Quick Battery Swap System with Vertical Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high complexity and infrastructure costs associated with existing battery changing systems for electrical vehicles have hindered their market penetration, as they require elaborate hydraulic systems and tailored battery solutions for each vehicle.
Innovation Solution
Standardized battery shapes that can be interchangeably used across different vehicles, with varying electrical capacity, allowing for easy installation and removal without the need for expensive infrastructure, using a forklift-based system for battery exchange at gas stations or homes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standardized battery shapes are used across different vehicles, then ease of operation and adaptability improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements standardized battery shapes and dimensions that can be used across multiple vehicle types and applications. The same battery form factor serves different functions and vehicle models, enabling interchangeability without requiring custom-designed batteries for each application. This universal design allows a single battery platform to serve multiple purposes while maintaining consistent mechanical and electrical interfaces.
2Device complexity
If simple forklift-based battery exchange is used, then device complexity and infrastructure cost decrease, but battery handling safety may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized battery supports with electrical contacts that act as intermediaries between the forklift and the battery. These supports provide a controlled interface for electrical disconnection and reconnection, ensuring that electrical contacts are properly managed during the battery exchange process. The forklift simply provides mechanical lifting while the specialized supports handle the electrical safety aspects.
3Ease of operation
If batteries are designed for quick exchange without tools, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into separable components with standardized interfaces. The battery is designed as a self-contained module with integrated electrical contacts and mechanical features that allow it to be independently handled and exchanged. This segmentation enables tool-free installation by allowing the battery to be simply placed onto and connected with the vehicle's battery supports without requiring assembly tools or complex fastening procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a passenger cabin; at least one battery compartment with an openable hood that can be opened to expose the battery compartment; a battery including electrical electrodes removably stored in the battery compartment; at least three battery supports mounted substantially in a vertical orientation in the battery compartment, wherein at least two of the battery supports include electrical contacts that are configured to be electrically coupled with the electrical electrodes of the battery; the battery includes at least two downwardly depending projections which are spatially spaced and arranged relative to each other so that their spacing identically matches a corresponding spacing between said at least three battery supports in the battery compartment, and at least two of the three battery projections comprise said electrical electrodes configured to electrically mate with the electrical contacts of the battery compartment; and the battery supports and the battery projections are so spaced and configured as to enable the battery to be vertically lowered onto the battery supports to effect electrical contact and mechanical coupling between the battery supports and the battery projections.