Battery State of Charge Indicator with Integrated Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional battery systems lack efficient methods for determining the state of charge of batteries, especially in vehicles, and require cumbersome and time-consuming charging processes, which can lead to battery failure due to unknown charge levels and difficult access for charging.
Innovation Solution
A battery management system with integrated sensors and processing circuitry that monitors voltage, temperature, and current, providing a state of charge indicator and allowing for cell balancing, sleep mode activation, and easy charging through a tethered connector, enabling remote monitoring and management of battery health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional battery systems are used without integrated monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to determine state of charge and prevent damage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions (voltage, temperature, current sensing) and state of charge determination into an integrated battery management system that is embedded within the battery assembly itself, rather than using separate external monitoring devices. This merging approach enables precise state of charge determination while keeping the system compact and unified.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system performs self-monitoring and self-diagnosis functions, automatically tracking its own state of charge, temperature, and electrical parameters without requiring external intervention. The system provides real-time feedback and can autonomously manage charging cycles and thermal conditions.
2Ease of operation
If lead cable connection is required for charging, then charging control is simplified, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome and time-consuming connection process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging interface functionality from traditional external lead cable connections and integrates it directly into the battery assembly through a built-in connector. This allows charging to begin immediately when the battery is placed in the vehicle, eliminating the time-consuming process of manually connecting and disconnecting external cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is pre-configured with an integrated connector and charging management circuitry before installation in the vehicle. The charging pathway is prepared in advance, so that when the battery is installed, charging can commence immediately without requiring any additional connection steps or manual intervention.
3Reliability
If battery charge level is unknown, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to potential battery failure
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system continuously monitors electrical parameters (voltage, current) and provides real-time feedback about the state of charge through both digital interfaces and visual indicators. This feedback mechanism ensures that the charge level is always known, enabling proactive management and preventing unexpected battery failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the battery's state of charge upon installation in the vehicle, before any critical operations are attempted. This preliminary checking ensures that the battery is in a functional state and identifies any potential issues before they lead to failure.
4Ease of operation
If battery is difficult to access for charging, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation worsens due to difficult access
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connector serves multiple functions: it provides the electrical connection for charging, transmits data between the battery and vehicle systems, and enables the state of charge indicator functionality. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate charging ports or additional access points, maintaining structural simplicity while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A state of charge indicator for providing an indication of a state of charge of a battery module includes an indicator light configured to emit a first wavelength of light representative of the state of charge of the battery module. The state of charge indicator also includes a connector configured to be removably coupled to a mating connector of the battery module. The connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts. The plurality of electrical contacts includes a first electrical contact configured to receive a signal from the battery module indicative of the state of charge of the battery module and to transmit the signal to the state of charge indicator to activate the indicator light.