Portable Battery Container Coupling for Aircraft Electrical Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft face increased fuel consumption due to engine-driven generators powering electrical systems, which also contribute to weight and complexity, necessitating a more efficient electrical power solution.
Innovation Solution
A portable container equipped with rechargeable batteries and coupling circuitry that can be charged and connected to aircraft electrical systems, providing a lightweight and flexible power source for on-board devices, potentially using renewable energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If engine-driven generators are used to power electrical systems, then electrical power is generated, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aircraft into multiple compartments (cargo compartments, passenger compartments) and introduces portable power containers that can be selectively deployed in different compartments. This segmentation allows electrical power to be provided locally without requiring a centralized engine-driven generator system, thereby reducing overall fuel consumption while maintaining necessary power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the engine-driven generator system and relocates it to portable containers equipped with rechargeable batteries. These portable containers can be independently charged using renewable energy sources or ground power, and then deployed to provide electrical power, effectively separating power generation from the main engine system and reducing fuel consumption.
2Power
If engine-driven generators are installed, then electrical power is provided, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power generation capability into multiple small portable containers distributed throughout the aircraft, rather than installing a large centralized generator. Each container contains rechargeable batteries and can be independently deployed, significantly reducing the overall weight compared to traditional engine-driven generator systems while providing sufficient electrical power for various compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heavy engine-driven generator from the aircraft system and replaces it with lightweight portable containers containing rechargeable batteries. These containers can be charged externally using renewable energy sources, eliminating the need for heavy onboard generation equipment and thereby reducing aircraft weight.
3Reliability
If APU and RAT are carried for emergency power, then backup power is available, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces portable power containers that serve multiple functions: they can be used for normal electrical power supply in various compartments, serve as backup power sources during emergencies, and be easily replaced or recharged. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate APU and RAT systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the emergency power function from the complex APU and RAT systems and integrates it into simple portable containers with rechargeable batteries. These containers can be quickly deployed and replaced, providing emergency power capability without the mechanical complexity of traditional backup power systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more on-board electrical components are added, then functionality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aircraft into multiple independent power zones (cargo compartments, passenger compartments) each equipped with portable power containers. This allows electrical components in different zones to be powered independently, enabling high functionality with localized power supply and reducing overall power consumption by avoiding the need for a large centralized generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the engine-driven generator and provides it through portable containers that can be charged using renewable energy sources. This allows multiple electrical components to be powered without proportionally increasing fuel consumption, as the portable containers can be recharged from external renewable sources.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces fuel consumption by providing electrical power without the need for engine-driven generators, allowing for quick recharging and replacement of batteries, thus optimizing power supply and reducing aircraft weight.
Implementation Method 1
a power source comprising one or more rechargeable batteries and coupling circuitry configured to electrically couple one or more of the rechargeable batteries to an electrical connector
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable container (100, 200) for being loaded into and unloaded from a compartment of an aircraft (1000, 800, 850), the portable container (100, 200) comprises a power source (300) comprising one or more rechargeable batteries (302) and coupling circuitry configured to electrically couple one or more of the rechargeable batteries (302) to an electrical connector (310, 410), and a housing (102) comprising the power source (300), wherein the power source (300) is operable to discharge one or more of the rechargeable batteries (302) and transmit a discharge current via the electrical connector (310, 410), and wherein the electrical connector (310, 410) comprises an interface portion (312, 412) operable to be physically connectable with a corresponding interface portion (312, 412) of another electrical connector (310, 410) to electrically couple the electrical connector (310, 410) to the another electrical connector (310, 410).