EV Auxiliary Drive Power Switching During Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently supplying operating energy to auxiliary drives, particularly in commercial vehicles, where the vehicle battery is often underutilized and energy reserves are not effectively maintained.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a battery interface, an inverter, a switch device, and a control device that allows for the efficient supply of operating energy to auxiliary drives by converting direct voltage to alternating voltage using the inverter and routing energy through the switch device, optimizing energy use from both external power sources and the vehicle battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the vehicle battery is used to supply operating energy to auxiliary drives, then the auxiliary drives can operate without external power sources, but the energy reserve in the vehicle battery is depleted and travel range is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauxiliary drive operationVSAvoidvehicle battery energy reserve

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter acts as an intermediary device that enables auxiliary drives to operate during charging by converting charging power, thereby preventing direct depletion of vehicle battery energy reserves while still supporting auxiliary drive operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power sources: external charging interface, vehicle battery, and inverter-based power conversion. This segmentation allows selective use of power sources based on operational needs, enabling auxiliary drives to use charging power without affecting battery reserves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If a large vehicle battery is installed to ensure sufficient energy for auxiliary drives, then energy availability is improved, but vehicle cost and structural space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle battery capacityVSAvoidvehicle structure and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter is designed with multi-functionality to handle both charging operations and auxiliary drive power supply. This universal design eliminates the need for dedicated large-capacity batteries, as the inverter can dynamically allocate power from charging sources to auxiliary drives based on real-time demands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes power supply parameters by switching between different power sources (charging interface, battery, inverter output) based on operational conditions. This parameter flexibility allows the vehicle to use smaller batteries while maintaining sufficient energy availability for auxiliary drives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If the inverter is activated continuously to provide boost function, then operating energy availability is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating energy availabilityVSAvoidinverter energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter operates periodically based on detected power demands rather than continuously. The control system activates the inverter only when auxiliary drives require additional power during charging, and deactivates it when power demands are met, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor power availability, auxiliary drive demands, and charging status. Based on this feedback, the control device intelligently activates or deactivates the inverter, ensuring optimal energy usage while maintaining sufficient operating energy availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution enables the efficient operation of auxiliary drives in electric vehicles by optimizing energy use, reducing the need for large vehicle batteries, and ensuring energy reserves are maintained in the vehicle battery, thereby enhancing travel range and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

The inverter (112) is designed to convert direct voltage present at the first connector (200) into an alternating voltage for a boost function

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12344100B2Device and method for providing operating energy for an auxiliary drive for an electric vehicle, and electric vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG

AI summary

A device for providing operating energy for an auxiliary drive for an electric vehicle. The device has a battery interface and an inverter, which is designed to convert, for a boost function, a direct voltage into an alternating voltage. The device also has a switch apparatus, which includes: —a switch terminal, which connects the switch apparatus to the inverter; —an auxiliary interface for connecting the device to the auxiliary drive; and —a charging interface for feeding electrical energy into the device. The switch apparatus is designed to connect the charging interface to the switch terminal and to the auxiliary interface by a switching signal.