Multiplexed Electrical Contact for Battery Packs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable battery packs require multiple contacts for charging, increasing manufacturing costs and defect risks due to the need for dedicated contacts for each circuit element, such as thermal sensing and memory devices.
Innovation Solution
A time-differentiated multiplexed contact system where a single contact is used to access multiple circuits through switch elements controlled by a timed switch circuit, enabling different circuits sequentially to reduce the number of physical contacts required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated contacts are used for each circuit element (memory device, thermal sensing component, power), then reliable electrical connection and data transmission are ensured, but manufacturing cost increases and defect risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dedicated contacts (power contact and information contact) into a single multiplexed contact that serves both functions. The contact is electrically connected to both the power terminal and the information terminal, allowing power transmission and data communication to share the same physical contact point, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and defect risk while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The single contact is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a power transmission path and an information transmission path. By making the contact universally functional for both power and data purposes, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated contacts, reducing complexity and manufacturing overhead while ensuring reliable operation.
2Productivity
If multiple dedicated contacts are used for each circuit element, then simultaneous access to all circuits is achieved, but the number of contacts increases leading to higher cost and more defect opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through time-division multiplexing, where the single contact alternates between serving power transmission and information transmission functions at different time intervals. The controller switches between reading battery information and monitoring thermal data during charging, allowing all circuits to be accessed sequentially rather than simultaneously, which reduces the number of contacts needed while maintaining charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches the function of the single contact between power and information modes based on operational requirements. The controller actively manages the contact's role at different times, enabling flexible resource allocation that reduces hardware complexity while preserving full functionality for efficient charging operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single multiplexed contact is used to access multiple circuits sequentially, then manufacturing cost decreases, but time is required to switch between different circuit accesses
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by pre-planning and managing the sequence of circuit accesses. It proactively switches between information reading and thermal monitoring functions in advance based on charging stage requirements, minimizing idle time and ensuring smooth transitions. This preliminary management of contact switching reduces the effective time loss by anticipating and preparing for function changes before they are needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for multiplexing an electrical contact interface between two electrical devices uses a time differentiated enablement of two or more different circuit elements in a first electrical device that are accessed via the multiplexed contact by a second electrical device. A timing control circuit in the first electrical device enables and disables circuit elements in the first electrical device coupled to a shared information contact over time. The second electrical device interacts with a first circuit element during an initial period upon connection to the first electrical device, and then interacts with a second circuit element after the initial period.