Swappable EV Battery Pack Lock Detection for Fast Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric watercrafts face limitations in range due to poor energy storage, leading to reduced operational effectiveness and increased downtime for charging.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors and a computing device that detect a lock signal to enable or disable battery packs, allowing for quick interchange and simultaneous management of battery packs, thereby optimizing energy use and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery packs are manually installed and managed in electric watercrafts, then the system structure is simple, but the operational range is limited and downtime for charging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple interchangeable battery packs that can be independently installed and removed. Each battery pack is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing the watercraft to operate with multiple packs simultaneously or be quickly swapped during operation to extend total operational range without increasing charging downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
Battery packs are pre-charged and prepared in advance before installation into the watercraft. The system includes pre-charging stations and management systems that ensure battery packs are ready for immediate installation, eliminating waiting time during operation and reducing overall charging downtime through parallel preparation and deployment.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple battery packs are used to extend range, then operational range increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal battery management system is implemented that can handle multiple battery packs of the same standardized type simultaneously. The system provides unified monitoring, charging, and control functions for all battery packs through standardized interfaces, allowing complex multi-pack operations to be managed through a single integrated system rather than separate control mechanisms for each pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized, identical battery pack designs that are interchangeable copies of each other. Each battery pack follows the same specifications, interfaces, and protocols, allowing the management system to treat all packs uniformly through standardized communication and control mechanisms, reducing the complexity that would arise from managing diverse, non-standardized battery types.
3Loss of time
If battery packs are quickly interchanged, then downtime is reduced, but reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into modular, standardized interfaces between battery packs and the watercraft. These segmented interfaces include aligned contact points, standardized connectors, and defined electrical pathways that ensure consistent, reliable connections during quick swaps. The segmentation allows for rapid engagement while maintaining connection integrity through precision-matched interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack installation system includes self-aligning and self-latching mechanisms that automatically ensure proper electrical connection when a battery pack is installed. The battery pack itself contains alignment features and connection elements that guide it into the correct position and establish reliable electrical contacts without requiring manual adjustment or verification, enabling quick interchange while maintaining connection reliability through self-correcting design.
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
This solution enhances the operational range and reduces downtime of electric watercrafts by enabling efficient battery management, allowing for quick replacement and simultaneous operation of multiple battery packs.
Implementation Method 1
enabling the battery pack comprises a contactor
Implementation Method 2
transmitting electrical energy from the battery pack through a contactor
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method for refueling an electric vehicle, the method comprising: detecting, by one or more sensors, a lock signal as a function of installing a battery pack into the electric vehicle; and enabling the battery pack, in response to installing the battery pack, wherein enabling the battery pack comprises a contactor. Aspects of the present disclosure may also be direct to a system for refueling an electric vehicle.