Modular Battery Switching for Flexible Power Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rechargeable batteries have immovable battery units, leading to reduced flexibility and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for protective circuits, which also pose safety concerns when units fail.
Innovation Solution
An electricity storing device with rechargeable battery modules and switches controlled by a module to connect in series or parallel, allowing for flexible power output and easy module replacement, reducing the need for protective circuits and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If battery units are immovably connected in series or parallel, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but flexibility and adaptability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple independent battery units (102, 104, 106) that can be individually managed and connected through switchable terminals. Each battery unit operates as an independent module that can be selectively connected or disconnected, enabling flexible configuration while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery connection configuration is made dynamic through controllable switches (122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132) that allow real-time reconfiguration of series/parallel connections. This enables the battery system to adapt its electrical configuration based on power requirements, while the physical manufacturing remains standardized and simple.
2Reliability
If protecting circuits are installed between battery units, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Controllable switches are introduced as intermediary components between battery units, serving as intelligent mediators that provide safety control functions. These switches can detect abnormal conditions and automatically disconnect faulty battery units, replacing complex protecting circuits with simpler, more cost-effective switching mechanisms that achieve the same safety objectives.
3Stability of the object's composition
If battery units are soldered in place, then connection stability is improved, but ease of repair and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into modular units with standardized connection interfaces. Each battery unit can be independently removed and replaced without affecting other units, enabling easy repair and replacement while maintaining stable electrical connections through standardized terminal designs and controllable switching mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If controllable switches are added between battery modules, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses controllable switches to create dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the battery pack to adapt its electrical configuration (series/parallel connections) based on power requirements. The switches are integrated into the terminal structure, adding functional flexibility while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture through standardized modular design.
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 solution provides flexible power output, reduces waste and manufacturing costs, and enhances user convenience by allowing easy replacement of failed modules, while minimizing safety risks during charging and discharging operations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rechargeable battery modules, each for storing electrical energy or outputting stored electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
An electricity storing device includes a high-voltage terminal, a low-voltage terminal, a plurality of rechargeable battery modules, a plurality of first switches each coupled between one rechargeable battery module and the high-voltage terminal, a plurality of second switches each coupled between one rechargeable battery module and the low-voltage terminal, a plurality of third switches each coupled between two of the rechargeable battery modules, and a control module for outputting a control command to control couplings of the plurality of first switches, the plurality of second switches and the plurality of third switches.