Work Attachment Auxiliary Battery for Extended Loader Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of providing sufficient battery capacity for electrically powered construction vehicles, particularly compact loader vehicles, when connected to power-hungry work attachments like sweepers or snow blowers, is addressed by integrating an auxiliary battery on the work attachment to extend operation time.
Innovation Solution
A working machine is equipped with an auxiliary battery on the work attachment, connected via a bidirectional DC/DC converter to the vehicle's power circuit, allowing controlled energy distribution between the primary and auxiliary batteries, enabling extended operation time and flexible charging options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a large battery pack is installed to extend operation time, then the duration of action is improved, but the vehicle size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into a main battery in the vehicle and an auxiliary battery in the work attachment. This divides the total energy capacity across two separate locations, extending operation time without increasing the vehicle's battery volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system transitions from a single-dimension (vehicle-only) approach to a two-dimension approach by adding the auxiliary battery in the work attachment. This spatial redistribution of energy capacity extends operational duration without constraining vehicle dimensions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a large battery pack is installed to extend operation time, then the duration of action is improved, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total battery mass is segmented between the vehicle and work attachment. The auxiliary battery's weight is borne by the attachment rather than the vehicle, extending operation time while minimizing impact on vehicle weight.
3Power
If the battery capacity is increased to power both the vehicle and work attachment, then the power is improved, but the vehicle size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into the main battery for vehicle operations and the auxiliary battery for work attachment operations. This distributes the total power capacity across two locations, providing sufficient power without increasing vehicle volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary battery serves multiple functions: powering the work tool, providing additional power to the vehicle, and extending operational capacity. This multi-functionality delivers enhanced power capability without proportionally increasing vehicle size.
4Power
If the battery capacity is increased to power both the vehicle and work attachment, then the power is improved, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total power capacity is segmented between two batteries located in different components. The auxiliary battery's weight is carried by the work attachment, not the vehicle, allowing increased total power while minimizing vehicle weight increase.
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 configuration extends the operational time of the vehicle and work attachment combination by utilizing the auxiliary battery, optimizing energy flow and charging, and allowing the vehicle to continue operating even when the primary battery is low.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional DC/DC converter connected to the electric power circuit and to the first electric connector, wherein the bidirectional DC/DC converter is configured to control a direction and an intensity/magnitude of an electric current that flows between the electric power circuit and the first electric connector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a working machine (1) comprising a work attachment connection arrangement (3, 11a, 15a, 16a) configured to operationally connect to the working machine (1) a work attachment (2) provided with a work tool (4), such as a sweeper/rotary broom, a snow blower or a bucket; and a control system (10, 11) configured to control the operation of the working machine (1) and to, when the work attachment (2) is connected to the working machine (1) via the work attachment connection arrangement (3), control the operation of the work attachment (2). The working machine (1) further comprises: at least a first electric motor (5) configured for operation of the working machine (1); a first rechargeable battery (7) configured to supply the first electric motor (5) with electric power; an electric power circuit (8) connecting the first electric motor (5) and the first rechargeable battery (7), wherein the work attachment connection arrangement (3) comprises a first electrical connector (15a) connected to the electric power circuit (8) of the working machine (1), wherein the first electric connector (15a) is configured to be connected to a corresponding electrical connector (15b) arranged on the work attachment (2), wherein the corresponding electrical connector (15b) is connected to an auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) arranged on the work attachment (2), so as to allow electric connection of the auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) to the electric power circuit (8) of the working machine (1) when the work attachment (2) is connected to the working machine (1) via the work attachment connection arrangement (3). The invention also relates to a work attachment (2) of the above type and a combination of a working machine (1) and a work attachment (2) of the above types.