Switchable Battery Pack Voltage Control Without Mechanical Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience in preparing multiple battery packs for electric apparatuses that require different voltages, and existing solutions require separate power source devices that are not easily mountable within the apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack that can switch its output voltage by changing the connection state of its cell units between series and parallel, equipped with a controller for monitoring and controlling the discharge or charge of the battery cells, and a microcomputer for managing the protection circuits, allowing it to be mounted directly in electric apparatuses and automatically adjust voltage based on the connected device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single battery pack is designed to support multiple voltages, then versatility and ease of use improve, but device complexity increases due to switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms with automatic electronic control. The controller automatically switches between series and parallel connections of cell units based on voltage detection, eliminating the need for manual mechanical switches and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining multi-voltage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack performs self-diagnosis and automatic switching based on detected voltage requirements. The system automatically determines the appropriate connection state (series or parallel) based on the electric apparatus's voltage needs, eliminating the need for user intervention or complex external switching mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If voltage switching is automated through electronic control, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it detects voltage requirements, determines appropriate connection states, executes switching control, and monitors battery status. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional controller rather than separate dedicated circuits for each function, the overall circuit complexity is reduced while maintaining automatic voltage switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges voltage detection, control logic, and switching execution into an integrated controller system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate control circuits needed and simplifies the overall control architecture while achieving automated voltage switching
3Power
If cell units are connected in series for high voltage, then power output improves, but reliability decreases due to higher stress on individual cells
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack dynamically switches between series and parallel connections based on the electric apparatus's voltage requirements. When high voltage is needed, series connection is used; when lower voltage is sufficient, parallel connection is used, distributing stress and improving reliability. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize between power output and cell stress management
4Reliability
If protection circuits are provided for each cell unit, then reliability improves through better monitoring, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple protection functions: it monitors voltage across all cell units, detects abnormal conditions, and controls switching to prevent damage. By using this single multi-functional controller for protection rather than adding separate dedicated protection circuits for each cell unit, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring while minimizing circuit complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack having a first cell unit and a second cell unit in which multiple battery cells are connected in series is provided. When the battery pack is not connected to an electric apparatus main body, the first cell unit and the second cell unit are in a non-connection state in which the first cell unit and the second cell unit are not electrically connected to each other. The battery pack includes: a microcomputer, connected to one of the first cell unit and the second cell unit; a residual quantity display portion, connected to the microcomputer and displaying a battery residual quantity of the battery pack; and a switch, being operated by a worker. When the switch is operated while in the non-connection state, the microcomputer is configured to perform a light-on control to display the battery residual quantity by the residual quantity display portion.