초록 ▼

A battery pack performance component detection system and method that identifies performance components of an installed battery pack which may be one of a number of battery packs each having a different performance component configuration. A performance component may be any operational component imp

A battery pack performance component detection system and method that identifies performance components of an installed battery pack which may be one of a number of battery packs each having a different performance component configuration. A performance component may be any operational component implemented in a battery pack other than the cells, that directly or indirectly affects the ability of a battery pack to support the power source requirements dictated by the operational mode of the battery-powered device. A performance component configuration is the particular combination of such performance components implemented in a battery pack. The battery packs have electrical and mechanical interfaces that are functionally interchangeable and include distinguishing feature(s) in either or both aspects of the battery interface that are uniquely associated with, and indicative of, the performance components implemented in the individual battery packs. The detection system includes one or more sensors appropriately configured and arranged to detect such distinguishing feature(s) and, based on the presence or absence of the feature(s), determines which performance components are implemented in the installed battery pack. The detection system may determine, for example, whether a battery pack installed in a battery-powered device is a commonly available industry standard battery pack having a first performance component configuration that is capable of supporting a first power source requirement, or a customized battery pack having a second performance component configuration capable of supporting a second power source requirement of the device. As used herein, an "industry standard" battery pack is any battery pack that generally is commonly available, whether it be due to a governmental regulation, industry-established standard, marketplace dominance or otherwise. In one application, the system determines whether battery pack installed in a portable defibrillator has a thermal fuse which limits the current draw, or a customized battery pack that does not.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A battery identification system that identifies performance components of one of a plurality of battery packs, each having functionally interchangeable electrical and physical interfaces and a distinguishing feature indicative of at least one implemented performance com

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A battery identification system that identifies performance components of one of a plurality of battery packs, each having functionally interchangeable electrical and physical interfaces and a distinguishing feature indicative of at least one implemented performance component, the system comprising:a sensor device constructed and arranged to detect said distinguishing feature; anda controller operationally coupled to said sensor that determines a battery performance configuration based on a presence or absence of said distinguishing feature, wherein said performance configuration comprises a combination of one or more performance components, other than the battery cells themselves, that directly or indirectly affects the ability of a battery pack to support the power source requirements dictated by an operational mode of a battery powered device to which the battery pack is connected, said controller outputting a signal that enables the adjusting of the operation of the device based on the battery performance configuration.