Battery Cargo Platform With Charging Contacts for Stacked Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric transportation systems, such as electric aircraft and drones, face challenges in efficiently loading and transporting cargo while simultaneously managing battery power, as existing solutions do not effectively integrate battery charging and cargo loading processes, limiting range and capacity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated battery cargo platform with a housing that supports cargo and exposes power contacts for external connection, allowing simultaneous cargo loading and battery charging, and enabling stacking for increased capacity, compatible with various transportation vehicles and electrical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate battery charging and cargo loading processes are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but efficiency and productivity are reduced due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery charging function and cargo loading function into a single integrated platform. The charging contacts are positioned on the platform structure, allowing electrical connection to occur simultaneously when cargo is loaded onto the platform. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate charging and loading operations, directly improving productivity while the modular platform design keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support for cargo, provides electrical charging contacts for battery power, and enables both operations to occur concurrently. This multi-functionality allows the same physical structure to handle both cargo transport and energy replenishment, resolving the contradiction between improved efficiency and system complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend range, then transportation distance is improved, but weight and volume of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into modular units that can be independently placed on the cargo platform. Instead of using a single large heavy battery, the system allows multiple smaller battery modules to be distributed across the platform structure. This segmentation achieves the required total capacity for extended range while distributing the weight across multiple manageable units that can be optimally positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point battery connection to a distributed array of charging contacts across the platform surface. This dimensional expansion from point-to-point connection to surface-area contact allows multiple battery modules to be charged simultaneously through various contact points, effectively increasing capacity without proportionally increasing weight or volume.
3Ease of operation
If power contacts are exposed at the exterior surface for easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The charging contacts are pre-positioned and integrated into the platform structure before cargo loading. The platform design includes built-in protective features such as contact shields or covers that are automatically positioned or engaged during the loading process. This preliminary preparation ensures that connections are made safely and easily without requiring complex real-time safety interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform structure itself acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the electrical contacts. Physical barriers or protective housings integrated into the platform design shield the power contacts while allowing electrical connection to occur through designated access points. This intermediary structure maintains ease of connection while reducing direct exposure to electrical hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary integrated battery cargo platform includes a housing having an exterior surface and a structural strength to support cargo for transit on a top surface, a battery enclosed in the housing with power contacts exposed at the exterior surface.