Inventor Thomas H. Hillery has been awarded a patent for an electric vehicle battery power monitoring and management system. This announcement coincides with recognition from Marquis Who’s Who, acknowledging Hillery’s work in developing products focused on safety, comfort and efficiency. Across his inventions, his work emphasizes practical design and usability.
Rethinking How Electric Vehicles Are Powered
Most recently, Hillery has developed and patented a practical power monitoring and management system for electric vehicles (U.S. Patents 11,962,028 B2 and 12,394,851 B2). Rather than attempting to accelerate charging time, which can place additional strain on battery systems, Hillery took a different approach.
“The fastest I’ve ever heard anybody pull into a charging station and get enough charge is 20 minutes,” said Hillery. “I figured that what we have to do is find a quick and efficient way to replace the batteries — pop out depleted batteries and put in newly charged batteries.”
Hillery introduced a modular battery-power design to facilitate sequential battery usage, allowing for individual battery modules to be replaced as needed. Rather than defaulting to the large, heavy batteries favored by current designs, Hillery’s patents use several smaller batteries. This reduces the size and weight of each module, making replacement more manageable.
From Everyday Comfort to Life-Saving Design
Before pivoting to electric vehicles, Hillery focused on everyday comfort. One project in this space involved mobile phones, after he recognized that a modern smartphone’s hard, rectangular shape was uncomfortable in the back pocket. His solution was a flexible telephone that conformed to the body’s contours rather than opposing them. Hillery’s concept earned recognition from notable technology leaders, including Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak on video-sharing website Cameo.
As a member of the National Fire Protection Association, Hillery also has a unique perspective on fire safety. Observing that ceiling-mounted smoke detectors can be difficult to monitor and maintain, especially at the recommended monthly intervals, he saw the need for change. Hillery introduced patents for devices that place controls and power access points at Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant heights, intended to improve accessibility and maintenance of home safety systems.
A Commitment to Collaboration and Impact
Hillery attributes his work to a disciplined approach to problem-solving and an interest in applying established principles to modern design challenges. This perspective has allowed him to develop patented solutions across multiple fields, from electric vehicles to fire safety.
Progress, Hillery said, is supported through collaboration. As such, his focus remains on developing technology designed for practical use and broader applicability.
“I’m trying to get useful products out into the marketplace so that people can use them and benefit from their designs," said Hillery.
In addition to his work as an inventor, Hillery recognizes academic achievement by presenting the Paul F. Hillery Scholar Athlete Award (Hillery Award®) to the top student in the Rindge School of Technical Arts at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School each year.
About Thomas H. Hillery
Thomas H. Hillery is an inventor with more than 20 years of experience creating patented technologies across electric vehicles, consumer electronics and fire safety systems. His work centers on practical design solutions that prioritize usability, accessibility and system maintenance.
Media Contact
Thomas Hillery
tom.hillery@yahoo.com