EV Battery Swap Drive Positioning for Multi-Pack Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery replacement apparatuses face difficulties in accommodating batteries of different types and sizes due to a common drive unit that may not be appropriately positioned for specific electric vehicles or batteries, making battery replacement challenging.
Innovation Solution
A battery replacement apparatus with a controller and communication unit that adjusts the position of a drive unit based on acquired information about the electric vehicle and battery, ensuring proper alignment and replacement regardless of the vehicle or battery type, size, or shape, using components like wheel stoppers, lift units, battery mounts, and positioning pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common drive unit is used for multiple electric vehicles and battery types, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different battery sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing it to dynamically adapt its position and orientation based on the specific battery type and vehicle model. The drive unit can move along the conveyer and adjust its angular position to match different battery configurations, resolving the contradiction between using a common drive unit and adapting to various battery types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the drive unit based on acquired information about the battery and vehicle. The controller adjusts positioning parameters, movement speed, and operational modes according to the specific battery type, enabling a single drive unit to handle multiple battery configurations effectively.
2Device complexity
If the drive unit position is fixed for a common configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision for specific battery alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a communication unit that acquires information about the battery and vehicle, and the controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust the drive unit position. This closed-loop control ensures precise alignment with the battery without requiring complex manual positioning systems, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit position is pre-adjusted based on acquired battery information before the actual replacement operation. The controller calculates the optimal position in advance and positions the drive unit accordingly, ensuring precise alignment is achieved before the battery replacement process begins.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drive unit position is adjusted for each battery type, then the adaptability improves, but the loss of time for position adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit position is adjusted in advance based on battery information acquired before the replacement operation. By performing the positioning action preliminarily, the system ensures that when the actual battery replacement begins, the drive unit is already in the correct position, minimizing time loss during the critical replacement phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts the drive unit position based on acquired battery information without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously calculates and executes the positioning, reducing the time needed for position adjustment while maintaining high adaptability to different battery types.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery replacement apparatus includes a drive device (drive unit), a processor (controller) that controls the drive device, and a communication unit that acquires, through communication, information about an electric vehicle and a battery (first battery). The processor adjusts a position of the drive device based on the information that is acquired through the communication unit, and performs control of replacing the battery with a battery (second battery) by controlling the drive device whose position is adjusted.