Convertible-Propulsion Telehandler for Emission Zones and Extended Autonomy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric telehandlers face limitations such as insufficient battery autonomy, additional costs, and operational inconveniences due to recharging needs, especially in environments with emission restrictions, affecting work efficiency and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A telehandler with switchable power supply between electric and hybrid modes, equipped with interchangeable batteries and a diesel-electric generator, allowing seamless transitions between configurations to ensure adequate autonomy and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If electric telehandlers are used in emission-restricted zones, then environmental compliance is improved, but battery autonomy becomes insufficient for long-distance travel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust gas emissionVSAvoidbattery autonomy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The telehandler is designed with a universal power system that can operate in multiple modes: electric mode for emission-restricted zones and hybrid mode for long-distance travel. The vehicle can switch between battery-only operation and generator-assisted operation, making it suitable for both environmental compliance and extended autonomy requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system is made dynamic through the ability to switch between different configurations. The telehandler can transition from a purely electric configuration to a hybrid configuration with a diesel generator, allowing the operator to adapt the power system to the specific operational requirements of each task or location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If battery recharging procedures are implemented, then environmental compliance is maintained, but operational time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust gas emissionVSAvoidrecharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The telehandler is equipped with a diesel generator that can be activated in advance to recharge the battery before it is fully depleted. This preliminary action ensures that the vehicle maintains operational continuity and avoids interruptions for external recharging, as the generator can top up the battery during operational pauses or low-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid power system enables continuous operational capability by allowing the diesel generator to recharge the battery while the vehicle is still in use. This eliminates downtime associated with external recharging, as the battery can be recharged during operational cycles, maintaining continuous useful action without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple electric telehandlers are purchased for different zones, then environmental compliance is ensured, but acquisition cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust gas emissionVSAvoidnumber of vehicles
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The telehandler is designed as a universal vehicle that can operate in both emission-restricted zones and areas without restrictions. By incorporating a switchable hybrid power system, a single vehicle replaces the need for multiple specialized vehicles, reducing the total number of units required in the fleet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic power configuration allows one telehandler to adapt to different operational environments. The vehicle can switch between electric-only mode for restricted zones and hybrid mode for unrestricted areas, eliminating the need to maintain separate fleets for different zones and reducing overall acquisition costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables versatile operation in emission-restricted areas with extended autonomy and reduced operational disruptions, enhancing user convenience and cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for multiple machines.

Implementation Method 1

a battery (200) which supplies the propulsion motor (112) and the pump motor (114)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

a diesel-electric generator (300) set up for charging the battery (200)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

diesel-electric generator (300) which produces electricity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12410044B2Telehandler with convertible propulsion
Publication Date: 2025.09.09 MANITOU ITALIA SRL
  • US12410044B2 patent drawing
  • US12410044B2 patent drawing
  • US12410044B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Described is a telehandler (1) equipped with at an electric propulsion motor and with several containment compartments (100) for housing means (200, 300) for powering the motor. A compartment (100) is provided with an access opening to allow a user to insert or extract a source of electricity (200, 300) included in the power supply means. A plurality of electric batteries (200) is made available, each designed to be inserted in one of the compartments (100). An electricity generator apparatus (300) is provided for insertion in one of the compartments (100). The telehandler (1) is equipped with the following alternative power supply configurations: a fully electrical configuration wherein the power supply means comprise only one or more electric batteries (200); and a hybrid configuration wherein the power supply means include the electricity generator apparatus (300).