Vehicle Battery Frame Alignment for Uneven Ground Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mining machine energy storage systems face challenges in efficient and versatile mounting solutions, particularly on uneven or variable ground surfaces, requiring designated loading areas and increased time for battery changes.
Innovation Solution
A removably coupled energy storage system with a frame alignment system that includes guide surfaces and wear members to facilitate precise alignment and mounting to a vehicle, utilizing mounting interfaces with arms and latch members for secure engagement, and hydraulic actuators for efficient mounting and unmounting processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional mounting methods are used on uneven ground surfaces, then the energy storage system can be mounted, but the alignment precision and mounting efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surface changes its effective orientation and position through the articulation of the mounting arm, allowing the guide surface to adapt to different ground surface angles while maintaining precise alignment capability for the mounting feature
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arm is articulated to provide dynamic adjustment capability, enabling the guide surface to move and adapt to uneven ground surfaces while the frame alignment system maintains precise alignment through the interaction between the guide surface and mounting feature
2Productivity
If designated loading areas are required for mounting, then mounting can be performed, but the operational flexibility and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame alignment system with guide surfaces and mounting features enables the energy storage system to self-align during the mounting process, eliminating the need for external alignment equipment or designated loading areas while maintaining high mounting efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system integrates multiple functions into a single articulated mounting arm structure that provides both adaptation to uneven ground and precise alignment capability, eliminating the need for separate alignment devices or designated loading areas
3Reliability
If battery changes require increased time, then secure mounting can be achieved, but the operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surface and mounting feature are pre-configured to automatically guide and align the mounting arm during the approach phase, so that when the mounting arm reaches the mounting position, alignment is already established, reducing the time required for secure mounting while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system is removably coupled to a vehicle and includes a frame, a battery supported on the frame, and a frame alignment system. The frame includes a base configured to rest on a support surface while the frame is uncoupled from the vehicle, and a first mounting feature configured to engage a complementary second mounting feature positioned on the vehicle. The battery is configured to provide power to the vehicle while the energy storage system is coupled to the vehicle. The frame alignment system includes a guide surface configured to engage the second mounting feature as the frame is coupled to the vehicle, the engagement between the guide surface and the second mounting feature facilitating alignment between the first mounting feature and the second mounting feature.