Battery-Integrated Freight Container for Electric Trailer Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing freight transportation systems lack efficient power storage solutions within containers, relying on carbon-based energy sources and lacking electrification, which contributes to environmental harm and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
Integrating power storage directly into freight containers, using batteries to power electric motors for self-propulsion, with a power management system, data transmission, and remote server management for optimized routing and power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional freight transportation systems use external carbon-based power sources, then the system can operate, but it contributes to environmental harm and lacks energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power storage system directly into the container structure, merging the cargo container and power source into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate external carbon-based power sources and enables self-propulsion, directly reducing carbon emissions while improving energy efficiency through optimized power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional carbon-based mechanical propulsion systems with an electrified propulsion system using batteries and electric motors. This substitution eliminates harmful carbon emissions and improves energy efficiency through regenerative braking and optimized power distribution managed by the power management module.
2Ease of operation
If power storage is integrated into the container, then the container can self-propel, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as cargo storage and as a self-propelled vehicle. The power management module manages multiple functions including battery charging, power distribution to motors, regenerative braking, and monitoring systems, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and thereby managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power storage system is nested within the container structure, with batteries integrated into the container body. The power management module, electric motors, and control systems are nested within the container's structural framework, creating a compact integrated system that minimizes external complexity while enabling self-propulsion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrified propulsion is implemented, then carbon emissions are reduced, but the weight of the container increases due to batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by using high-energy-density battery technologies and optimizing the power-to-weight ratio of the electrified propulsion system. The power management module dynamically adjusts power distribution and charging parameters to maximize energy efficiency and minimize the effective weight impact of the battery system.
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
Enables sustainable, energy-efficient freight transport by providing an integrated electrified solution that optimizes power usage and reduces carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The container includes a plurality of partitions to house a plurality of batteries to power one or more electric motors placed on the semi-trailer
Implementation Method 2
The electric motors receive power from the batteries and propel the semi-trailer hauling tractor
Data Source
AI summary
A freight transportation system includes a container, a semi-trailer, a semi-trailer hauling tractor, a plurality of connecting cables, a power management module, a memory, and a processor. The semi-trailer is configured to transport the container. The container includes a plurality of partitions to house a plurality of batteries to power one or more electric motors placed on the semi-trailer. The semi-trailer hauling tractor is mated with the semi-trailer using one or more linking mechanisms. The electric motors receive power from the batteries and propel the semi-trailer hauling tractor. The connecting cables facilitate two-way data and power transmission among the container, the semi-trailer, and the semi-trailer hauling tractor. The power management module monitors the energy status of the batteries and data, and power transmission with the semi-trailer hauling tractor. The memory stores data related to energy status of the batteries, the destination of freight, and container data.