Wake-Up Switch for Battery Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable battery protection systems for electric vehicles face challenges in actively or passively controlling the connection between high voltage circuits and batteries, particularly when the ignition switch is off, leading to potential fires due to inadequate temperature monitoring and response.
Innovation Solution
A battery protecting apparatus with a wake-up switch that uses a shape memory material to connect external power to a battery manager when the internal temperature exceeds a threshold, enabling emergency protection operations, including disconnecting the main fuse and transmitting warning signals to prevent fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the ignition switch is turned off to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but the battery manager cannot monitor temperature and perform protection operations
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent paths: one through the ignition switch for normal operation, and another through the wake-up switch for emergency temperature monitoring. This segmentation allows the battery manager to enter sleep mode during normal operation while maintaining the capability to wake up for protection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake-up switch acts as an intermediary component that bridges external power and the battery manager's power input terminal. It selectively connects power based on temperature conditions, enabling the battery manager to wake up for protection operations without requiring the ignition switch to be on.
2Reliability
If the battery manager remains powered to monitor battery state continuously, then protection response is immediate, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery manager operates in periodic cycles: sleeping during normal conditions to conserve energy, and waking up when the wake-up switch detects high temperature and connects power. This periodic operation pattern balances energy consumption with protection responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake-up switch automatically detects temperature conditions and self-activates to connect power to the battery manager when needed, without requiring manual intervention or continuous power supply. The system serves itself by using temperature-sensitive materials to trigger power connection autonomously.
3Reliability
If a shape memory material is used in the wake-up switch to enable automatic connection at high temperature, then emergency protection is activated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wake-up switch utilizes temperature as a changing parameter to activate the shape memory material. When temperature reaches a critical threshold, the material undergoes shape change that mechanically closes the circuit, connecting power to the battery manager. This parameter-based activation simplifies control logic while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic temperature sensing and control circuits with a mechanical shape memory material system. The shape memory material directly converts thermal energy into mechanical displacement to close the circuit, eliminating the need for additional sensors, microcontrollers, and power management circuits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents fires by ensuring the battery manager is powered and can initiate emergency protection and warning operations even when the ignition is off, thereby safeguarding the vehicle and its occupants.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory area including a material having a shape that is to change depending on the internal temperature of the battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
A battery protecting apparatus includes a battery manager and a wake-up switch. The battery manager manages charge and discharge states of a battery pack and wakes up when external power is received. The wake-up switch supplies the external power to the battery manager when an internal temperature of the battery pack is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference temperature. The battery manager performs an emergency protection operation based on detection of the battery pack in a predetermined dangerous state at a time when the ignition switch is turned off and the wake-up switch is turned on.