Electric Cargo Truck Range Extension With Trailer Battery Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited range of electric vehicles, typically between 300-400 miles, becomes a significant constraint for interstate travel, and there is no effective on-the-go solution to recharge the battery, leading to potential stranding of vehicles with depleted batteries.
Innovation Solution
An assist apparatus is developed that includes a platform secured to the electric vehicle, equipped with a hydrocarbon motor that generates electricity and can be activated manually or automatically to charge the vehicle's battery, providing a stream of electricity to extend its range without the need for traditional charging stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the battery capacity is increased to extend the range, then the vehicle weight and cost increase, but the range limitation problem is not fully resolved for long-distance travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy storage system into two independent parts: the vehicle's original battery and a separate external battery mounted on a trailer. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain its original weight while extending range through the external battery, resolving the contradiction between range extension and weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the additional battery capacity from the vehicle dimension to the trailer dimension. By mounting the external battery on a separate trailer that is towed by the vehicle, the system extends range without adding weight to the vehicle itself, effectively using spatial separation to resolve the weight-range contradiction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional charging stations are used, then the vehicle can be recharged, but the vehicle must stop and the infrastructure is limited to specific locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service recharging system where the vehicle tows its own external battery and generator assembly. The generator on the trailer can autonomously recharge the external battery using hydrocarbon fuel, eliminating the need for external charging stations and providing continuous recharging capability anywhere the vehicle can travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The external power system serves multiple functions: it extends the vehicle's range, provides mobile recharging capability, and can operate independently of infrastructure. The generator can run on conventional hydrocarbon fuels, making the system universally applicable without requiring specialized charging infrastructure.
3Reliability
If the vehicle is left with a depleted battery, then the vehicle becomes stranded, but towing to the next charging station is the only solution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by carrying an external battery and generator system that can recharge the vehicle's battery before it becomes depleted. This preventive measure ensures the vehicle never runs out of power, as the external system can continuously supply energy during operation or during stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the external battery and generator into an integrated mobile power system that is towed by the vehicle. This merged system provides both energy storage and energy generation capabilities in one unit, enhancing reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional integration.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a platform with hydrocarbon motor is attached to extend range, then the range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation system from the vehicle and places it on a separate trailer. This extraction reduces the complexity within the vehicle itself while maintaining the extended range capability through the external system, resolving the contradiction between range improvement and system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows electric vehicles to travel longer distances without the need for frequent charging, reducing the risk of stranding and enhancing their usability for commercial and long-distance applications, while also providing a rapid recharge mechanism for electric trucks and trolleys.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrocarbon motor that generates electricity
Implementation Method 2
a hydrocarbon motor that generates electricity
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically powered truck and system for charging or easily changing the internal rechargeable battery. The truck has an internal rechargeable electric battery which is exposed when a hatch on the truck is opened. The replacement rechargeable battery is inserted into the holding frame once the original rechargeable battery has been removed. The new rechargeable battery is then secured within the truck.