Smart Battery Pack Interface Using a Mediating Microprocessor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart battery management systems are inflexible and require redesigning dedicated electronic circuitry to accommodate different user interface requirements, such as communication protocols and environmental conditions, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a general-purpose microprocessor in the smart battery pack that can reprogram communication protocols and user interactions without altering the battery management system circuitry, allowing for adaptable functionality and user interface expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated battery management system circuitry is used, then battery management functions are reliably performed, but adaptability to different user interface requirements and communication protocols is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: a dedicated battery management unit (BMU) that handles core battery management functions with high reliability, and a separate additional microprocessor that handles user interface and communication protocol adaptations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional microprocessor acts as an intermediary between the user interface/communication protocols and the dedicated battery management unit. It translates various communication protocols and user commands into instructions that the BMU can execute, thereby providing adaptability without compromising the reliability of core battery management functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated electronic circuitry is redesigned for different user interface requirements, then user interface functionality is improved, but development time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The additional microprocessor provides universal functionality by handling multiple communication protocols and user interface requirements through software configuration rather than hardware redesign. This single component can be programmed to support different protocols (I2C, SMBus, CAN, LIN, RS-485, UART) and user interactions, eliminating the need to redesign dedicated circuitry for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing hardware parameters through circuit redesign, the system changes software parameters by reconfiguring the additional microprocessor. Communication protocols, user interface behaviors, and interaction modes can be modified by changing software settings and firmware, which is much faster and less costly than hardware redesign.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are added to detect user interaction, then user interface capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to work autonomously with the additional microprocessor, where the microprocessor reads sensor inputs and automatically translates them into appropriate commands for the battery management unit. This self-service approach minimizes the need for complex control logic and additional control circuitry, keeping the system relatively simple while enhancing user interface capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is replaceable smart battery pack (100) The battery pack comprising a number of cells (B1...B4), and a smart battery management system (102) for controlling and monitoring the number of cells, the smart battery management system is controllable by means of a first protocol using a bidirectional 2-wire bus (SMBus). The replaceable smart battery pack further comprises at least one sensor (108, 110) and an additional processor (104). Each of the at least one sensor is configured for detecting a specific user interaction with the smart battery pack and generating a control signal. The additional processor is configured to receive the control signal, to communicate with the smart battery management system by means of the first protocol in response to the control signal and to control a display unit (106) of the battery pack in response of data received from the smart battery system and the control signal.