Battery Inventory Management via Degradation Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries that no longer meet the performance requirements for one type of electrically powered product are often discarded instead of being reused for other types, leading to inefficient utilization of residual value and potential misuse due to difficulty in assessing required battery performance across different applications.
Innovation Solution
An inventory management system that categorizes batteries based on their degradation levels and associates them with different types of electrically powered products, allowing batteries with higher degradation to be reused in products that require lower performance standards, while ensuring the batteries are recycled when they can no longer meet any standard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If batteries that no longer satisfy performance requirements for one type of electrically powered product are discarded, then the simplicity of management is maintained, but the residual value of batteries is not appropriately utilized and resource waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from a binary management approach (usable/recyclable) to a multi-parameter classification system based on degree of degradation ranges. Batteries are categorized into different groups according to their specific degradation levels, enabling matching with appropriate application scenarios. This parameter-based classification transforms the management approach to maximize residual value utilization while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the battery inventory into multiple groups based on degradation levels (first degree of degradation range, second degree of degradation range, etc.). Each group is associated with specific types of electrically powered products that match their performance characteristics. This segmentation enables precise matching of batteries to appropriate applications, preventing both overuse and unnecessary recycling.
2Loss of substance
If batteries are reused in other types of electrically powered products without proper assessment, then resource utilization is improved, but the risk of performance mismatch and improper usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes reliability through parameter-based classification, where each battery group is defined by specific degree of degradation ranges. The management server stores and compares these parameters against product requirements, ensuring that batteries are only assigned to products where their degradation level is appropriate. This systematic parameter management eliminates performance mismatch risks while maximizing residual value utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the management server continuously monitors battery degradation levels and compares them against the required ranges for different product types. This feedback loop ensures that batteries are only transferred to appropriate groups when their degradation parameters match the destination product's requirements, maintaining reliability while enabling efficient reuse.
3Loss of substance
If a comprehensive battery management system is implemented to track degradation and enable reuse, then resource efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automated degradation tracking and group assignment through a management server. The system automatically monitors battery status, determines appropriate degradation ranges, and assigns batteries to suitable groups without requiring complex manual assessment procedures. This automation reduces system complexity while achieving comprehensive resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simplifies the management system by focusing on a key parameter (degree of degradation) rather than tracking multiple complex battery characteristics. By establishing clear degradation range thresholds and associating them with specific product types, the system achieves comprehensive battery management through a streamlined parameter-based approach, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An inventory management system that can achieve both re-using of batteries and securing of the convenience of electric products for which the batteries are to be reused. The inventory management system for a plurality of batteries to be used in an electric taxi and an electric lawnmower includes: a deterioration degree range storage unit that stores, as a first deterioration degree range, the range of a necessary deterioration degree of a battery, which is set in association with the electric taxi; and a distribution unit that associates, with the electric lawnmower, a battery having a deterioration degree higher than the first deterioration degree range among batteries associated with the electric taxi.