Vehicle Function Control for Battery Power Demand Balancing

Solution Overview

Problem

Managing dynamic power demands across vehicle subsystems to prevent available-power deficits, which can lead to deficient performance and increased vehicle weight or cost by equipping vehicles with higher-capacity batteries.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle function manager dynamically modifies vehicle functions to balance power distribution among subsystems, reducing power demand where necessary to ensure sufficient power is available for critical functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the battery capacity is increased to meet peak power demands of all subsystems, then the power availability is improved, but the vehicle weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power capacityVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of non-critical subsystems based on real-time power availability. When power demand exceeds battery capacity, the vehicle function manager modifies or suspends non-critical functions (e.g., climate control, infotainment) to adapt power consumption to available supply, eliminating the need for oversized batteries designed for peak simultaneous demand of all subsystems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters of subsystems by modifying their power consumption levels. The vehicle function manager adjusts operating modes, power levels, or operational states of subsystems based on battery state of charge and power availability, allowing the same hardware to operate at different power levels rather than requiring peak capacity for all conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the battery capacity is increased to meet peak power demands of all subsystems, then the power availability is improved, but the vehicle cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power capacityVSAvoidvehicle cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of non-critical subsystems based on real-time power availability. When power demand exceeds battery capacity, the vehicle function manager modifies or suspends non-critical functions (e.g., climate control, infotainment) to adapt power consumption to available supply, eliminating the need for oversized batteries designed for peak simultaneous demand of all subsystems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters of subsystems by modifying their power consumption levels. The vehicle function manager adjusts operating modes, power levels, or operational states of subsystems based on battery state of charge and power availability, allowing the same hardware to operate at different power levels rather than requiring peak capacity for all conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If the power demand is reduced by modifying non-critical vehicle functions, then the power availability for critical functions is improved, but the vehicle functionality is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availability for critical functionsVSAvoidvehicle functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle function manager continuously monitors battery state of charge, power availability, and subsystem power demands, then provides feedback control by adjusting non-critical subsystem operations. This closed-loop system modifies functionality dynamically based on real-time conditions, restoring full functionality when power availability permits while ensuring critical functions always have sufficient power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of non-critical subsystems based on real-time power availability. When power demand exceeds battery capacity, the vehicle function manager modifies or suspends non-critical functions (e.g., climate control, infotainment) to adapt power consumption to available supply, eliminating the need for oversized batteries designed for peak simultaneous demand of all subsystems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12552221B2Dynamic management of vehicle functions according to power demand

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 CUMMINS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure includes devices, systems, and methods for managing vehicle functions according to power demand by vehicle subsystems. Example methods include receiving available power data indicating available vehicle battery power, the vehicle having vehicle subsystems. Methods include receiving demand data indicating a battery power demand by the vehicle subsystems that perform vehicle functions. Methods include receiving modification data associated with modifying the vehicle functions. Methods include determining, at a first time, based on the demand data and the available power data, that the power demand exceeds the available power. Methods include selecting, in response to that determining, target vehicle functions among the vehicle functions. Methods include selecting, based at least in part on the modification data, modifications for the target vehicle functions. Methods include initiating the modifications to the target vehicle functions.