Vehicle Battery Charge Control via Relay and Body Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles' batteries often discharge or become overcharged when the vehicle is not in use, leading to inefficient energy management.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a battery sensor, a relay switch, and a body control module that monitors battery current, voltage, and charge level to control the charging process, positioning the relay in a closed state for recharging and an open state to prevent overcharging or discharging based on the vehicle's operating mode and battery state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the battery is continuously connected to external power sources, then the battery can be recharged when current is available, but the battery may become overcharged or discharge when the vehicle is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The body control module continuously monitors battery parameters (current, voltage, charge level) and uses this feedback to dynamically control the relay switch state, enabling the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain battery charge state stability
Solution Approach 2:
The relay switch transitions between closed and open states dynamically based on real-time battery conditions and vehicle operating modes, allowing the charging system to adapt to varying power availability and battery needs rather than maintaining a fixed connection state
2Quantity of substance
If the relay is positioned in a closed state to enable recharging, then energy can be stored in the battery, but the battery may enter an overcharge state causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors the battery charge level continuously and uses this information to control the relay switch, opening the circuit when the battery reaches full charge to prevent overcharging while maximizing energy storage
Solution Approach 2:
The body control module predicts when the battery will reach full charge based on current charging rate and capacity, and proactively opens the relay switch before overcharging occurs, preventing damage before it happens
3Reliability
If the relay is positioned in an open state to prevent discharging, then the battery is protected when the vehicle is not in use, but the battery cannot be recharged when external power is available
Solution Approach 1:
The relay switch state changes dynamically based on vehicle operating mode and battery charge level, transitioning from open (protective) to closed (charging) states when conditions are appropriate, maximizing both protection and charging opportunities
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling charge levels of vehicle batteries. An example vehicle includes a battery, a battery sensor for detecting a current of the battery, a power connector for connecting to an external electrical device, a relay electrically connected between the power connection and the battery, and a body control module to position the relay in a closed state in response to determining that the current is greater than zero and the battery is not in an overcharge state.