Battery Retrieval Tool With Adjustable Alignment for Multi-Level Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries in battery storage facilities are large, heavy, and sensitive to damage, complicating their installation, retrieval, and access due to misalignment and handling issues.
Innovation Solution
A battery retrieval and installation system comprising a tool with a tray and a battery drive assembly, including a battery positioner and interconnect, which allows for precise alignment and movement of batteries between storage and transfer states using a lift structure and adjustment assemblies for fine positional adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If batteries are stored at multiple vertical levels to maximize energy storage density, then storage capacity per square foot is improved, but access and retrieval difficulty increases due to height and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates adjustable components including height adjustment mechanisms and angular adjustment assemblies that allow the tool to dynamically adapt to different battery positions and orientations at various vertical levels, making retrieval operations easier while maintaining high storage density
Solution Approach 2:
The tool acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the batteries at elevated positions, providing a mechanical interface with trays and engagement mechanisms that facilitate safe and precise battery handling without requiring direct manual access to high positions
2Device complexity
If manual handling methods are used for battery installation and retrieval, then equipment complexity is reduced, but the risk of battery damage increases due to heavy weight and sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates support structures and lifting mechanisms that counterbalance the heavy weight of batteries, distributing the load through multiple contact points and mechanical advantages to prevent damage during handling and retrieval operations
Solution Approach 2:
The tool includes cushioning elements and controlled engagement mechanisms that prevent sudden impacts or drops during battery handling, ensuring gentle engagement and disengagement that protects sensitive battery components from damage
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required for battery installation at multiple levels, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the time required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates pre-positioning features and alignment guides that establish correct battery positioning before final installation, allowing operators to quickly align batteries at multiple levels without time-consuming adjustments during the installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The tool employs mechanical guidance systems and constrained movement paths that automatically maintain alignment during battery insertion, replacing the need for manual precision alignment operations and reducing installation time while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that includes a tool of a battery installation and retrieval system. The tool includes a tray configured to support a battery and a battery drive assembly. The battery drive assembly includes a battery positioner used to move along an axial path of travel and a battery interconnect configured to couple the battery to the battery positioner. The battery drive assembly may also include a battery drive coupled to the battery positioner used to actuate the battery positioner to move the battery along the axial path of travel between a transfer state on the tray and a storage state in a battery rack.