Subaru has patented a vehicular power supply device for vehicles, featuring an electric storage unit with recycled battery cells, an inverter, a converter, and switches to control power distribution. This innovation aims to enhance efficiency and sustainability in electric vehicles. GlobalData’s report on Subaru gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Subaru, Battery management systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. Subaru's grant share as of April 2024 was 65%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Vehicular power supply device with recycled battery cells
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11964620B2) discloses a vehicular power supply device designed to be integrated into vehicles. The device includes an electric storage unit with two battery stacks - one comprising new battery cells with a specific internal resistance and the other made up of recycled battery cells with a different internal resistance. These battery stacks are arranged in proximity to each other within the unit, with specific configurations for cell placement. The device also features an inverter to connect the storage unit to the vehicle's driving motor and a converter to link it to an electric device group within the vehicle. Additionally, the device includes switches to alternate between connecting the battery stacks to the inverter or the converter.
Furthermore, the patent describes a switch controller that manages the switching process between the battery stacks and the inverter or converter based on the degradation levels of the battery stacks. If one stack degrades more than the other, the controller adjusts the connections accordingly. The patent also highlights the use of recycled battery cells in one of the stacks, emphasizing sustainability and reusability in the design. The method outlined in the patent involves a systematic approach to switching between the battery stacks and controlling the switches through a switch controller, ensuring optimal performance based on degradation levels. Overall, the patent showcases an innovative approach to vehicular power supply design, incorporating recycled materials and efficient switching mechanisms for enhanced functionality and sustainability.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
