Vehicle Battery Charging System with Separate Energy Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery charging systems for vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing the conflicting demands of battery charge and load use voltage, particularly in varying temperature conditions, which affects the longevity and performance of both the battery and electrical equipment, and require a solution to separate battery charging from electrical energy delivery to multiple consumers effectively.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle battery charging and electrical energy delivery system with separate paths for charging the battery and supplying electrical energy to consumers, controlled by a unit that detects the state of the energy source to optimize charging and consumption, including a control unit that disconnects non-critical consumers when the battery is discharged and prioritizes critical equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the battery is charged at higher voltage to improve charging efficiency, then the battery charges faster, but the lifespan of electrical consumers (light bulbs, electronics, LED) is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidlifespan of electrical consumers
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrical system into separate circuits: a first circuit for battery charging and a second circuit for consumer power supply. This segmentation allows independent voltage control - the battery charging circuit can operate at higher voltages for efficient charging while consumer circuits operate at lower, safer voltages that extend equipment lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the battery is used frequently without engine running to meet consumer demand, then consumer needs are met, but the battery is put under excessive strain and service life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumer power availabilityVSAvoidbattery service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional system where the first energy source (engine-driven generator) serves dual purposes: charging the battery and powering consumers. The control unit intelligently manages power distribution, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions - whether the engine is running or not - thereby reducing strain on the battery while ensuring consumers always have power available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single circuit is used for both battery charging and consumer power supply, then the system is simpler, but it cannot optimize charging voltage and consumer voltage separately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidvoltage optimization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrical system into separate circuits: a first circuit for battery charging and a second circuit for consumer power supply. This segmentation allows independent voltage control - the battery charging circuit can operate at higher voltages for efficient charging while consumer circuits operate at lower, safer voltages that extend equipment lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Duration of action of stationary object

If the battery remains idle for long periods, then the battery is protected from strain, but the battery may not be charged regularly and performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery stress reductionVSAvoidbattery performance maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging action through the first circuit when the engine is running, maintaining the battery in a charged state before periods of idle use. The control unit monitors battery charge levels and ensures regular charging occurs, preventing performance degradation during extended idle periods while minimizing operational strain on the battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2299556B1Battery charging and electrical energy delivery system and battery operated system
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 CTEK SWEDEN
  • EP2299556B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2299556B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2299556B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A battery charging and electrical energy delivery system (25) that allows for separation of charging of a battery (23) and delivery of electrical energy to a first set of consumers (24). The battery may be charged via a first path (29) for connecting the battery with an energy source (22), while electrical energy may be supplied via a second path (30) (separate from the first path) from the energy source to the first set of consumers. The first set of consumers may also be powered by the battery via third path (31) e.g. if the energy source is off. A control unit (32) is adapted to control the supply of electrical energy along said first, second and third paths in response to a detected state of the energy source. A battery operated system (21a) including the battery charging and electrical energy delivery system (25) is also provided.