Integrated Power Connection Structure for Reduced EV Cable Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrified vehicle systems require multiple cables for power transmission, leading to increased complexity, cost, and weight due to the need for separate connections to the battery, charging circuit, and inverter unit.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure that integrates power paths within a housing, using shared connectors and reduced cable count by combining the inverter and device connections, reducing the number of cables and connectors needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are used to connect the battery to various power-consuming devices, then each device can receive power independently, but the quantity of cables increases and routing becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable functions into a single integrated cable structure. The first cable connects the battery to the inverter, while the second cable integrates connections to multiple power-consuming devices (charging circuit, quick charging circuit, air compressor) through a common power supply line, reducing the total number of cables and simplifying routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cable is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a common power supply line for multiple different devices. By using a single cable that can supply power to various devices, the system reduces cable quantity while maintaining the ability to independently power different components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are used to connect the battery to various devices, then power can be supplied to all devices, but the cost and weight of the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate cable connections into fewer integrated cable assemblies. By combining the power supply paths for different devices into shared cable routes where possible, the total cable mass is reduced, thereby decreasing vehicle weight while maintaining full power supply capability to all devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are used to connect the battery to various devices, then all devices can be powered, but the quantity of cables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating multiple cable functions into two main cable connections. The first cable handles battery-to-inverter power transmission, while the second cable serves as a common power supply line for multiple devices, significantly reducing the total number of cables from potentially four or more separate connections down to just two main cable assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cable is designed with universal functionality to connect to and power multiple different devices (charging circuit, quick charging circuit, air compressor). This multi-functional design allows a single cable to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate cables, reducing overall cable quantity while maintaining device connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection structure of the present disclosure includes a housing that houses an inverter that controls a rotary electric machine, a first connector provided in the housing and to which a first cable connected to a battery is connected, a second connector provided in the housing and to which a second cable connected to a device that supplies electric power is connected, a first path that electrically connects the first connector and the inverter, and a second path that electrically connects the first path and the second connector.