Integrated Electrical Connection Bar for Vehicle Inverter Modularization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connection configurations in electric and hybrid electric vehicles are not easily adaptable to modularized equipment setups, leading to bulkiness and increased space requirements in the engine compartment due to the need for multiple connection bars.

Innovation Solution

An integrated electrical connection bar that combines a supply module for electrical energy, a transmission module for physical property signals, and a locking module, reducing the number of connection bars and improving modularization by integrating these functions into a single unit made of electrically insulating material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate electrical connection bars are used to connect different electrical equipment, then each connection function can be independently implemented, but the overall device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of connection bars

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate electrical connection bars into a single integrated connection bar that includes an electrical connection module, a transmission module, and a locking module. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining all necessary connection functions, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated connection bar is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical energy transmission, signal transmission for physical property monitoring, and locking/unlocking operations. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate electrical connection bars are used to house different electrical equipment, then each equipment can be properly housed, but the total space required in the engine compartment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment housing capabilityVSAvoidengine compartment space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple connection bars into one integrated unit, the total volume occupied in the engine compartment is reduced. The single connection bar houses all necessary modules (electrical connection, transmission, and locking), eliminating the need for multiple separate housing spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated connection bar employs a nested structure where the transmission module and locking module are integrated within the same housing as the electrical connection module. This nesting allows multiple functional modules to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently, minimizing the overall volume required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional separate connection bars are used, then installation is straightforward, but adaptability to modularized equipment configurations is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidmodularization adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated connection bar is designed with universal adaptability to work with modularized equipment configurations. The single unit can accommodate different combinations of electrical equipment (electric motor, inverter, resolver, locking module) through its integrated modules, making the system adaptable to various modular arrangements while maintaining ease of installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If multiple separate connection bars are used, then each connection function is dedicated, but the overall system bulkiness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated function reliabilityVSAvoidsystem bulkiness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges dedicated connection functions into a single integrated connection bar, reducing system bulkiness. The electrical connection module, transmission module, and locking module are combined in one unit, eliminating the bulk associated with multiple separate connection bars while maintaining dedicated functionality through modular internal design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11142148B2Electrical connection bar, notably for a vehicle inverter

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 VALEO SIEMENS EAUTOMOTIVE FRANCE SAS

AI summary

The invention pertains to an electrical connection bar configured to electrically connect a first electrical equipment and a second electrical equipment, notably in a vehicle, the electrical connection bar comprising an electrical connection module configured so as to supply the first electrical equipment with an electrical energy controlled by the second electrical equipment. The electrical connection bar further comprises a transmission module configured to transmit into the second electrical equipment an electrical signal representative of a physical property of the first electrical equipment, the transmission module being integrated with the electrical connection module.