Vehicle Battery Bay Coupling for Tool-Free Quick Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle battery systems require complex mechanical components and tools for installation and removal, leading to high maintenance costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A simple compliant mechanism using male and female engagement projections with a flexible connector and push-pull rod for easy battery integration and removal, eliminating the need for tools like screwdrivers and reducing mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical components and tools (screwdriver setup, latches, drive systems) are used for battery installation and removal, then the battery can be securely attached to the chassis, but the device complexity increases and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems (screws, nuts, bolts, latches) with a simple bayonet-style coupling mechanism that uses rotational engagement and elastic deformation of the connector body to achieve secure attachment. The flexible connector body with engagement projections locks into corresponding recesses through a simple quarter-turn motion, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical components while maintaining secure battery attachment to the chassis.
2Reliability
If complex mechanical components and tools are used for battery installation and removal, then the battery can be securely attached to the chassis, but the ease of operation decreases due to requirement of special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet coupling mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The flexible connector body with engagement projections automatically locks into the chassis mounting structure through rotational motion, and can be released by reversing the motion. No external tools, screwdrivers, or complex mechanical actuators are required - the system serves itself through its inherent elastic deformation and geometric locking features.
3Reliability
If more mechanical parts are used in battery changing systems, then the battery can be securely attached to the chassis, but the ease of repair increases due to simpler components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical components from the battery attachment system. Instead of using multiple separate parts (screws, washers, lock nuts, latches, strike plates), the design consolidates the attachment function into a single flexible connector body with integrated engagement projections. This reduction in component count directly improves ease of repair while maintaining secure attachment through the elastic locking mechanism.
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
Facilitates easy and tool-free battery installation and removal, reducing wear and tear, and simplifying maintenance by using fewer mechanical components, thereby lowering operational costs and enhancing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible connector body having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the male engagement projection and the second end being connected to the push pull rod
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery locking and release system 100 of a vehicle 10. The locking and release system 100 includes a battery 20, a battery bay 14, a plurality of male engagements 110 and a plurality of female cavities 150. The plurality of male engagements 110 are disposed on a battery bay 14 of the vehicle 10 and the plurality of female cavities 150 are disposed on the battery 20. For allowing an engagement and/or a disengagement of the battery 20 with the battery bay 14, the plurality of female cavities 150 on the battery 20 reversibly engages with the plurality of the male engagements 110 in the battery bay 14 of the vehicle 10. The present invention does not require special tools like screwdrivers, nuts, bolts etc. for installation and removal of batteries 20 from the battery bay 14 of the vehicle 10.