Crawler Vehicle Battery Swapping for Low-Standstill Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crawler vehicles for preparing ski runs face challenges with long charging times for alternative powering systems, leading to increased standstill times and reduced energy efficiency due to the difficulty in controlling internal combustion engines to operate at maximum efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A crawler vehicle design featuring a removable and quickly replaceable energy storage assembly with a connection interface that allows for rapid disconnection and reconnection of energy storage units, powered by batteries or hydrogen, and a position sensor system for automated or assisted replacement, minimizing standstill times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If alternative powering systems (electric batteries) are used, then emissions are reduced and energy efficiency is improved, but charging times become relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple interchangeable battery assemblies. Instead of charging a single large battery in place, the system segments the total energy storage capacity into modular units that can be independently replaced. This allows the vehicle to swap discharged batteries for charged ones, eliminating the need to wait for charging while maintaining the environmental benefits of electric propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
Battery assemblies are pre-charged externally before being installed in the vehicle. The connection interface is designed in advance to enable rapid mating between the battery assembly and propulsion system. This preliminary preparation of charged batteries and the ready-state connection interface eliminates charging wait time during vehicle operation, while the electric battery technology itself continues to provide zero emissions.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If internal combustion engines are used, then continuous operation is maintained, but energy efficiency is reduced due to difficulty in controlling operation at maximum efficiency point
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage capacity is segmented into multiple battery assemblies that can be independently managed. This allows the propulsion system to operate continuously by swapping between assemblies, while each battery can be optimally charged and discharged within efficient parameters. The modular approach enables better energy management compared to a single large battery or combustion engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated or semi-automated battery swapping mechanisms. The connection interface allows rapid connection and disconnection of battery assemblies without requiring complex charging infrastructure during operation. This maintains continuous vehicle operation while the electric propulsion system operates at optimal efficiency points, unlike combustion engines that must run at various inefficient loads.
3Loss of time
If energy storage assemblies are quickly replaceable, then standstill times are reduced, but device complexity increases due to connection interface requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is designed as a universal multi-functional component that simultaneously handles mechanical support, electrical power transmission, and control signal exchange. This integrated approach consolidates multiple functions into a single interface structure, enabling rapid battery swapping without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The universal interface design allows the same connection mechanism to serve multiple purposes throughout the battery assembly lifecycle.
Data Source
AI summary
A crawler vehicle has a frame; a first energy storage assembly configured to be removed from the crawler vehicle and to be replaced by a further first energy storage assembly; a propulsion system configured to be powered by the first energy storage assembly; a connection interface configured to selectively and relatively quickly connect/disconnect the first energy storage assembly to/from the propulsion system; a first motorized track and a second motorized track; and a transmission assembly configured to transmit power from the propulsion system to the first and to the second track.