EV Battery Monitoring Counter for Deep Discharge Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for monitoring the use of electrochemical energy storage in electric vehicles do not effectively prevent misuse that can lead to permanent damage by allowing frequent deep discharges or overcharging, which can exceed safe operational ranges.

Innovation Solution

A method that counts instances when the state of charge leaves a predetermined range and triggers warnings or blocks deep discharges when a limit value is reached, allowing for optimized battery usage by informing drivers of potential damage and preventing excessive misuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the driver is provided with an input option to activate a second operating mode that allows charging beyond the predetermined state of charge range, then the battery can be charged to a higher charge level, but the risk of driver misuse and permanent battery damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge level flexibilityVSAvoidbattery safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by setting up a monitoring mechanism before misuse can occur. A counter is implemented that tracks each activation of the second operating mode in advance, comparing the activation count against a predetermined threshold before actual damage occurs. This preventive counting mechanism allows the system to prepare for potential misuse by establishing limits beforehand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the state of charge and tracking the number of second mode activations. The counter value is compared against a threshold, and this feedback loop enables the system to detect when the predetermined number of activations has been reached, allowing for appropriate responses such as warnings or blocking further activations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the predetermined state of charge range is set narrowly to ensure battery safety, then the risk of battery damage is reduced, but the usable charge range for the vehicle is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery safetyVSAvoidusable charge range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the effective state of charge range based on usage patterns. While the normal operating range remains fixed for safety, the system allows dynamic expansion beyond this range through the second operating mode, which can be activated a predetermined number of times. This creates a dynamic system where the usable range adapts to driver needs while maintaining safety as the default state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by introducing a time-dependent or usage-dependent state to the state of charge limits. The effective maximum charge level becomes a variable parameter that can temporarily exceed the standard safety threshold when the second operating mode is activated, with the number of such exceptions controlled by the counter mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the system automatically blocks the second operating mode when the count limit is reached, then battery damage is prevented, but the driver loses the ability to charge the battery when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery protectionVSAvoidcharging availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial blocking rather than complete blocking. Instead of permanently preventing all second mode activations, the system allows a predetermined number of activations (the counter threshold) before blocking occurs. This partial action approach provides sufficient protection while maintaining adequate charging availability for normal usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The counter mechanism serves as an intermediary between the driver's charging needs and the battery protection requirements. Rather than directly blocking charging, the counter mediates by tracking usage and enabling the second mode up to a threshold, thereby balancing driver convenience with battery protection in a gradual manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2673161B1Method for monitoring the use of an electrochemical energy accumulator in a motor vehicle and motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 AUDI AG
  • EP2673161B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

In a motor vehicle having an electric drive it is to be possible to permit, by means of an operator control input (S18), deep discharge of the electrochemical energy accumulator, which is otherwise forbidden. In the present case, it is counted how often deep discharge has taken place and when a predetermined number of times (i-limit) is reached, a sequence is preferably triggered, specifically a warning signal is output and/or the subsequent deep discharge is blocked (S26).