Hybrid Battery Coupling with Concentric Data Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems require separate power and data couplings, which complicates connectivity and maintenance, especially in demanding environments like military applications, where backward compatibility and efficient data communication are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid coupling that integrates SM Bus data coupling into a single multi-battery power coupling, featuring concentric rings of power and data contacts with pogo pins for universal compatibility, allowing simultaneous power and data transmission while reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power and data couplings are used, then data communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate power coupling and data coupling into a single hybrid coupling connector. The hybrid coupling includes both power transmission contacts and data communication contacts integrated in one connector assembly, eliminating the need for separate connectors while maintaining both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid coupling connector is designed to perform multiple functions: power transmission, data communication, and device identification. A single connector type can accommodate both smart batteries (with data communication) and basic batteries (without data communication), providing universal compatibility across different battery types.
2Loss of information
If separate bus connectors are provided, then smart battery data tracking is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid coupling merges power connection and data communication connection into a single plug-and-play interface. Users simply connect the battery to the charger without needing to separately connect data buses, maintaining full data tracking capability while simplifying the user operation to a single connection action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects whether a smart battery or basic battery is connected and configures the data communication pathway accordingly. The hybrid coupling self-adapts to the connected device type, eliminating the need for user intervention to switch between different connection modes.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If concentric circular configurations are used for contacts, then interference between power and data is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges power contacts and data contacts in concentric circular patterns within the same connector plane. This two-dimensional spatial arrangement separates the contact groups radially, reducing electromagnetic interference between power and data signals while maintaining a compact connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid coupling employs asymmetric contact arrangements where power contacts and data contacts are positioned in different radial zones of the connector. This asymmetric layout optimizes signal separation and minimizes interference while accommodating the different electrical requirements of power transmission and data communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid coupling for a smart battery system having two internal batteries. The hybrid power coupling includes a power coupling for connecting to the batteries and a data coupling for connecting with two bus devices that are also within the battery housing. The contacts of the digital data coupling are disposed in a circular configuration within the mating jack of the hybrid coupling. The data contacts are concentric with the D.C. battery contacts. The data contacts are retractable to automatically and selectively connect to a variety of battery-mounted jacks.