Replaceable Battery Pack Locking Structure for Fast EV Swaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light electric vehicles face the challenge of lengthy battery charging times, which can be mitigated by a quick battery replacement method.

Innovation Solution

A replaceable battery module with a simple coupling structure, featuring a battery pack with a groove and an elastically connected locking member, and a mounting part with a locking jaw, allowing for rapid attachment and detachment of the battery pack using a push button and rod mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a battery swap method is used to shorten charging time, then the time required for battery replacement is reduced, but the coupling structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery replacement timeVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is divided into separate functional components: a locking member with locking protrusions on the battery pack, a corresponding locking groove on the mounting part, and a push button mechanism for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member is designed to automatically engage with the locking groove when the battery pack is inserted, and the push button automatically releases the locking protrusions when pressed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex control systems or multiple manual steps, achieving quick replacement with simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If a simple coupling structure is used for quick battery replacement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the locking mechanism may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling structure complexityVSAvoidlocking mechanism reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member features multiple locking protrusions positioned at specific locations along its length, with each protrusion engaging with corresponding grooves on the mounting part. This local quality distribution ensures that different sections of the locking member provide independent locking points, enhancing overall reliability without adding complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The locking protrusions and grooves are designed with curved surfaces that guide the engagement process. The curved geometry ensures smooth insertion and automatic alignment, while the shape of the protrusions provides mechanical interference that prevents accidental disengagement, thereby improving reliability through geometric design rather than complex locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 quick replacement of battery packs in electric vehicles and battery swap stations, reducing the time required for battery changes.

Implementation Method 1

the spring member may be provided to be compressed when the head part moves toward the bottom surface of the groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240408999A1Replaceable Battery Module
Publication Date: 2024.12.12 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • US20240408999A1 patent drawing
  • US20240408999A1 patent drawing
  • US20240408999A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A replaceable battery module related to one example of the present invention comprises a battery pack including a groove formed on an outer circumferential surface and a locking member elastically connected to the bottom surface of the groove, and a battery pack mounting part provided with a mounting space, in which the battery pack is detachably mounted, and a locking jaw which is locked and fixed with the locking member so that the position of the battery pack mounted in the mounting space is fixed.