{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853461","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853461","title":"Balance correction apparatus and electric storage system","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-10-06T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H02J","H02J"],"num_claims":16,"abstract":"It is preferable to measure a voltage difference between two electric storage cells with a higher precision while suppressing costs of a balance correction circuit. A balance correction apparatus comprises a first balance correction section which equalizes voltages of two electric storage cells among a plurality of electric storage cells connected in series, a second balance correction section which equalizes voltages of two electric storage cells among the plurality of electric storage cells and a control section which controls operations of the first balance correction section and the second balance correction section. The control section generates a first control signal which controls operations of the first balance correction section and a second control signal which controls operations of the second balance correction section based on a measurement result of each voltage of the plurality of electric storage cells."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System patent (US-9853461) introduces a sophisticated and cost-effective solution for a pervasive challenge in energy storage: maintaining precise voltage balance across series-connected electric storage cells. At its core, this innovation aims to measure voltage differences between cells with high accuracy while simultaneously suppressing the overall cost of the balancing circuit.\n\nThe system comprises two distinct balance correction sections, each designed to equalize the voltages of two specific electric storage cells within a larger series array. The intelligence of this technology resides in its control section. This central unit meticulously measures the voltage of *each* individual cell among the plurality of series-connected cells. Based on these highly precise measurements, the control section then generates specific, tailored control signals for both the first and second balance correction sections.\n\nThis granular and data-driven approach ensures that voltage discrepancies are not merely mitigated but actively and accurately resolved. By focusing on targeted correction based on precise data, this patent prevents the common issues associated with cell imbalance, such as reduced battery capacity, accelerated degradation, and compromised safety. The business value is substantial: it enables significantly extended battery lifespans, enhances overall system performance, and reduces long-term operational and replacement costs for battery packs.\n\nThe market opportunity for this balance correction apparatus is vast, spanning critical sectors like electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, consumer electronics, and industrial power systems. By offering high-precision balancing at a suppressed cost, this technology democratizes advanced battery management, making it accessible for a wider range of applications and accelerating the transition to more reliable and sustainable electric power solutions. This patent represents a significant step towards optimizing the efficiency and longevity of our energy storage infrastructure.","layman_explanation":"### What Problem Does This Solve?\n\nImagine you have a team of runners, all contributing to a relay race. If one runner is a bit slower or gets tired faster, the entire team's performance suffers. Even if the other runners are in top shape, the overall speed is limited by the weakest link. This is precisely the problem faced by modern battery packs, which are essentially a 'team' of individual electric storage cells connected in a series. Over time, due to tiny differences in manufacturing, temperature, or usage, some cells inevitably become slightly weaker or stronger than others. This 'voltage imbalance' means the entire battery pack can't perform at its full capacity, its lifespan is shortened, and it might even become less safe. Current solutions are often a compromise: either they're very precise but incredibly expensive, or they're cheap but not very effective at truly balancing the cells.\n\n### How Does It Work?\n\nThe **Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System** patent (US-9853461) offers an ingenious solution, much like a highly skilled coach for our relay team. This system has a 'brain' – a central control section – that acts as a meticulous observer. It doesn't just guess; it precisely measures the energy level (voltage) of *every single individual cell* in the battery pack. Think of it like a coach with an advanced wearable device for each runner, knowing their exact energy levels in real-time.\n\nOnce it identifies which two cells might be out of sync (one a bit higher, one a bit lower), it activates one of its two 'energy shifters' – the balance correction sections. These shifters are like specialized trainers who can carefully transfer a small amount of energy from the slightly stronger cell to the slightly weaker one, bringing them back into perfect harmony. The 'brain' precisely tells these shifters exactly when and how much to transfer, ensuring that the balancing act is super accurate and doesn't waste energy or over-correct. This intelligent, targeted approach is what makes this technology stand out.\n\n### Why Does This Matter?\n\nThis innovation matters significantly for businesses relying on battery technology. By precisely balancing cells and extending the overall lifespan of battery packs, this system translates directly into substantial cost savings. For electric vehicle manufacturers, it means longer-lasting batteries, potentially extending vehicle warranties and reducing customer concerns about battery degradation. For companies deploying large-scale energy storage for renewable grids, it means more efficient energy utilization, reduced maintenance, and a higher return on investment for their infrastructure. The fact that it achieves this high precision while *suppressing costs* is a game-changer. It makes advanced battery management accessible to a broader range of applications, not just premium products. This could accelerate the adoption of electric technologies and make sustainable energy solutions more economically viable.\n\n### What's Next?\n\nThe Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System lays a foundational brick for the next generation of energy storage. We can expect to see this technology integrated into a wide array of products, from consumer electronics to heavy-duty industrial equipment. Its principles could be further enhanced with predictive analytics, where the system anticipates imbalances before they become significant issues. For investors, this patent signals a clear market shift towards more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable battery management, offering opportunities in licensing, component manufacturing, and integrated energy solutions. It's a key enabler for a more electrified and sustainable future.","technical_analysis":"The Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System patent (US-9853461) presents a technically robust solution for high-precision, cost-optimized voltage equalization within series-connected electric storage cell arrays. The fundamental technical problem it addresses is the inherent cell voltage mismatch that arises from manufacturing variations, temperature gradients, and differential aging, which collectively degrade overall pack performance and lifespan. Existing solutions often trade off between cost-effectiveness and balancing precision.\n\n**Technical Architecture:** The system architecture is logically segmented into three primary components: a first balance correction section, a second balance correction section, and a central control section. A plurality of electric storage cells are connected in series, forming the core energy reservoir. Both balance correction sections operate on pairs of these cells, implying a localized or targeted balancing mechanism rather than a global, indiscriminate approach. This modularity is key to its efficiency.\n\n**Implementation Details:** The control section is the intellectual core of this innovation. It is responsible for generating the control signals that govern the operations of the two balance correction sections. Crucially, these control signals are derived from a *measurement result of each voltage of the plurality of electric storage cells*. This implies a high-resolution, multi-channel voltage acquisition system. Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with sufficient bit depth (e.g., 12-bit or higher) and sampling rates would be necessary to achieve the 'higher precision' claimed. Noise filtering and calibration techniques would also be critical to ensure accurate cell voltage readings, especially in electrically noisy environments typical of battery packs.\n\n**Algorithm Specifics:** The control algorithm executed by the control section would likely involve several stages: \n1. **Continuous Monitoring:** Periodically or continuously sampling the voltage of every individual cell in the series.\n2. **Deviation Detection:** Comparing each cell's voltage against a reference (e.g., average cell voltage, a predefined threshold, or adjacent cell voltages) to identify imbalances.\n3. **Decision Logic:** Determining which specific pair of cells requires balancing and which balance correction section (first or second) should be activated.\n4. **Signal Generation:** Producing the appropriate first and second control signals. These signals would likely be pulse-width modulated (PWM) or discrete ON/OFF commands, depending on the specific active or passive balancing topology employed by the correction sections.\n\nThe balance correction sections themselves could be implemented using various power electronics topologies. Given the emphasis on 'suppressing costs,' passive balancing (resistor-based dissipation) might be considered for simplicity, but active balancing (charge transfer via capacitors or inductors) would be more energy-efficient and align better with 'higher precision.' A switched-capacitor or flyback converter topology could be used to transfer charge from a higher-voltage cell to a lower-voltage cell, or to a common bus, under the precise command of the control section.\n\n**Integration Patterns:** This balance correction apparatus is designed to integrate seamlessly into a broader Battery Management System (BMS). The control section could function as a dedicated balancing sub-system, reporting cell health and balancing activity to a master BMS controller via a communication bus (e.g., CAN, SPI, I2C). This allows the master BMS to make holistic decisions regarding charging, discharging, and thermal management, leveraging the precise balancing capabilities of this invention.\n\n**Performance Characteristics:** The primary performance benefits are enhanced precision in voltage equalization, leading to a more uniform state of charge across cells, and improved energy efficiency due to targeted correction. This directly translates to an extended operational lifespan for the battery pack, increased usable capacity, and reduced thermal stress on individual cells. The cost-suppression aspect suggests an optimized component selection and circuit design that balances performance with economic viability, making it suitable for a wider array of applications without compromising on core functionality. This technology offers a robust foundation for next-generation battery health management.","business_analysis":"The Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System patent (US-9853461) represents a significant business opportunity by addressing a critical pain point in the burgeoning electric storage market: the trade-off between battery balancing precision and cost. As industries globally pivot towards electrification and renewable energy, the demand for efficient, long-lasting, and cost-effective battery solutions is skyrocketing. This invention positions itself at the heart of this demand.\n\n**Market Opportunity Size:** The global battery management system (BMS) market is projected to reach tens of billions of dollars within the next decade, driven by exponential growth in electric vehicles (EVs), grid-scale energy storage systems (ESS), consumer electronics, and industrial applications. Within this, the segment for advanced cell balancing solutions, particularly those offering superior performance at competitive price points, is poised for substantial expansion. This patent directly targets this high-growth niche, offering a solution that can unlock greater value from battery assets.\n\n**Competitive Advantages:** The primary competitive advantage of this balance correction apparatus lies in its dual promise of 'higher precision' and 'suppressed costs.' Existing solutions often excel at one but falter at the other. Highly precise active balancing systems can be complex and expensive, limiting their adoption to premium applications. Simpler, passive balancing methods are cheap but inefficient and less effective. This patent's intelligent control section, which precisely measures *each* cell's voltage and then strategically deploys two correction sections, achieves a superior balance of performance and economic viability. This differentiator allows manufacturers to offer more reliable, longer-lasting battery packs without significantly increasing end-product costs, creating a compelling value proposition.\n\n**Revenue Potential and Business Models:** This technology could generate revenue through several business models: \n1. **Licensing:** The patent holder could license the technology to major battery manufacturers, EV OEMs, or BMS providers, generating recurring royalty streams.\n2. **Component Sales:** Developing and selling specialized integrated circuits (ASICs) or modules that embody this balance correction apparatus.\n3. **Integrated Solutions:** Offering complete BMS solutions that incorporate this balancing technology, targeting specific high-growth sectors like automotive or grid storage.\n4. **Consulting/Services:** Providing expertise in integrating this patented balancing solution into diverse battery architectures.\n\n**Strategic Positioning:** This innovation strategically positions its adopters as leaders in battery longevity and efficiency. Companies leveraging this patent can differentiate their products based on superior battery health, extended warranty periods, and lower total cost of ownership for end-users. This is crucial in highly competitive markets where battery performance is a key purchasing factor. For instance, an EV manufacturer using this technology could tout superior range retention over the vehicle's lifetime compared to competitors.\n\n**ROI Projections:** Implementing this technology can yield significant ROI. For battery pack manufacturers, it means reduced warranty claims due to premature cell failure, improved customer satisfaction, and the ability to command premium pricing for enhanced reliability. For end-users, it translates to longer asset life (e.g., EV battery lasting 15+ years instead of 8-10), reduced replacement costs, and more consistent performance. The 'suppressed costs' aspect further enhances ROI by minimizing the initial investment required for advanced balancing. Early adopters stand to gain substantial market share and establish a strong brand reputation for innovation and reliability in energy storage.","faqs":[{"answer":"The Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System is an innovative patent (US-9853461) designed to address the critical issue of voltage imbalance in series-connected electric storage cells, commonly found in battery packs. It's a sophisticated system that ensures all individual cells within a battery pack maintain optimal voltage levels, preventing premature degradation and maximizing overall performance.\n\nAt its core, this technology provides a solution for precisely measuring voltage differences between cells while simultaneously keeping the manufacturing and operational costs of the balancing circuit low. This dual focus on high precision and cost-effectiveness makes it a significant advancement in battery management.\n\nThe apparatus comprises multiple components, including two dedicated balance correction sections and an intelligent control section. These elements work in concert to achieve a balanced state across the entire array of electric storage cells, enhancing their longevity and efficiency. This patent is crucial for the future of reliable and sustainable energy storage. Keywords: Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System, battery management, voltage equalization, electric storage cells, patent US-9853461.","question":"What is Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System?"},{"answer":"The Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System operates through a highly intelligent and targeted process. First, its central control section meticulously measures the voltage of *each individual electric storage cell* among the plurality connected in series. This is a key differentiator, as it provides a granular, high-precision understanding of the entire battery pack's state.\n\nBased on these accurate, real-time voltage measurements, the control section then generates specific control signals. These signals are directed to either a first balance correction section or a second balance correction section. Each of these correction sections is designed to equalize the voltage between two specific electric storage cells that have been identified as imbalanced.\n\nBy precisely targeting and correcting voltage discrepancies between specific cell pairs, this system ensures that energy is transferred efficiently and only where needed. This prevents the 'weakest link' phenomenon, where an underperforming cell degrades the entire pack, thereby optimizing the battery's performance and extending its operational life. Keywords: Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System operation, cell balancing mechanism, precise voltage measurement, intelligent control, energy efficiency.","question":"How does Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System work?"},{"answer":"The Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System solves the pervasive and costly problem of voltage imbalance in series-connected electric storage cells. In multi-cell battery packs, slight variations in manufacturing, temperature, and usage patterns inevitably lead to some cells holding more charge or discharging faster than others.\n\nThis imbalance is detrimental because the overall performance and lifespan of the entire battery pack are limited by the weakest cell. An imbalanced pack experiences reduced usable capacity, accelerated degradation (as some cells are over-stressed), and a shorter overall cycle life. Existing solutions often present a dilemma: highly precise balancing circuits are typically very expensive, while cost-effective ones often lack the necessary accuracy.\n\nThis patent provides a solution that offers 'higher precision' in voltage measurement and correction while simultaneously 'suppressing costs.' It ensures battery packs perform optimally, last longer, and operate more safely across various applications, from electric vehicles to grid energy storage. Keywords: Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System problem, voltage imbalance, battery degradation, extended battery life, cost-effective balancing.","question":"What problem does Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System solve?"},{"answer":"The patent for the Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System (US-9853461) does not list specific inventors in the provided abstract. Patent applications typically include a list of inventors, but this information was not furnished in the request. The assignee, which is the entity or individual to whom the patent rights are assigned, is also not provided in the given data.\n\nIn a typical patent filing, the inventors are the individuals who conceived the inventive subject matter, and the assignee is often a company or research institution that owns the rights to the invention. For detailed information on the specific inventors and the assignee, one would typically refer to the full patent document available from patent offices or databases like Patentable.app. Keywords: Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System inventors, patent assignee, US-9853461 details, invention ownership.","question":"Who invented Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System?"},{"answer":"The Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System offers several significant benefits that are poised to revolutionize energy storage applications. Firstly, it ensures **extended battery lifespan** by preventing individual cells from being overcharged or over-discharged, which are major causes of premature degradation. This translates into greater durability and reliability for battery packs.\n\nSecondly, the system delivers **higher precision voltage equalization**. By accurately measuring each cell's voltage and applying targeted correction, it maximizes the usable capacity of the entire battery pack, ensuring consistent and optimal performance. This means more power and longer operational times from battery-powered devices and systems.\n\nCrucially, this innovation achieves these high-performance benefits while **suppressing the costs** of the balance correction circuit. This makes advanced battery management economically viable for a wider range of applications, democratizing high-efficiency energy storage. These combined advantages make the Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System a compelling solution for the future of battery technology. Keywords: Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System benefits, extended battery life, high-precision balancing, cost-effective energy management, improved battery performance.","question":"What are the key benefits of Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System?"},{"answer":"The Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System distinguishes itself from prior art by uniquely combining high-precision voltage measurement with cost-effective, targeted balancing. Many traditional battery balancing methods fall into two categories: passive balancing, which is simple and cheap but inefficient and imprecise (wasting energy as heat), or active balancing, which is more efficient but often complex and prohibitively expensive.\n\nThis patent's innovation lies in its intelligent control section that performs 'higher precision' measurements of *each individual cell's voltage*. This granular data allows for highly accurate identification of imbalances. Furthermore, it employs two dedicated balance correction sections that are precisely controlled to equalize specific cell pairs, rather than applying a less discriminating or globally applied correction.\n\nBy leveraging this intelligent, data-driven, and targeted approach, the Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System overcomes the common trade-off between precision and cost. It offers superior performance and efficiency compared to passive methods, and a more economical implementation than many complex active balancing circuits in prior art. Keywords: Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System vs prior art, active balancing, passive balancing, battery management innovation, US-9853461 differentiation.","question":"How is Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System different from prior art?"},{"answer":"The Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System is poised to significantly impact a wide array of industries that rely heavily on electric storage. The most prominent sectors include:\n\n1.  **Electric Vehicles (EVs):** This technology can lead to electric cars with longer-lasting batteries, extended range retention over the vehicle's lifespan, and reduced warranty costs for manufacturers, boosting consumer confidence.\n2.  **Grid-Scale Energy Storage:** For utility companies and renewable energy providers, the patent offers a way to manage massive battery arrays with greater efficiency and reliability, making solar and wind power more stable and economically viable.\n3.  **Consumer Electronics:** Devices like laptops, smartphones, and power tools can benefit from extended battery life and more consistent performance, enhancing user experience and product longevity.\n4.  **Industrial Applications:** Robotics, forklifts, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and other industrial equipment requiring robust battery power will see improved uptime, reduced maintenance, and lower operational costs.\n\nBy providing high-precision balancing at a suppressed cost, the Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System makes advanced battery management accessible across all these critical sectors, accelerating the global transition to electrification. Keywords: Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System impact, electric vehicle batteries, grid energy storage, consumer electronics, industrial power, battery technology applications.","question":"What industries will Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System impact?"},{"answer":"The patent for the Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System, identified by the number US-9853461, was filed on **2015-10-06**.\n\nIt was subsequently published on **2017-12-26**. The publication date typically signifies when the patent application becomes publicly available, often indicating the grant date or the date it was published as a granted patent. These dates are crucial for understanding the timeline of the invention's development and its entry into the public domain of intellectual property. For full legal and historical details, one would consult the complete patent document. Keywords: Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System filing date, patent publication date, US-9853461 timeline, patent history.","question":"When was Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System filed/granted?"},{"answer":"The commercial applications of the Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System are extensive due to its ability to provide high-precision, cost-effective battery balancing. Key applications include:\n\n1.  **Electric Vehicle Battery Packs:** Enhancing the longevity, range, and reliability of batteries in EVs, e-bikes, and other electric transportation.\n2.  **Renewable Energy Storage:** Optimizing large-scale battery banks used to store energy from solar, wind, and other renewable sources for grid stabilization and peak shaving.\n3.  **Portable Power Solutions:** Improving the performance and lifespan of batteries in laptops, drones, power tools, and other consumer and professional portable devices.\n4.  **Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS):** Ensuring reliable backup power for data centers, hospitals, and critical infrastructure by maintaining optimal battery health.\n5.  **Industrial Robotics and Automation:** Providing more durable and efficient power sources for autonomous systems in manufacturing and logistics.\n\nThis technology enables manufacturers to offer more competitive products with superior battery performance and reduced lifecycle costs, driving innovation and market growth across these sectors. Keywords: Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System applications, commercial uses, EV battery technology, grid storage solutions, UPS systems, industrial batteries.","question":"What are the commercial applications of Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System?"},{"answer":"The Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System lays a strong foundation for future advancements in battery management. Expected future developments could include:\n\n1.  **Integration with AI and Machine Learning:** The high-precision measurement data could be fed into AI algorithms to predict voltage imbalances before they occur, enabling proactive and even more efficient balancing strategies.\n2.  **Miniaturization and Higher Integration:** Further advancements in semiconductor technology could lead to highly integrated, compact versions of the apparatus, making it suitable for even smaller form factors and more complex battery configurations.\n3.  **Adaptive Balancing for New Chemistries:** The core principles could be adapted and optimized for emerging battery chemistries (e.g., solid-state batteries, lithium-sulfur) that may have different balancing requirements.\n4.  **Wireless Balancing:** Exploring wireless power transfer techniques for charge equalization, reducing wiring complexity and improving modularity for large battery packs.\n5.  **Enhanced Diagnostics and Prognostics:** The precise cell-level data gathered by the system could be used to develop more accurate battery State-of-Health (SoH) and Remaining Useful Life (RUL) estimations, further optimizing battery utilization and replacement cycles.\n\nThese developments will continue to push the boundaries of battery performance, reliability, and sustainability, building upon the innovative groundwork established by the Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System. Keywords: Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System future, AI battery management, battery technology trends, predictive balancing, energy storage innovation, US-9853461 outlook.","question":"What are the future developments expected for Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System?"}],"topics":["Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System","battery management system","voltage equalization","electric storage cells","battery balancing","escalating","demand","performance"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System - Patent US-9853461","description":"Discover the Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System, a patent for high-precision, cost-effective voltage equalization in battery packs. Extend battery life and boost efficiency.","keywords":["Balance Correction Apparatus and Electric Storage System","battery management system","voltage equalization","electric storage cells","battery balancing","patent US-9853461","energy storage innovation","EV battery tech","cost-effective battery solutions","battery lifespan extension"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853461","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853461","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Balance correction apparatus and electric storage system\" (US-9853461). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853461","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853461","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853461","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T05:48:57.731Z"}