Cell-Level Battery Monitoring With Self-Healing Pack Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current battery monitoring systems are limited in tracking individual cell-level changes and performance, especially in series and parallel configurations, leading to incomplete data on battery life cycles and usage, which hampers recycling and refurbishment efforts and does not allow for self-healing in battery systems.

Innovation Solution

A battery monitoring system utilizing dual-ported memory with NFC and high-frequency RFID for secure communication, enabling the tracking of parameters like voltage, current, temperature, and charge rates over time, with self-healing switches to manage battery configurations and facilitate recycling by determining end-of-life and energy drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If pack-level monitoring is used, then system-level performance tracking is simplified, but individual cell-level issues and changes cannot be tracked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring system complexityVSAvoidcell-level measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the battery pack into individual monitorable units by placing a monitor at each cell level. Each monitor tracks voltage, temperature, and other parameters for its specific cell, enabling precise cell-level monitoring while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If individual cell monitoring is implemented, then cell-level performance data is captured, but system complexity and data management burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell-level measurement precisionVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges individual cell monitors into a coordinated system where multiple monitors communicate with a central controller. This consolidation allows precise cell-level tracking while managing data complexity through centralized processing and unified system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitor design incorporates multiple functions within each monitoring unit, including voltage sensing, temperature monitoring, communication capabilities, and data storage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each measurement type, thereby managing overall system complexity.

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

3Loss of information

If battery life cycle data is collected, then recycling and refurbishment information is improved, but data loss occurs after first application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery life cycle informationVSAvoiddata retention duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary data capture by equipping batteries with monitors that continuously track and store life cycle parameters from manufacturing through initial use. This preliminary action ensures comprehensive data collection before the battery reaches end-of-life, preventing information loss that would otherwise occur after first application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes feedback loops where monitored data is continuously stored and made accessible for analysis. This feedback mechanism ensures that life cycle information is preserved and can be retrieved for recycling decisions, maintaining data integrity throughout the entire battery lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The system provides comprehensive data on battery life and usage, enabling better recycling and refurbishment practices, improves battery design, and allows for self-healing in battery systems, ensuring efficient energy management and safety.

Implementation Method 1

NFC using the RF power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

P-chip using the laser power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11791637B2Battery monitor system and method
Publication Date: 2023.10.17 ATC HOLLAND LLC
  • US11791637B2 patent drawing
  • US11791637B2 patent drawing
  • US11791637B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A remote controlled battery cell monitoring and control system that utilizes empirical and theoretical data to compare performance, sensor data, stored patterns, historical usage, use intensity indexes over time and tracking information to provide a sophisticated data collection system for batteries. This tracking is designed to better the specifications, designs, training, preventative maintenance, and replacement and recycling of batteries.