Common Battery Module Interfaces for Cross-System Swapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Custom battery solutions for specific applications are often expensive and have longer lead times due to customization requirements, and existing battery systems are not easily interchangeable between different applications such as aircraft and microgrid charging systems.

Innovation Solution

The development of cross-compatible battery modules with common interfaces for both microgrid charging systems and aircraft battery systems, including plumbing, communication, venting, and electrical connections, allowing for easy swapping and secondary life applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If custom battery solutions are designed for specific applications, then performance and reliability are improved, but cost and lead time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery system reliabilityVSAvoidlead time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal battery modules with standardized interfaces that can be used across multiple applications including aircraft and microgrid systems. The common mechanical, electrical, thermal, and fluid interfaces allow a single battery module design to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for application-specific customizations and thereby reducing lead time while maintaining reliability through proven standardized designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If custom battery solutions are designed for specific applications, then performance and reliability are improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery system reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal battery modules with standardized interfaces that can be used across multiple applications including aircraft and microgrid systems. The common mechanical, electrical, thermal, and fluid interfaces allow a single battery module design to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for application-specific customizations and thereby reducing lead time while maintaining reliability through proven standardized designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If battery systems are designed with application-specific interfaces, then system optimization is improved, but interchangeability and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem power optimizationVSAvoidbattery module interchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal battery modules with standardized interfaces that can be used across multiple applications including aircraft and microgrid systems. The common mechanical, electrical, thermal, and fluid interfaces allow a single battery module design to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for application-specific customizations and thereby reducing lead time while maintaining reliability through proven standardized designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of battery systems through standardized interfaces that allow modules to be easily added, removed, or reconfigured based on power requirements. The modular design with common interfaces permits the system to adapt its configuration dynamically without requiring custom integration work, thus maintaining adaptability while achieving power optimization through proper module selection and arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If battery modules are designed for single-use applications, then design simplicity is improved, but resource utilization and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidbattery module reuse
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal battery modules with standardized interfaces that can be used across multiple applications including aircraft and microgrid systems. The common mechanical, electrical, thermal, and fluid interfaces allow a single battery module design to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for application-specific customizations and thereby reducing lead time while maintaining reliability through proven standardized designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent facilitates the recovery and reuse of battery modules through standardized interfaces that enable easy removal and reinstallation in different applications. When battery modules reach end-of-life in one application, they can be efficiently recovered and deployed in secondary applications with reduced requirements, maximizing resource utilization and reducing waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS20240162511A1Common battery module interfaces for microgrid systems
Publication Date: 2024.05.16 ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS INC
  • US20240162511A1 patent drawing
  • US20240162511A1 patent drawing
  • US20240162511A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A charging ecosystem may comprise: an interconnected battery module; a first battery system comprising a first plurality of the interconnected battery modules; and a second battery system comprising a second plurality of the interconnected battery module. The first battery system may be configured for charging the second battery system. The second battery system may be configured for powering an electric vehicle. The interconnected battery module is adaptable to various interfaces with the first system and the second system.