Seat-Mounted Traction Battery Electronics for Vehicle Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles face challenges with the weight and space occupancy of electronics units, which affect the driving range due to increased total weight.

Innovation Solution

The electronics unit incorporates a housing with a mechanical connection interface that allows it to serve as a structural component for supporting a seat element, thereby reducing the need for additional structural components and minimizing weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electronics unit is added to the vehicle for battery management, then the battery control functionality is improved, but the total weight of the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery control functionalityVSAvoidtotal vehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electronics unit with a seat element by providing a mechanical connection interface on the housing that allows the seat element to be mechanically attached to the electronics unit. This merging of functions means the electronics unit serves dual purposes: battery management and structural seat support, thereby eliminating the need for separate structural components and reducing overall vehicle weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing of the electronics unit is designed with a mechanical connection interface that enables it to serve as both a protective enclosure for electronic components and a structural support element for the seat. This multi-functionality allows the same component to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the total number of parts needed and decreasing vehicle weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an electronics unit is added to the vehicle for battery management, then the battery control functionality is improved, but the space occupancy in the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery control functionalityVSAvoidspace occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronics unit is mechanically integrated with the seat element through a mechanical connection interface on the housing. This integration allows the electronics unit to occupy space that would otherwise be structural space, effectively combining the battery management function with the seat structure and optimizing space utilization in the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves dual functions as both a protective enclosure for electronic components and a structural support element for the seat. This multi-functionality enables the electronics unit to be positioned and integrated within existing structural spaces, minimizing additional space occupancy in the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If separate structural components are used to support the seat element, then the mechanical support functionality is improved, but the total weight of the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical support functionalityVSAvoidtotal vehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical connection interface on the housing enables the seat element to be directly attached to the electronics unit, merging the structural support function with the battery management unit. This eliminates the need for separate structural components, reducing the total weight of the vehicle while maintaining adequate mechanical support functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed to serve as both a protective enclosure and a structural support element. By providing a mechanical connection interface, the housing becomes a multi-functional component that can bear mechanical loads from the seat element, thereby replacing dedicated structural components and reducing overall vehicle weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4545327A1Electronics unit for a traction battery of a vehicle, seat assembly for a vehicle, vehicle, and use of an electronics unit

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 VOLVO CAR CORP

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AI summary

The disclosure relates to an electronics unit (26) for a traction battery (12) of a vehicle (10). The electronics unit (26) comprises a housing (30). Moreover, the electronics unit (26) comprises at least one electronic control component and/or at least one power electronics component arranged inside the housing (30). Additionally, a mechanical connection interface for mechanically attaching a seat element (24) is provided on the housing (30). Furthermore, a seat assembly (22) for a vehicle (10) is shown. The seat assembly (22) comprises the seat element (24) and such an electronics unit (26). The seat element (24) is attached to the electronics unit (26) via the mechanical connection interface. Also, a vehicle (10) is presented. Additionally, a use of an electronics unit (26) for attaching a seat element (24) inside the vehicle (10) is explained.