Battery Swap Station Layout for Separate Charged and Used Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery replacement systems face difficulties in managing charged and uncharged batteries stored in the same space, leading to complex battery management.

Innovation Solution

A battery replacement apparatus with separate storage spaces for used and charged batteries, including a battery replacement station, a storage for charged batteries, and a distinct storage space for used batteries, along with transport units and a control device for managing battery replacement operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If charged batteries and used batteries are stored in the same space, then storage space utilization is improved, but battery management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidbattery management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the storage system into two distinct storage spaces: a first storage space for charged batteries and a second storage space for used batteries. This segmentation allows for simplified management of each battery type independently while maintaining efficient space utilization through the shared overall storage structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If separate storage spaces are provided for charged and used batteries, then battery management is simplified, but storage space utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery management complexityVSAvoidstorage space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple storage spaces (first storage space for charged batteries and second storage space for used batteries) into a unified storage system that operates as an integrated whole. This merging approach maintains the organizational benefits of separation while achieving efficient overall space utilization through coordinated operation of the transport units and centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual battery sorting and management is performed, then flexibility in handling is improved, but operation time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling flexibilityVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated system where transport units automatically move batteries between the first storage space, battery replacement station, and second storage space without manual intervention. The control unit coordinates these movements based on battery status, enabling the system to self-manage the sorting and transport processes that would otherwise require manual labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives information about battery status and charge levels, then automatically directs transport units to move appropriate batteries between storage spaces and the replacement station. This feedback-driven automation maintains handling flexibility while eliminating manual sorting time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12583355B2Battery replacement apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A battery replacement apparatus includes: a battery replacement station where removal of a first battery from the electrically powered vehicle and attachment of a second battery to the electrically powered vehicle are performed; a storage that stores the second battery, and a storage space that is provided at a position separate from the storage and stores the first battery.