Battery Pack Voltage Detection via Level Transfer Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery pack voltage detection systems face issues with high static power consumption, low precision due to manufacturing errors, and inability to perform self-protection under abnormal conditions, particularly when dealing with high voltages and potential safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A battery pack voltage detection system comprising a decoder, level transfer circuit array, multipath data selector, trimming calibration circuit, and output buffer, which converts floating-bias voltages into common grounded voltages, using programmable calibration codes and high voltage withstanding devices to ensure precision and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a battery pack voltage detection system is constructed based on a level transfer circuit or switch network, then the floating-bias voltage can be converted into a common grounded voltage, but the system consumes high static power and has low precision due to manufacturing errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage detection precisionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic sampling action where the detection system activates only when needed (during charging/discharging operations) rather than continuously operating. The controller periodically samples the battery pack voltage through the level transfer circuit, converting floating-bias voltage to common grounded voltage only during measurement intervals, thereby reducing static power consumption while maintaining detection precision through timed measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational state parameters of the detection system by switching between active detection mode and standby mode. During standby, the level transfer circuit and switch network are deactivated to minimize power consumption. When detection is required, the system activates these components temporarily, adjusting their operational parameters to achieve precise voltage measurement only when necessary, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous precision and power savings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the sampling precision is increased to improve voltage detection accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the system complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage detection precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the level transfer circuit with fixed reference voltage levels and pre-calibrated switch network connections. The circuit topology is designed in advance with predetermined resistor ratios and capacitor values that inherently provide the required precision without needing complex real-time adjustment mechanisms. This preliminary design ensures measurement precision is built into the hardware architecture, avoiding the need for additional complex control circuitry during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a level transfer circuit as an intermediary component between the floating-bias voltage source (battery pack) and the common grounded measurement system. This intermediary circuit performs the voltage level conversion and signal conditioning functions, isolating the complexity of precision measurement from the main control system. The level transfer circuit acts as a buffer that translates high-precision requirements into simple voltage division and reference comparison operations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If the battery pack cells are connected in series to obtain higher output voltages, then the voltage output increases, but the floating-bias voltage problem arises requiring complex conversion circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltageVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies equipotentiality by designing the level transfer circuit to create a common reference potential (ground) that all battery pack cells reference to the same voltage level. The circuit establishes equipotential connections through the switch network, ensuring that each cell's voltage is measured relative to the same ground potential rather than floating potentials. This eliminates the floating-bias problem by making all measurement points equipotential with respect to the common ground, simplifying the circuit design for high-voltage series configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a level transfer circuit as an intermediary that mediates between the high-voltage series-connected battery cells and the low-voltage common grounded measurement system. This intermediary performs the function of voltage level translation, taking the floating high-voltage signals from series cells and converting them to grounded low-voltage signals suitable for standard measurement circuits. The level transfer circuit acts as a buffer zone that isolates the complexity of high-voltage series handling from the measurement system, reducing overall circuit complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If the detection system operates continuously to maintain high measurement precision, then the measurement accuracy is maintained, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage detection precisionVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by scheduling voltage detection measurements to occur only at relevant operational moments (during charging/discharging cycles) rather than continuously. The controller activates the level transfer circuit and switch network periodically based on operational triggers, performing precise measurements only when battery voltage changes are expected. During idle periods between charging/discharging events, the detection system enters standby mode with minimal power consumption, thus maintaining measurement precision when needed while dramatically reducing average power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the detection system's operational state variable rather than static. The system dynamically transitions between active measurement mode and low-power standby mode based on real-time operational conditions. The switch network and level transfer circuit are enabled only when voltage measurement is required, and disabled during idle periods. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision during active periods while adapting its power consumption to actual needs, resolving the contradiction between continuous precision and power savings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10353011B2System and method for detecting voltage of battery pack
Publication Date: 2019.07.16 CRM ICBG (WUXI) CO LTD
  • US10353011B2 patent drawing
  • US10353011B2 patent drawing
  • US10353011B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for detecting voltage of a battery pack. The system comprises a level transfer circuit array, a multipath data selector, a decoder, a trimming calibration circuit, and an output buffer. The decoder is configured to parse a battery pack cell gating signal; the level transfer circuit array is configured to convert a gated battery pack cell voltage into a common grounded voltage; the multipath data selector is configured to transmit the common grounded voltage, which is converted by the level transfer circuit array, of a battery pack cell to the trimming calibration circuit; the trimming calibration circuit is configured to correct the received common grounded voltage of the battery pack cell; and the output buffer is configured to buffer the common grounded voltage, which is trimmed and calibrated by the trimming calibration circuit, of the battery pack cell.