Vehicle Frame-Integrated Energy Dissipation for Emergency Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicles lack a compact and cost-effective dissipator device to safely manage high-power, short-duration electrical energy generated during emergency braking, especially when the storage system is fully charged, and traditional mechanical braking systems are cumbersome and require air flow for heat disposal.

Innovation Solution

An automobile with an energy dissipator device utilizing electrical resistances integrated into the frame to generate heat through Joule effect, coupled with the frame to dissipate energy, and optionally an expendable endothermic material to manage excess energy, ensuring safe and efficient braking without mechanical systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a traditional dissipator device with electrical resistance and air cooling is used, then high-power electrical energy can be dissipated during emergency braking, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires constant air flow for heat disposal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissipating powerVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dissipator device is integrated into the automobile frame structure, merging the braking energy dissipation function with the structural frame. The electrical resistance elements are incorporated as part of the frame itself rather than as separate components, eliminating the need for dedicated cooling systems and air flow paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure serves dual purposes: providing structural support and acting as the dissipator device. The frame's mass and thermal properties are utilized to absorb and dissipate braking energy, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external cooling infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Weight of moving object

If mechanical braking systems are eliminated to reduce costs and weight, then weight and space are reduced, but safety is compromised during emergency braking when electrical energy cannot be absorbed by the storage system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle weightVSAvoidbraking safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical braking system is replaced with an electrical braking system using the electric machine as a generator. The dissipator device handles emergency braking energy that cannot be stored, maintaining safety while eliminating mechanical brake components on rear wheels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric machine serves multiple functions: propulsion during acceleration, regenerative braking during normal braking, and the dissipator device handles emergency energy disposal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical braking systems while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If electrical resistance dissipator is used, then electrical energy can be converted to heat, but the device requires constant air flow and communication with air intake for heat disposal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy dissipationVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dissipator device is integrated into the automobile frame structure, merging the braking energy dissipation function with the structural frame. The electrical resistance elements are incorporated as part of the frame itself rather than as separate components, eliminating the need for dedicated cooling systems and air flow paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and safe means to dissipate high-power electrical energy during emergency braking, reducing weight and space requirements while maintaining effective braking performance, with optional expendable materials for emergency use.

Implementation Method 1

a dissipator device comprises an electrical resistance which converts electrical energy into heat through Joule effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule effect: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

at least one expendable endothermic material arranged inside the hollow part and configured to undergo an endothermic reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEndothermic reaction: Endothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 3

an expendable endothermic material arranged inside the hollow part and configured to undergo an endothermic reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP4582289A1Automobile provided with an energy dissipator device
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 FERRARI SPA
  • EP4582289A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4582289A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4582289A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An automobile (1) having: a frame (2) provided with a plurality of metal elements (9) interconnected with one another; at least one drive wheel (4); at least one electric motor (5) connected to the drive wheel (4); an electronic power converter (7) which controls the electric motor (5); and a dissipator device (10), which is connected to the electronic power converter (7), is configured to dissipate electrical energy and has at least one electrical resistance (11) which is configured to generate heat through Joule effect and is thermally coupled to at least one corresponding metal element (9) of the frame (2) to transmit heat, through conduction, to the corresponding metal element (9).