the control circuit simple and easy to implement
3Ease of operation
If the battery supplies power to the power supply circuit at all times, then the control circuit is continuously powered, but the battery becomes overdischarged and deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply configuration is made dynamic by switching between battery-only mode and charger-assisted mode based on connection status and voltage levels. When the battery is connected to the charger and voltage is sufficient, the system dynamically transitions to charger-assisted operation, reducing battery discharge current and protecting battery health while maintaining continuous power to the control circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages the interaction between the battery, charger, and power supply circuit. It monitors the system state and mediates the power flow by switching between power sources, ensuring that the battery is not overdischarged while the control circuit receives continuous power for normal operation
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
Prevents battery discharge after charging is complete, maintains power availability for electrically-powered equipment, and reduces standby power consumption by the charger.
Implementation Method 1
a battery pack that includes a battery (31), and can perform charges to the battery from a charger (20) and power supply (discharges) to electrically-powered equipment from the battery
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A battery pack (10) according to the present invention includes a battery (31), a control unit (32), a power supply circuit (33), and a supply source selection unit (32). The power supply circuit (33) is configured to receive electric power selectively from one of the battery (31) and a charger (20), and generate a voltage for driving the control unit (32). The supply source selection unit (32) is configured to select the charger (20) as a power supply source to the power supply circuit (33) when the battery (31) is in a state of being able to supply electric power to the power supply circuit (33), the battery pack (10) is attached to the charger (20) and it is possible to supply electric power to the power supply circuit (33) also from the charger (20).