Compact Vehicle Power Module Integration for Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electric and hybrid-electric powertrain systems for vehicles have battery systems displaced from power generation hardware, complicating installation, maintenance, and testing due to the need for additional components and restricted access.
Innovation Solution
A fully integrated compact power module that combines a battery system, generator, and system controller within a housing, allowing for simplified installation, maintenance, and operation by integrating airflow management, cooling systems, and fuel agnostic power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If battery system is displaced from power generation hardware, then powertrain system can be configured with separate components, but installation complexity increases and access to components is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery system and power generation hardware into a single integrated power module housed within one housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate component mounting and reduces the number of interfaces and wiring harnesses required, directly addressing the complexity issue while maintaining configuration flexibility through the modular nature of the integrated unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery system is separated from power generation hardware, then individual components can be independently configured, but maintenance and testing become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
While integrating components within a single housing, the patent maintains functional segmentation through separate mounting locations for the battery system and power generation hardware within the housing. This allows individual components to be accessed and serviced independently through the housing structure, preserving maintenance accessibility while achieving integration benefits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional components and interfaces are added between battery system and power generation hardware, then system configuration becomes more flexible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated power module housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for both battery system and power generation hardware, acts as a protective enclosure, facilitates thermal management through integrated cooling pathways, and enables electrical connections between components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components while maintaining system flexibility.
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 integration simplifies installation and maintenance, enhances access to components, and enables autonomous operation, improving the efficiency and reliability of power delivery while reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a generator disposed in the housing, coupled to the battery system, and configured to selectively burn one or more fuels to generate electrical power to charge the battery system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of providing one or more fully integrated compact power modules in a vehicle are disclosed. The fully integrated compact power module is mounted to a vehicle and includes: a housing, a battery system disposed in the housing, and a generator disposed in the housing. The battery system selectively supplies electrical power to the generator, at least one component or system of the vehicle, at least one component or system independent of the vehicle, or a combination thereof. The generator selectively burns one or more fuels to generate electrical power and selectively supplies the generated electrical power to the battery system, at least one component or system of the vehicle, at least one component or system independent of the vehicle, or a combination thereof. The generator also selectively supplies heating or cooling to at least one building, enclosure, or other structure.