Shake-Awake Battery Pack Using Piezoelectric Boot Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs with Lithium-Ion cells face degradation and require complex initialization procedures due to the need for mechanical disconnection of ASIC charge/discharge controllers for long-term storage, which complicates enclosure design and user usage, and existing solutions require additional hardware and user training for activation.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack with 'shake awake' functionality using a piezo electric device to generate power for initializing the ASIC charge/discharge controller, eliminating the need for external connections by rectifying the alternating current from shaking to temporarily power the semiconductor control circuit, which activates the boot path for the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ASIC charge/discharge controller is mechanically disconnected from the battery cells for long-term storage, then the battery pack shelf-life is extended and cell discharge is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical switches and interconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the initialization function from complex mechanical switching systems and implements it through a simplified piezoelectric activation mechanism. The shake-to-activate feature removes the need for mechanical disconnection/reconnection of the ASIC controller, while still preventing cell discharge during storage through the same piezoelectric trigger mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and interconnections with a piezoelectric device that converts mechanical shaking motion into electrical signals. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while achieving the same functional goals of initializing the controller and preventing unauthorized discharge during storage.
2Ease of operation
If additional mechanical switches and external power connections are added for initialization, then the battery pack can be activated from dormant state, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated usage procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the battery pack to initialize itself through simple shaking motion. The piezoelectric device automatically converts the shaking motion into the electrical signals needed to wake up the ASIC controller, eliminating the need for users to manually operate switches or connect external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration (shaking) as the activation mechanism. The piezoelectric device is designed to convert vibrational motion into electrical energy and signals, allowing users to simply shake the battery pack to initialize it, thereby dramatically simplifying the operation while maintaining functionality.
3Device complexity
If the ASIC controller remains connected to battery cells during storage, then the device complexity is reduced, but the battery cells discharge below minimum charge level over extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the ASIC controller to remain physically connected to the battery cells during storage, eliminating the need for mechanical disconnection. The controller is placed in a low-power dormant state through software/firmware control rather than physical disconnection, and can be reactivated through piezoelectric shaking when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the ASIC controller rather than its physical connection state. The controller transitions between active and dormant states through parameter changes (power mode switching) controlled by the piezoelectric activation, maintaining physical connectivity while preventing discharge through parameter-based control.
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 simplifies the activation process by eliminating the need for additional hardware and user training, enhancing enclosure sealing, and ensuring the battery pack can be easily activated from a dormant state without discharging the cells below a minimum charge level, thereby improving shelf-life and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A piezo electric device 35 utilizes a piezo polymer film to generate a voltage and alternating current as the film is moved back and forth.
Implementation Method 2
The electric power alternating current waveform generated by shaking of the piezo electric device 35 may be rectified by passage through a diode bridge 40 to achieve power transfer during both half-cycles of the alternating waveform.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method and apparatus for waking a battery pack from a dormant mode via shaking. The battery pack has a piezo electric device coupled to a semiconductor control circuit providing a power path between a positive terminal of a battery cell and a boot input of an ASIC charge/discharge controller powered by the battery cell. Shaking of the piezo electric device energizes the semiconductor control circuit, which engages the power path to power the initial booting of the ASIC charge/discharge controller.