Battery Thermal Component for Capacitor Pre-Charge Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems lack an efficient method to transfer thermal energy and charge electrical components, such as capacitors, without the need for separate pre-charge resistors.

Innovation Solution

A multi-purpose thermal component that can transfer thermal energy with batteries and function as a resistor to charge electrical components, eliminating the need for separate pre-charge resistors by using a controller to selectively open and close contactors and relays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate pre-charge resistor is used to charge capacitors, then the charging function is reliable, but the device complexity and component quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging function reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pre-charge resistor function with the thermal management heater by electrically connecting the heater between the battery and capacitor. The heater serves dual purposes: thermal management (heating the battery when needed) and pre-charging the capacitor during system startup, thereby eliminating the need for a separate pre-charge resistor and reducing overall component quantity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal management heater is designed to perform multiple functions: it can heat the battery when temperature is low, and simultaneously serve as a pre-charge resistor to charge the capacitor during system initialization. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed in the system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a separate pre-charge resistor is used, then the charging path is simple, but the space required in the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging path simplicityVSAvoidsystem space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pre-charge resistor and thermal management heater into a single integrated component. The heater is electrically connected between the battery and capacitor, allowing it to function as both a thermal management device and a pre-charge resistor, thereby reducing the space required in the system layout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for thermal management and charging, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system efficiency decreases due to redundant components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent function optimizationVSAvoidsystem efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heater automatically serves dual purposes based on system conditions. During startup, it self-adjusts to charge the capacitor while also providing thermal management when needed, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components and improving overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances efficiency and reliability by eliminating redundant components, providing dual functionality for thermal management and charging, and allowing for space savings in battery system designs.

Implementation Method 1

transfer thermal energy with (e.g., heat or otherwise increase the temperature of, cool or otherwise decrease the temperature of) a battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

function as a resistor to charge an electrical component (such as a capacitor)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12325328B2Multi-purpose battery thermal component

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 RIVIAN HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices for a multi-purpose thermal component are provided. The system can include a thermal component to interface with a battery and an electrical component, and a controller in electrical communication with the thermal component. The controller can cause the thermal component to charge the electrical component. The controller can cause the thermal component to transfer thermal energy with the battery.