Power Storage Device Update Path Sharing for Miniaturization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for updating control programs in electronic equipment require disassembly and expose connectors, limiting miniaturization and increasing labor, as the update process is infrequent and labor-intensive, and the number of pins on connectors increases, making miniaturization difficult.
Innovation Solution
A power storage device with a sensor, control device, and transmission/reception path that allows for updating the control program without disassembly by sharing paths for detection results and program updates, using a switch to control the update process based on user input, and integrating a processing unit for component control and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connector for updating is installed in electronic equipment, then the labor of disassembling is saved, but the number of pins of the connector increases and miniaturization becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The existing connector for power supply is made to serve dual purposes: both power transmission and control program update. The update function is achieved by utilizing the existing communication capability between the power storage device and external equipment, eliminating the need for a separate update connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of power supply and control program update is merged into a single communication interface. The transmission/reception path that originally handled only power and basic communication now also handles control program transmission, combining multiple functions into one pathway.
2Ease of manufacture
If disassembly is performed to update control program, then update can be performed, but labor and time are required and update timing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage device autonomously performs control program updates by receiving update programs from external equipment through its existing communication interface. The device independently manages the update process, including determining update necessity based on version information and executing the update without requiring user disassembly actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control program is updated in advance during manufacturing or maintenance periods when the device is already connected to external equipment. This preliminary updating ensures the device has the latest control programs before actual use, eliminating the need for user-initiated disassembly updates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate connector for update is provided, then update function is achieved, but the number of components increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The existing communication interface in the power storage device is made universal to handle both power management and control program update functions. This eliminates the need for separate update connectors and reduces the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The update function is extracted from the physical connector domain and implemented through software-based communication protocols over the existing communication interface. This removes the need for additional physical components dedicated to updating.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A transmission/reception path PA is configured to transmit a detection result sent from a sensor 22 to a control device 23 and external equipment 3 connected to a connection terminal Ts1, and transmit a program for update transmitted from the external equipment to the control device via the connection terminal, and the control device can further perform update for updating a control program stored in a storage unit to the program for update transmitted from the external equipment via the connection terminal and the transmission/reception path.