Battery System Shipping Mode Control via Timed Input Sequence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery systems face challenges in safely switching between activated and deactivated states, particularly during shipping and handling, due to the risk of accidental actuation of user input devices, leading to unintended changes in battery mode.
Innovation Solution
A battery system that requires two timed input commands to alternate between 'on' and 'shipping mode' states, utilizing a CPU-controlled contactor and indicator light to ensure intentional state changes, preventing accidental activation or deactivation by requiring a specific timing window for the second input command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user actuated input device is used to switch between activated and deactivated states, then the battery can be easily activated and deactivated, but the input device may be inadvertently actuated during shipping or handling, causing unintended state changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter from a simple single-actuation switch to a timed sequential actuation requirement. The system requires a first actuation to initiate a time window, then a second actuation within that window to execute the state change. This parameter change from instantaneous to temporal control resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of intentional operation while preventing accidental activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the first actuation to establish a time window before the second actuation can occur. This preliminary step creates a controlled sequence where the system prepares for state change only after deliberate user initiation, preventing inadvertent changes during shipping or handling while maintaining user-friendly operation when intentionally activated.
2Speed
If a single actuation switches the battery state immediately, then the response is fast and simple, but there is no opportunity to prevent accidental switching during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by structuring the state change process as two distinct temporal phases: a first actuation that opens a time window, and a second actuation that executes the change. This periodic structure maintains operational speed for intentional changes while preventing accidental switching during handling, as the probability of two coordinated actuations within the time window by accident is negligible.
3Ease of operation
If the battery terminals are connected during shipping, then the battery can be used immediately upon delivery, but contact with terminals during shipping may cause safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by requiring the user to intentionally initiate a state change sequence before terminals are disconnected or connected. The first actuation opens a time window, and only upon completing the second actuation does the contactor actually change terminal connectivity. This ensures terminals remain safely connected during shipping unless deliberately changed, while maintaining readiness for use as the system can be quickly activated when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
For a battery system including a battery pack and a battery management system, the battery system having output battery terminals, a method and apparatus for preventing inadvertent connection and disconnection the output battery terminals from the battery pack is disclosed.