Battery Pack Power-Line Signaling for Abnormal Status Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery pack communication methods require determining compatibility between the battery pack and the connected device, complicating the design and increasing the risk of interference from external noise.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack that outputs a first power for normal operation and a second power of insufficient magnitude for device operation when abnormal, allowing independent operation without requiring compatibility checks, using a power output circuit and voltage conversion to signal abnormality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated signal line is used for communication between battery pack and device, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and terminal configuration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidterminal configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power supply function and communication function into a single power supply line. The battery pack transmits both power and abnormal operation signals through the same wire, eliminating the need for separate communication terminals and reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply line is designed to serve multiple functions: it simultaneously provides power supply to the device and transmits abnormal operation signals from the battery pack. This multi-functionality reduces the number of terminals needed and simplifies the overall system configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If compatibility determination between battery pack and device is required, then communication accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility verification accuracyVSAvoiddevice operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically detects abnormal operation signals from the battery pack through the power supply line and autonomously determines compatibility issues. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual compatibility checks or complex determination procedures, making the device easier to operate while maintaining accurate compatibility verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If multiple terminals are used for power and communication, then communication reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power supply terminal and communication terminal into a single terminal structure. By transmitting both power and signals through one wire, the number of terminals is reduced, simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing production costs while maintaining reliable communication through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12573859B2Battery pack, system, operation status transmission method and program

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 YAMABIKO CORP

AI summary

A battery pack is provided that supplies power to a device to be connected, comprising: a power output circuit configured to output a first power when an operation status of the battery pack is normal, and to output a second power when an operation status of the battery pack is abnormal, wherein: the first power is power for operating the device, and the second power is power having a magnitude that the device does not operate.