Vehicle Connection Unit Merging Multiple Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric and hybrid vehicles, incorporating multiple power storage devices to increase running distance without external engine use is hindered by the need for numerous relays, leading to increased weight, cost, and complexity due to conventional connection units.
Innovation Solution
A connection unit design that reduces the number of components by using a shared boost converter between multiple power storage devices, with a configuration of relays and current limiting resistors to manage power distribution and switching between batteries, minimizing the number of relays and components required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connection unit similar to conventional case (junction box) is provided per one battery in vehicles operating with switching power supplies, then power distribution capability is improved, but the number of relays increases leading to increase in weight and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection unit functionality across multiple batteries by providing a single connection unit that can connect any battery to the power supply line. Instead of having separate connection units for each battery, one unified connection unit serves all batteries through selective switching, thereby reducing the total number of relays and reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle power distribution from multiple different batteries. The relays within the connection unit can be selectively activated to connect any of the first battery, second battery, or both in parallel to the power supply line, making the single connection unit universal for all power storage devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a connection unit similar to conventional case (junction box) is provided per one battery in vehicles operating with switching power supplies, then power distribution capability is improved, but the number of relays increases leading to increase in cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection unit functionality across multiple batteries by providing a single connection unit that can connect any battery to the power supply line. Instead of having separate connection units for each battery, one unified connection unit serves all batteries through selective switching, thereby reducing the total number of relays and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle power distribution from multiple different batteries. The relays within the connection unit can be selectively activated to connect any of the first battery, second battery, or both in parallel to the power supply line, making the single connection unit universal for all power storage devices and reducing manufacturing cost.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power storage devices are incorporated to increase running distance, then energy capacity is improved, but the number of components and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection functionality for multiple batteries into a single connection unit, reducing the number of components. Instead of having separate connection units for each battery, the relays are shared and controlled to connect any battery to the power supply line, thereby maintaining energy capacity while reducing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle power distribution from multiple different batteries using the same set of relays. This universal design allows the system to maintain high energy capacity through multiple batteries while avoiding the component proliferation that would result from dedicated connection units for each battery.
4Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power storage devices are incorporated to increase running distance, then energy capacity is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection functionality for multiple batteries into a single compact connection unit. By sharing relays and control circuits across multiple batteries, the installation space required for the electrical connection system is significantly reduced compared to having separate connection units for each battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle power distribution from multiple different batteries using the same physical space. This universal design allows the system to maintain high energy capacity through multiple batteries while minimizing the installation space footprint through shared components.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection unit includes a first relay connected between a first electrode of a first battery and a first power feed line towards a vehicle load, a second relay connected between a second electrode of the first battery and a second power feed line towards the vehicle load, a third relay and a current limiting resistor connected in series between the second electrode of the first battery and the second power feed line, a fourth relay connected between an electrode of a second battery having a polarity identical to the polarity of the first electrode and the first power feed line towards the vehicle load, and a conductor line connecting an electrode of the second battery having a polarity identical to the polarity of the second electrode with the second electrode of the first battery. There can be provided a connection unit suppressed in the number of components, suitable for usage in a vehicle incorporating a plurality of power storage devices, and a vehicle incorporating the connection unit.