The brains behind Scania's dual-battery invention
25 NOVEMBER 2024
Gunnar Ledfelt, a prolific inventor with 36 patents, and several more in the pipeline, has devoted 18 years at Scania to developing impactful solutions. He was recently recognised by Scania for his dual-battery breakthrough, highlighting his inventive skill and dedication to advancing technology.
The birth of an innovation
For Gunnar, our Expert Engineer at Research & Development, this journey began in 2010, and by 2012, his patent had been granted. In 2013, the first vehicle featuring his invention hit the road, marking a new standard in automotive technology. Gunnar's invention, formally titled "Activation Device and Activation Method for a Dual-Battery System," addresses a common problem drivers face when starting vehicles: dead batteries.
The brilliance of Gunnar's invention lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. The system includes an additional starter battery that automatically activates when the primary battery is discharged, ensuring that the heavy vehicle starts without any extra effort from the driver. It is a user-friendly and reliable solution, making it a game-changer for the automotive industry. This clever mechanism saves costs, enhances driver convenience, and reduces vehicle downtime.
A patent application is a complex and lengthy process, beginning with the initial idea and progressing through development, testing, and verification to ensure the invention works effectively in real-world applications. Gunnar’s invention has demonstrated over 10 years of success in practical use, and he has recently been honoured for his achievement at the annual Scania Inventors Party.
Determination and resilience
Gunnar's ideas, precision and clarity have defined his career as an innovator. With a passion for engineering and innovation, he has meticulously detailed his inventions necessary for patent documentation, leading to numerous successful inventions.
“When I started inventing, it was a combination of curiosity and problem-solving,” says Gunnar. “I was fortunate to work with colleagues who were inventors working with patents. They taught me that a clever idea can develop into something bigger with the patent team’s help. One of the positive aspects is being able to identify with colleagues, discuss problems, seek solutions and face ups and downs together."
Even a super inventor like Gunnar had his share of setbacks. Not every idea Gunnar conceived made it to production. Some were found to be unfeasible or already known. However, Gunnar's attitude remained positive. He learned that even a rejected idea meant he was thinking along the right lines. This resilience and open-mindedness have been key to his success.
Early years and evolution
Initially, Gunnar was quite guarded about his ideas, aiming to develop patents independently. It’s understandable to feel protective over one’s intellectual property. Over time, he saw the value in collaboration, which led to stronger, more successful innovations. His transformation from a curious engineer to a celebrated inventor at Scania reflects the power of perseverance, teamwork, and a relentless drive to improve.
Gunnar continues to innovate, and we eagerly await his next breakthrough!
