Slave Module Switches for Sequential ID Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-capacity battery systems with multiple battery packs face increased manufacturing costs and hardware complexity due to the need for separate communication lines for identification number assignment, making maintenance and management difficult.
Innovation Solution
A slave module system that uses switches on a single communication line to sequentially assign identification numbers to slave modules, allowing each slave module to manage the opening and closing of the communication line for efficient identification number assignment and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate communication line is used for identification number assignment, then identification number assignment can be performed, but manufacturing costs increase and hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the identification number assignment function with the existing communication line used for data transmission. Instead of using a separate communication line for ID assignment, the system utilizes the same communication line that connects the master device to slave devices for both purposes. This merging of functions eliminates the need for additional hardware components and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable identification number assignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication line is designed to serve multiple functions: it is used both for data transmission between master and slave devices and for identification number assignment. By making the communication line universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for dedicated separate lines for different purposes, thereby reducing hardware complexity and manufacturing costs while ensuring that identification number assignment can be performed reliably.
2Reliability
If a separate communication line is used for identification number assignment, then identification number assignment can be performed, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification number assignment function with the existing communication infrastructure. By combining these functions into a single communication line, the system eliminates the need for additional components that would increase manufacturing costs. The existing communication line is repurposed to handle both data transmission and ID assignment, thereby reducing material costs and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication line is designed as a universal interface that handles multiple tasks including data transmission and identification number assignment. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components required in the system, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary identification number assignment capability.
3Device complexity
If switches are arranged on a communication line for sequential identification number assignment, then hardware complexity is reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slave devices are equipped with switches that automatically control their own connection state on the communication line. When a slave device receives its identification number, it automatically opens its switch to disconnect from the communication line, preventing it from receiving subsequent ID assignments. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the master device to manually control each slave's connection state, thereby reducing control complexity despite the presence of multiple switches in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where slave devices monitor the communication line for identification number assignment signals. Upon successfully receiving an ID assignment, the slave device sends a confirmation signal or automatically changes its connection state, providing feedback to the master device. This feedback loop enables automatic control of the switches based on the assignment status, reducing the manual control burden on the master device while maintaining sequential assignment capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A slave module, connected in series with a master module on a communication line, configured to control switches to sequentially assign identification numbers of the slave module and lower slave modules, the slave module comprising: a first communication line connecting a processor to one of an adjacent upper slave module and the master module; a second communication line connecting an adjacent lower slave module to the first communication line; a switch on the second communication line and configured to control a communication connection between the first communication line and the adjacent lower slave module; and the processor configured to control an operation of the switch based on a signal received from the first communication line, wherein the processor is configured to close the switch when setting of an identification number thereof is completed based on an identification number received from the master module through the first communication line.