Switch-Based Cell Count Determination for Battery Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell count determination devices for battery packs require complex voltage measurement and comparison units, limiting device miniaturization and increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cell count determination device using switch elements that change conductive states based on the presence or absence of battery cells, allowing for a simpler circuit configuration and miniaturization by determining cell count through the combination of conductive and non-conductive states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage measurement unit and voltage comparison unit are used to determine cell count, then cell count determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases and miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the voltage measurement unit and voltage comparison unit from the cell count determination device. Instead of measuring and comparing voltages, the patent uses a simplified approach where switch elements directly indicate cell presence through conductive states, removing unnecessary measurement and comparison functions while maintaining determination accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electrical measurement and comparison system with a simpler conductive state detection system. Switch elements physically connect or disconnect based on cell presence, and the determination unit reads these conductive states directly, substituting complex voltage measurement electronics with simpler conductance detection.
2Measurement precision
If voltage measurement unit and voltage comparison unit are used to determine cell count, then cell count determination accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the voltage measurement unit and voltage comparison unit, which occupy significant device volume. The simplified switch element-based determination system requires less physical space, enabling device miniaturization while preserving cell count determination functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If switch elements are used instead of voltage measurement and comparison units, then device miniaturization is achieved, but measurement complexity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes complex voltage measurement and comparison circuitry with a simpler switch element system. The switch elements provide direct conductive state signals that are easier to read and process, reducing overall circuit complexity while enabling smaller device form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
A cell count determination device is configured to determine a cell count of a battery pack having installed therein a plurality of battery cells. The cell count determination device includes a plurality of switch elements provided in association with the plurality of battery cells, which can be increased or decreased in number in the battery pack. Each of the switch elements is configured to enter a conductive state if, while connected to the battery pack, a corresponding battery cell is present, and enter a non-conductive state if the corresponding battery cell is not present. The cell count determination device further includes a determination unit that is configured to determine the cell count of the connected battery pack on the basis of a combination of conductive states and non-conductive states among the plurality of switch elements.