Aircraft Battery Pack Loadout Control for Flight Energy Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling battery pack loadouts for aircraft lack efficiency and precision in managing energy storage requirements for flight operations.
Innovation Solution
A battery replacement system comprising a vehicle with a battery storage assembly, a controller, and a battery transfer assembly, which identifies energy storage prerequisites for flights using flight information and controls the battery pack loadout by selecting and installing appropriate battery packs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual battery pack selection and installation methods are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but efficiency and precision in managing energy storage requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated controller-based battery pack selection and installation. The controller automatically identifies energy storage prerequisites, selects appropriate battery packs from storage assemblies, and controls transfer mechanisms to install them on the aircraft without manual intervention, thereby improving efficiency while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system. The controller substitutes human decision-making and physical handling by processing flight information, determining energy requirements, selecting battery packs, and coordinating the transfer assembly to move battery packs between storage and aircraft installations.
2Measurement precision
If traditional battery charge level control systems are used, then basic operational requirements are met, but precision in meeting specific energy storage prerequisites deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the controller receiving flight information, comparing it against energy storage prerequisites, and adjusting battery pack selections accordingly. The controller continuously monitors flight conditions and battery pack states of charge to ensure precise matching of energy storage requirements with actual flight needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-identifying energy storage prerequisites before flight operations begin. The controller determines the required energy storage levels in advance based on flight information, allowing the system to proactively select and position appropriate battery packs rather than reacting to energy deficiencies during flight.
3Use of energy by moving object
If more battery packs are installed on the aircraft, then energy storage capacity increases, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by installing only the necessary number of battery packs required to meet specific flight energy storage prerequisites rather than maximizing battery pack installation. The controller calculates the precise energy storage needed and selects the minimum number of battery packs with appropriate states of charge to satisfy that requirement, avoiding unnecessary weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by selecting battery packs with different states of charge to meet energy storage requirements. Instead of using identical fully-charged packs, the controller can combine packs with varying charge levels to achieve the required energy capacity, potentially reducing the number of packs needed and thereby reducing weight.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery replacement system (74) for controlling a battery pack loadout for an aircraft (1000) includes a vehicle (76) including a battery storage assembly (82), a controller (86), and a battery transfer assembly (84). The battery storage assembly (82) is configured for storing at least one stored battery pack (68). The controller (86) is configured to identify an energy storage prerequisite for a flight or series of flights of the aircraft (1000) using flight information for the aircraft (1000) and to identify a battery pack loadout plan for the aircraft (1000) using the energy storage prerequisite. The battery pack loadout plan identifies one or more of the at least one stored battery pack (68) to be installed on the aircraft (1000). The controller (86) is further configured to control the battery pack loadout for the aircraft (1000) by controlling the battery transfer assembly (84) to receive the one or more of the at least one stored battery pack (68) from the battery storage assembly (82) and install the one or more of the at least one stored battery pack (68) into the aircraft (1000).