Module Charger Contact Occupancy Diagnostic for Vehicle Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing module chargers for vehicle batteries require multiple adapters and risk incorrect connections due to varying contact assignments across different manufacturers and vehicle types, leading to potential damage and increased investment costs for workshops.
Innovation Solution
A module charger with a diagnostic function that analyzes the contact assignment of cell modules by measuring voltage differences between contacts, determining the correct connection, and adjusting voltages to ensure safe charging and discharging, using a single charger for multiple vehicle types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used for different vehicle types, then compatibility with various cell modules is improved, but device complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The module charger is designed with a universal contact element that can automatically adapt to different contact assignments through diagnostic measurement. The system performs voltage measurements between all contacts to identify the cell module's specific contact configuration, eliminating the need for multiple vehicle-specific adapters while maintaining compatibility across different manufacturers and vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
Before charging or discharging, the system performs a preliminary diagnostic phase where voltage measurements are conducted between all contacts to determine the contact assignment. This preliminary action identifies the specific cell module configuration in advance, allowing the charger to automatically adapt its operation without requiring pre-configured adapters for different vehicle types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used for different vehicle types, then compatibility with various cell modules is improved, but investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The module charger is designed with a universal contact element that can automatically adapt to different contact assignments through diagnostic measurement. The system performs voltage measurements between all contacts to identify the cell module's specific contact configuration, eliminating the need for multiple vehicle-specific adapters while maintaining compatibility across different manufacturers and vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the contact assignment by performing diagnostic voltage measurements without requiring external configuration or manual setup. The module charger self-adapts to different cell module types through its built-in diagnostic unit, eliminating the need for workshops to invest in multiple pre-configured adapters for different vehicle manufacturers.
3Productivity
If contact assignment is not verified, then charging speed is maintained, but reliability and safety deteriorate due to incorrect connections
Solution Approach 1:
Before charging or discharging, the system performs a preliminary diagnostic phase where voltage measurements are conducted between all contacts to determine the contact assignment. This preliminary action identifies the specific cell module configuration in advance, allowing the charger to automatically adapt its operation without requiring pre-configured adapters for different vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic unit continuously monitors voltage measurements during the diagnostic phase to determine contact assignment. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically configures the charging or discharging operation to match the identified cell module configuration, ensuring safe and correct operation while maintaining charging speed.
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
This solution enables safe and efficient charging and discharging of cell modules across different vehicles, reducing the need for multiple chargers and minimizing the risk of damage, while allowing for precise voltage adjustment and diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
wherein at least one voltage measurement of a contact is then carried out against all other individual contacts of the contact element of the cell module
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for analyzing the contact configuration of a contact element of a cell module for a vehicle battery for subsequent charging or discharging of individual cells of the cell module using a module charger, and to a module charger for charging and/or discharging a cell module of a vehicle battery with a diagnostic function for the contact configuration of a contact element of the cell module.In order to provide a modular charger for cell modules of a vehicle battery and a method for operating such a modular charger, which allows general use for charging and discharging cells of numerous different cell modules with different contact configurations of the contact element of the cell module and automatically excludes incorrect operation and at the same time significantly reduces the investment costs of a workshop in modular chargers, it is first provided to connect a contact element of a diagnostic unit corresponding to the contact element of the cell module in order to establish an electrical connection to each of the contacts of the cell module, wherein subsequently at least one voltage measurement of a contact against all other individual contacts of the contact element of the cell module is carried out and the voltage values assigned to the contacts are stored.Based on the voltage values assigned to the contacts, the contact assignment of the contact element with respect to the connection to the individual cells of the cell module is then determined, and finally the cell module is charged or discharged.