Battery Parallel Switching Layout to Protect Main Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

High currents can flow when switching the connection state of storage batteries to a parallel state, potentially causing malfunctions in components such as relays.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system with specific switch configurations that prevent currents from merging at main switches by connecting electrical paths in a manner that avoids overlap, allowing parallel connection without increasing switch or busbar current capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If storage batteries are connected in parallel to increase current output, then power supply capability is improved, but high currents flow through main switches causing malfunction risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidmain switch reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the battery connection architecture into segmented paths with dedicated switches. Instead of using a single main switch for parallel battery connection, the system uses individual switches (first switch, second switch, third switch) for each battery unit, segmenting the current paths to prevent current merging at a single switch point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a neutral point connection dimension by connecting one end of each battery to a common neutral point rather than directly to the main switch. This dimensional change in the electrical architecture allows parallel battery operation without concentrating current flow through the main switch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If main switches are designed to handle high parallel connection currents, then parallel switching capability is improved, but component size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparallel switching capabilityVSAvoidmain switch size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the switching function across multiple smaller switches (first switch, second switch, third switch) rather than relying on a single large main switch. Each switch handles only the current from its associated battery unit, enabling parallel switching capability while keeping individual switch sizes compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By introducing the neutral point as an additional connection dimension, the patent enables parallel battery configuration without requiring the main switch to handle the sum of all battery currents. The main switch only needs to handle individual battery currents, reducing its size requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4693802A1Power supply system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 DENSO CORP
  • EP4693802A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4693802A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4693802A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A power supply system (100) includes a first switch (SW1) that switches the energization and de-energization of a first electrical path (24) connecting between a negative terminal of a first power storage unit (31) and a positive terminal of a second power storage unit (32), a second switch (SW2) that switches the energization and de-energization of a second electrical path (25) connecting between a negative terminal of the first power storage unit and a negative-side busbar (L1), and a third switch (SW3) that switches the energization and de-energization of a third electrical path (26) connecting between the positive terminal of the second power storage unit and the neutral point of an armature winding (11). The second electrical path is connected to the negative-busbar at one end of the negative-side main switch opposite to an end to which the second power storage unit is connected.