Traction Battery-Powered Heating Unit for Vehicle Cargo Bed Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles lack a reliable and powerful heating solution for outdoor cooking or heating needs, as they typically rely on low-voltage systems unsuitable for high-temperature applications.
Innovation Solution
A heating unit, such as an electric stove, powered by a high-voltage traction battery of an electrified vehicle, which includes a DC to AC inverter to convert the battery's direct current for use in the heating unit, and is integrated into the cargo bed or tailgate, with a movable cover and interlock for safety and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a low-voltage system is used for heating in conventional vehicles, then the vehicle can maintain simplicity and reliability, but the heating capability is insufficient for high-temperature applications
Solution Approach 1:
The traction battery system, originally designed solely for powering the electric drivetrain, is adapted to also power the heating unit. This multi-functionality allows the high-voltage battery to provide both propulsion energy and heating energy, resolving the contradiction by utilizing an existing high-power source for dual purposes without adding separate heating infrastructure
2Ease of operation
If the heating unit is integrated into the cargo bed or tailgate, then the heating solution becomes mobile and accessible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit is merged with the cargo bed or tailgate structure, creating an integrated assembly. This combination provides mobility and accessibility while consolidating components into a single unit, reducing the complexity that would arise from separate portable heating equipment
3Reliability
If a movable cover with interlock is added for safety, then user safety and protection are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock mechanism is designed to automatically prevent cover closure when thermal energy exceeds threshold levels, performing the safety check in advance before the cover can be closed. This preliminary action ensures safety without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems during operation
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
Enables high-temperature cooking and heating using the vehicle's traction battery, providing a stable and powerful electrical source for extended periods, with the option to recharge during use, ensuring an 'unlimited' energy supply.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter that converts direct current from the traction battery to alternating current for use by the heating unit
Implementation Method 2
The heating unit can enable a user to, for example, cook food at a cookout
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle assembly includes, a traction battery and a heating unit. The heating unit is disposed within a cargo bed of a vehicle and selectively powered by the traction battery. A heating unit powering method includes powering a heating unit within a cargo bed of a vehicle using a traction battery of the vehicle.