Automatic Battery Replacement via Horizontal Transport Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery replacement systems for vehicles are costly, space-intensive, and difficult to integrate into existing infrastructure, particularly outdoors, as they often require buried equipment or significant modifications to the vehicle's design, compromising crash safety and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for automatic battery replacement where transport devices are installed partially above ground and beside the vehicle, allowing batteries to be removed and installed through an opening under the vehicle's side beam, eliminating the need for buried structures and design modifications, and using a hinged door with a support surface to manage battery positioning and contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If battery replacement devices are buried into the ground or require raising the vehicle, then battery replacement can be performed automatically, but the installation becomes expensive and requires much space making it difficult to integrate into existing infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The battery transport path transitions from vertical (underground or under-vehicle) to horizontal (along the side of the vehicle above ground). The battery is transported horizontally alongside the vehicle rather than vertically from below, eliminating the need for buried structures or vehicle lifting while maintaining automated replacement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The battery replacement system is extracted from the traditional underground/under-vehicle configuration and repositioned to operate alongside the vehicle at ground level. This separates the replacement function from the vehicle's undercarriage space, allowing integration into existing infrastructure without modification
2Ease of operation
If a battery is inserted through the side of the car via a vertically arranged door, then battery replacement can be performed, but large and costly design modifications are required and crash safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery access function is extracted from the vehicle's side structure, eliminating the need for vertical doors or side beam modifications. The battery is accessed and replaced through the bottom opening while transport occurs horizontally alongside the vehicle, preserving the side beam's structural integrity for crash safety
Solution Approach 2:
The battery replacement function is segmented into two separate locations: a bottom opening for battery access and a side position for transport. This separation allows the bottom structure to provide access without compromising the side structure's strength and crash safety performance
3Device complexity
If transport devices are installed above ground and beside the vehicle with a horizontal transport path, then integration into existing infrastructure becomes easy and space requirements are reduced, but the transport path must pass under the side beam
Solution Approach 1:
A localized opening is created in the bottom plate at a specific position to allow the battery transport path to pass underneath. This localized modification minimizes interference with the overall side beam structure while enabling the horizontal transport function to operate safely and efficiently
Data Source
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Figure 1b
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AI summary
Method for battery replacement in a vehicle (110), which vehicle is equipped with a storage space ( 150; 200; 300; 400 ) for a battery ( 120, 122; 220; 320; 420; 620 ), where an opening ( 151; 204; 304; 404 ) into the storage space exists under the vehicle, wherein the vehicle assumes a first and a second predetermined position in relation to first and second battery transport devices (130; 140) that bring a battery out from the vehicle and a battery into the vehicle. The invention is characterised in that the transport devices are installed at least partly above ground (100) and beside the said positions, and in that the batteries are brought along a respective path (121,123) running from the storage space, under a side beam (112) of the vehicle and up to a respective position above ground and beside the vehicle. The invention also relates to a device for automatic battery replacement as well as a storage device for use in a vehicle.