Battery Type Detection via Seebeck Voltage and Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery-type determination apparatuses face errors in distinguishing between different battery types, especially when the remaining battery power is low, due to variations in voltage drop and current differences, leading to incorrect warnings and settings.
Innovation Solution
A battery-type determination apparatus that uses a voltage detector based on the Seebeck effect between battery connection terminals and electrodes, with a temperature rise controller to differentiate between battery types by measuring Seebeck voltages, and a type determination unit to set appropriate voltage thresholds for monitoring battery state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage drop and current difference methods are used to determine battery type, then battery type can be identified, but determination error increases when remaining battery power is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from voltage drop/current difference to Seebeck voltage. By measuring the Seebeck voltage generated at the contact point between battery terminal and electrode, the system obtains a parameter that remains stable regardless of remaining battery power, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and reliability under low power conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Seebeck voltage measurement as an intermediary parameter. Instead of directly measuring voltage drop or current difference which are affected by battery state, the system measures the thermoelectric voltage at the contact interface, which serves as a reliable mediator for battery type identification independent of remaining power
2Reliability
If user manually selects and sets battery type, then voltage thresholds can be properly configured, but user burden increases and setting errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically determine battery type through Seebeck voltage measurement and self-configure appropriate voltage thresholds. This eliminates the need for manual user input, reducing operational burden while ensuring accurate threshold settings based on the detected battery type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs battery type determination and voltage threshold configuration automatically upon battery installation, before the user needs to use the device. This preliminary action ensures proper settings are in place without requiring user intervention during subsequent operations
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
Accurately determines battery type without being influenced by remaining battery power, ensuring proper warning settings and preventing errors, while also detecting abnormal heat generation and shutting down the power supply if necessary.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage detector that detects a voltage generated by Seebeck effect between a battery connection terminal and an electrode of the battery
Implementation Method 2
a temperature rise controller that raises a temperature at a contact point between the electrode of the battery and the battery connection terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A battery-type determination apparatus includes a battery installation unit equipped with battery connection terminals in which a battery is installed, a voltage detector that detects a voltage generated by Seebeck effect between a battery connection terminal and an electrode of the battery, a temperature rise controller that raises a temperature at a contact point between the electrode of the battery and the battery connection terminal, and a type determination unit that determines a type of the battery installed in the battery installation unit, based on the voltage detected by the voltage detector with the temperature risen at the contact point.