Method for operation of an electronic device equipped with two or more battery packs and respective electronic device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered electronic devices face limitations in power delivery due to battery packs overheating, leading to reduced output current and voltage over time, which is managed by battery management systems to prevent damage, resulting in reduced operational power and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with multiple battery packs that cyclically switches the operation of an electric motor between battery packs to maintain optimal temperature and performance, allowing continuous operation at full power by switching before significant reductions in output occur, using sensors to monitor and control the switching based on current and temperature parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high current is drawn from a battery pack over a long period of time, then the power output is maintained, but the battery pack heats up excessively and the BMS limits the power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between multiple battery packs, where each battery pack is activated for a specific duration and then switched to another battery pack. This periodic action allows each battery pack to rest and cool down after a set period of high-current discharge, preventing excessive temperature buildup while maintaining continuous power output to the electric motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the power supply system into multiple separate battery packs instead of relying on a single battery pack. By segmenting the total power delivery across multiple battery packs and switching between them, the system can maintain high power output without overloading any single battery pack, thus preventing excessive heating and BMS power limiting.
2Temperature
If the BMS limits the current to prevent overheating, then the battery pack temperature is controlled, but the operational power and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic switching between multiple battery packs, allowing each battery pack to operate at full power for a limited time before being switched out. This ensures that no single battery pack exceeds temperature thresholds that would trigger BMS power limiting, while the overall system maintains high operational power through the alternation of multiple packs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively discards the temporarily inactive battery packs from the active power delivery role, allowing them to recover and cool down. During this recovery period, the BMS does not need to limit power for these packs. The system then recovers their full power capability by switching them back into service after they have cooled sufficiently, maintaining high operational power overall.
3Duration of action of moving object
If continuous operation is maintained with a single battery pack, then the device operates without interruption, but the battery pack overheats and power is reduced after a few minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic switching between multiple battery packs at predetermined time intervals. Each battery pack operates for a specific duration and then is switched out before it would overheat. This allows continuous operation of the device without interruption while preventing any single battery pack from overheating and losing power, as another cooled battery pack takes over.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous operation time across multiple battery packs. Instead of one battery pack operating continuously and overheating, the total operational duration is divided into segments where different battery packs take turns. This segmentation allows each battery pack to operate within safe temperature limits while the device maintains continuous operation through the coordinated switching of multiple packs.
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
Enables continuous operation of electric motors at full power by preventing premature reduction in output current and voltage, extending the device's operational time without overheating, thereby enhancing the efficiency and longevity of battery-powered devices.
Implementation Method 1
two or more battery packs and an electric motor which is operated by electric energy from at least one of the battery packs
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor which is operated by electric energy from at least one of the battery packs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention refers to an electronic device (10a) comprising two or more battery packs (18a, 18b), an electric motor (16) which is operated by electric energy from at least one of the battery packs (18a; 18b) at a time, and an electronic control unit (20) for controlling operation of the electric motor (16). It is suggested that the electronic control unit (20) is adapted for switching operation of the electric motor (16) cyclically and consecutively from at least one battery pack (18a; 18b) to at least one other battery pack (18b; 18a). Switching form one operation cycle to the next operation cycle may be effected depending on the current temperature of the at least one battery pack (18a, 18b), on an electric current drawn from the at least one battery pack (18a, 18b) during the current operation cycle, or on a duration of continuous operation of the at least one battery pack (18a, 18b) during the current operation cycle.