BMS MCU Backup Power Conversion for Vehicle Voltage Drops

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Solution Overview

Problem

The sudden drop in low voltage from a vehicle terminal can cause the microcontroller unit (MCU) in a battery management system (BMS) to shut down, endangering vehicle safety by disrupting normal functions such as storage, processing, and determination.

Innovation Solution

A power maintenance apparatus with a power conversion part and a backup power supply part, including isolated and non-isolated DC/DC converters, converts battery pack voltage into operating voltage for the MCU and provides backup power when vehicle terminal voltage is insufficient, using processors to control these components based on voltage comparisons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the MCU operates directly from vehicle terminal voltage, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when voltage drops occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply structureVSAvoidMCU operation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A DC/DC converter is introduced as an intermediary component between the vehicle terminal and the MCU. This converter acts as a mediator that transforms the unstable vehicle terminal voltage into stable operating voltage for the MCU, preventing direct voltage fluctuations from affecting the controller's operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary voltage conversion and stabilization before the voltage reaches the MCU. By converting battery pack voltage to a stable intermediate voltage level in advance, the system ensures the MCU receives consistent power even when vehicle terminal voltage drops momentarily.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a power conversion part is added to convert battery pack voltage, then the reliability of voltage supply is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage supply stabilityVSAvoidpower conversion structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The DC/DC converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it converts battery pack voltage to operating voltage, provides voltage stabilization, and serves as a backup power source when vehicle terminal voltage drops. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate backup power components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power conversion part is controlled by the processor to automatically adjust its operation based on voltage conditions. The system monitors vehicle terminal voltage and self-regulates the conversion process, eliminating the need for external manual intervention or complex external control circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the MCU shuts down during voltage drops, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information increases due to interrupted processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management systemVSAvoiddata storage and processing continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The DC/DC converter ensures continuous power supply to the MCU by maintaining a stable output voltage regardless of fluctuations in vehicle terminal voltage. This continuity prevents the MCU from shutting down during transient voltage drops, ensuring uninterrupted data processing and storage operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The power conversion part acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs voltage fluctuations before they reach the MCU. By converting and stabilizing voltage in advance, it protects the MCU from the harmful effects of voltage drops, preventing data loss and processing interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Ensures continuous operation of the MCU by maintaining stable voltage supply, allowing the BMS to manage the battery pack effectively even during momentary voltage drops from the vehicle terminal.

Implementation Method 1

The power conversion part may include an isolated DC/DC converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The backup power supply part may include a non-isolated DC/DC converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250210729A1Power maintenance apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.06.26 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • US20250210729A1 patent drawing
  • US20250210729A1 patent drawing
  • US20250210729A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power maintenance apparatus includes a power conversion part converting voltage from a battery pack into operating voltage required for operation of a controller adapted to manage the battery pack and supply the operating voltage to the controller, and a processor controlling the power conversion part by monitoring voltage supplied from a vehicle terminal to the controller.