Battery Pack Authentication via Voltage Change Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to prevent the use of inauthentic and potentially dangerous battery packs in portable electronic equipment, as existing methods fail to effectively disable their functions, leading to safety risks due to variations in cell properties and improper recycling practices.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack with a processor that monitors voltage changes and permanently disables charge/discharge functions if the voltage change exceeds a predetermined value, preventing the use of inauthentic battery packs by integrating a battery block, charge/discharge circuit, and a processor to manage and control the battery pack's operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery blocks are replaced to extend battery pack life, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inauthentic alterations and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by permanently disabling the battery pack before the battery block replacement occurs. The processor detects removal of the battery block and immediately executes disablement of charge/discharge functions, preventing any future unsafe operations. This anticipatory measure ensures that even if someone attempts to replace the battery block, the system is already secured against reliability issues.
2Reliability
If battery pack functions are permanently disabled to prevent inauthentic use, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates as the battery pack cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the repairability function from the battery pack by permanently disabling its core charge/discharge functions through processor control. When battery block removal is detected, the processor executes disablement routines that render the battery pack non-functional, effectively removing the ability to repair or reuse the unit. This ensures security but sacrifices future repair options.
3Reliability
If voltage monitoring is implemented to detect battery block removal, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the existing processor and voltage measurement circuitry already present in the intelligent battery pack for authentication purposes. The processor monitors voltage changes across the battery block terminals and automatically detects removal events without requiring external monitoring equipment. This leverages existing components to provide security functionality, minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack and method are disclosed that permanently disable the battery pack on portable electronic equipment if the battery pack has been inauthentically remanufactured. An output voltage value and a discharge current value of the battery block are measured regularly and an amount of change in the output voltage value per unit time is calculated. If the amount of change in the output voltage value per unit time or the discharge current value exceeds predetermined values, operation of an electric circuit involved in charge/discharge operations of the battery pack is permanently disabled.