Virtual Battery Mechanism for Cell Control Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery cell control chips are limited to specific numbers of battery cells, making it impossible to implement unique functions like parameter updating in power supply devices when the number of battery cells does not match the chip's designated quantity, leading to manufacturers having to forego these features due to material and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a virtual battery mechanism to simulate additional battery cells, allowing battery cell control chips to operate as if they were connected to more cells than they are physically handling, by generating a virtual total output voltage level and utilizing a supply voltage generator to maintain this simulation, enabling the control chip to perform operations as if additional cells were present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery cell control chip is selected with a fixed designated number of battery cells, then the chip can provide specific unique functions (e.g., parameter updating), but the chip cannot be applied when the actual number of battery cells does not match the designated quantity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual battery cell as an intermediary component between the physical battery cells and the control chip. This virtual battery cell simulates the electrical characteristics of a non-existent physical cell, allowing the control chip to operate in its designated mode (e.g., 5-8 cells) even when fewer physical cells are present. The virtual battery cell acts as a mediator that bridges the mismatch between physical configuration and chip requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of a battery cell that replicates the electrical behavior and characteristics of a physical battery cell. This copy (virtual battery cell) is implemented through circuitry that mimics the voltage, current, and other electrical properties of a real battery cell, allowing the control chip to perceive the system as having the required number of cells without actually having them.
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of battery cells is reduced to match a control chip's designated quantity, then the chip can be applied, but unique functions like parameter updating must be given up
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual battery cell serves as an intermediary that enables the control chip to maintain its full functionality (including parameter updating via EEPROM) while working with a reduced number of physical battery cells. The virtual cell allows the chip to perceive the system as having its designated number of cells, thus enabling all chip features to be utilized without requiring physical cells to match the chip's minimum designation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a control chip with higher designated capacity is selected to accommodate more battery cells, then future expansion is possible, but the chip cannot be applied when fewer cells are currently used
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual battery cell creates a simulated copy of a physical cell, allowing the control chip to operate with its full designated capacity even when fewer physical cells are present. This copying approach enables the system to utilize chips designed for higher cell counts without requiring actual physical cells to match the chip's maximum capacity, thus resolving the mismatch between current configuration and chip capabilities.
4Device complexity
If conventional battery cell control chips are used without virtual battery mechanism, then the system is simpler, but unavailable options of control chips cannot be made usable
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual battery cell acts as a simple intermediary component that can be added to existing systems with minimal complexity increase. It provides the necessary electrical simulation to enable control chips that would otherwise be incompatible with the physical cell count, thus expanding chip option availability while maintaining relative system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing battery cell control with aid of virtual battery mechanism includes the steps of: receiving a total output voltage level of a set of battery cells connected in series between a first battery control terminal and a second battery control terminal; generating a virtual total output voltage level according to the total output voltage level, and inputting the virtual total output voltage level to a third battery control terminal, wherein the virtual total output voltage level simulates an output voltage level of connecting the set of battery cells and at least one virtual battery cell in series; generating a supply voltage according to the total output voltage level to maintain generation of the virtual total output voltage level; and utilizing a battery cell control chip within a power supply device to control operations of the set of battery cells according to the virtual total output voltage level.