Power Supplier Circuit Simplification Using Segmented Battery Couplers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power suppliers with complex switch configurations and multiple switches result in increased costs and complexity, making them inefficient for simplified battery pack power supply.
Innovation Solution
A power supplier design featuring a simplified circuit configuration using a first and second pack parallel coupler, an output voltage switch, and a controller to manage battery pack coupling states, reducing the complexity of switching and costs by fixing the coupling state between the first pack parallel coupler and the outputter while switching between the second pack parallel coupler and the outputter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used to change output voltage by controlling battery coupling states, then power supply adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery pack coupling control into two independent parts: parallel coupling (handled by first pack parallel coupler) and series coupling (handled by second pack parallel coupler). This segmentation allows each coupler to focus on a specific function, reducing the complexity of individual couplers while maintaining overall adaptability through their coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pack parallel coupler acts as an intermediary between the battery packs and the second pack parallel coupler. It provides a stable parallel coupling foundation, allowing the second coupler to handle series coupling changes without managing parallel connections simultaneously. This intermediary structure simplifies the control logic and reduces the number of switches needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used to control battery discharge patterns, then power supply flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple switches into two integrated couplers. The first pack parallel coupler combines all parallel coupling switches into a single unit, while the second pack parallel coupler combines all series coupling switches into another unit. This merging reduces the total number of independent switch components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Each coupler is designed to perform multiple functions: the first pack parallel coupler handles both parallel connection establishment and disconnection, while the second pack parallel coupler handles series connection configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated switches for each operation, thereby reducing overall component count and manufacturing complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex switching control is implemented, then output voltage control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where the couplers can switch between different coupling states (parallel, series, or combinations) based on the required output voltage. The controller dynamically adjusts the coupling configuration by activating or deactivating specific couplers, allowing precise voltage control without requiring a fixed complex switching network for every possible voltage level.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supplier in one aspect of the present disclosure includes an outputter, a first pack parallel coupler, a second pack parallel coupler, an output voltage switch, and a controller. Each of the first pack parallel coupler and the second pack parallel coupler includes pack couplers. The pack couplers are configured to be coupled by battery packs. The output voltage switch is configured to switch an electrical coupling state between the second pack parallel coupler and the outputter. The controller is configured to determine an output mode of the outputter. The output mode corresponds to a magnitude of voltage to be outputted from outputter. The controller is configured to control the output voltage switch based on a result of determination.