Power Feed Unit Switching for Multi-Battery Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In lithium ion batteries, estimating the remaining amount based on voltage is difficult, and existing solutions require a microcomputer to measure it, while using multiple batteries complicates communication due to different terminal configurations, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A power feed unit with multiple accommodation sections for batteries, each with a first terminal section for receiving power and communication, and a second terminal section for supplying power and communication, along with a switch to couple communication terminals, allowing a common terminal configuration for communication with the electronic apparatus regardless of the number of batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple batteries are used with individual communication terminals, then communication with each battery is enabled, but the terminal configuration becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple first communication terminals from different batteries are electrically coupled to a single second communication terminal through a switch. This merging approach allows the electronic apparatus to communicate with multiple batteries using a unified terminal interface, reducing terminal configuration complexity while maintaining the ability to communicate with each battery individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The second communication terminal is designed to serve as a universal interface that can communicate with any of the multiple batteries connected to the power feed unit. By making this terminal multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication terminals for each battery, thereby simplifying the overall terminal configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication terminals are provided for multiple batteries, then each battery can be communicated with independently, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple communication functions into a single second communication terminal by electrically coupling it with multiple first communication terminals through a switch. This consolidation reduces the total number of communication terminals required, lowering manufacturing costs while preserving the capability to communicate with each battery independently through selective electrical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch acts as an intermediary component that enables a single second communication terminal to access multiple first communication terminals. This mediator allows the system to reduce terminal count and cost while maintaining the functional equivalence of having multiple dedicated communication terminals.
3Ease of manufacture
If a common terminal configuration is used for multiple batteries, then cost is reduced, but the ability to selectively communicate with specific batteries is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical coupling between the second communication terminal and multiple first communication terminals is made dynamic through the use of a switch. This allows the system to adaptively connect the common terminal to specific batteries as needed, providing selective communication capability while maintaining a unified terminal interface. The dynamic switching enables the system to overcome the limitation of static common terminal configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch serves as an intermediary that enables selective electrical coupling between the common second communication terminal and individual first communication terminals. This mediator component allows the system to maintain terminal configuration simplicity while restoring the lost adaptability for selective battery communication through controlled switching actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A power feed unit that includes multiple first terminal sections, a second terminal section, and a switch is disclosed. Each first terminal section includes a first power supply terminal directed to receive electric power from a battery, and a first communication terminal directed to perform a communication with the battery. The second terminal section includes a second power supply terminal directed to supply electric power to an electronic apparatus, and a second communication terminal directed to perform a communication with the electronic apparatus. The switch electrically couples one of the first communication terminals with the second communication terminal.