Multi-Voltage Battery Pack Layout to Cut Vehicle Space and Weight

Solution Overview

Problem

Motor vehicles require multiple battery storage units for different electrical voltages, occupying space and increasing weight, leading to higher operational and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A single battery storage unit with low, intermediate, and high voltage terminals, allowing multiple voltage levels through interconnected battery cells and DC-DC converters to balance current load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate battery storage units are used to provide different voltage levels, then the required electrical voltage levels for different consumer devices are met, but the occupied space and vehicle weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage level provisionVSAvoidoccupied space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple battery storage units with different voltage ratings into a single modular battery device. The device includes a first battery storage unit and a second battery storage unit housed within a common housing, allowing multiple voltage levels (e.g., 12V and 24V) to be provided from one integrated unit rather than separate independent batteries, thereby reducing the total volume occupied in the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery device is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously by providing different voltage levels to different electrical consumer devices. The single battery device can output both 12V and 24V voltages through its modular architecture, making it a universal power supply solution that replaces multiple specialized battery units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate battery storage units are used to provide different voltage levels, then the required electrical voltage levels for different consumer devices are met, but the overall vehicle weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage level provisionVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple battery storage units with different voltage ratings into a single modular battery device. The device includes a first battery storage unit and a second battery storage unit housed within a common housing, allowing multiple voltage levels (e.g., 12V and 24V) to be provided from one integrated unit rather than separate independent batteries, thereby reducing the total volume occupied in the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery device is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously by providing different voltage levels to different electrical consumer devices. The single battery device can output both 12V and 24V voltages through its modular architecture, making it a universal power supply solution that replaces multiple specialized battery units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate battery storage units are used, then different voltage levels are provided, but the complexity of operation and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage level provisionVSAvoidoperation and maintenance effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple battery storage units with different voltage ratings into a single modular battery device. The device includes a first battery storage unit and a second battery storage unit housed within a common housing, allowing multiple voltage levels (e.g., 12V and 24V) to be provided from one integrated unit rather than separate independent batteries, thereby reducing the total volume occupied in the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically manages the battery device by determining which battery storage unit should be charged based on state of charge levels and current demands. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention in battery management, reducing operational complexity and maintenance efforts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12451555B2Battery device for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH

AI summary

A battery device for providing different electrical voltage levels to be used by different electrical consumer devices, particularly for use in a motor vehicle such as a utility vehicle or a commercial vehicle, includes at least one battery storage unit. Each battery storage unit has a low voltage terminal and a high voltage terminal, wherein one or more battery storage units of the at least one battery storage unit has at least one intermediate voltage terminal which is connected between the low voltage terminal and the high voltage terminal of the respective battery storage unit. Each battery storage unit can include a plurality of battery cells connected in series with each other between the low voltage terminal and the high voltage terminal, wherein each battery cell provides a predetermined voltage, and wherein the at least one intermediate voltage terminal is connected between two adjacent battery cells of the plurality of battery cells.