Auxiliary Detachable Battery System for Vehicle Luggage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high weight of battery packs integrated into electric vehicle luggage compartments makes them difficult for owners to remove or place, reducing luggage capacity and posing handling and crashworthiness challenges.

Innovation Solution

A detachable battery system comprising removable battery modules and a support fixed to the vehicle body, allowing easy installation and removal of lightweight modules, which can be connected in series or parallel to extend vehicle range, with integrated electrical and structural connectors for secure fixing and power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If heavy battery packs are integrated into the luggage compartment, then the vehicle's energy storage capacity is improved, but the weight increases making removal and placement impossible for car owners and reducing luggage capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidbattery pack weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is divided into multiple detachable modules that can be independently handled. Each module weighs less than 15kg, making them manageable for car owners while collectively providing the required energy storage capacity when multiple modules are installed in the luggage compartment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If heavy battery packs are integrated into the luggage compartment, then the vehicle's energy storage capacity is improved, but the luggage capacity is considerably reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidluggage compartment volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system uses multiple small modular units that can be flexibly arranged in the luggage compartment. This segmentation allows for optimized space utilization compared to a single large battery pack, potentially improving both energy storage density and available luggage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If detachable battery modules are used, then the ease of operation is improved allowing car owners to easily install and remove modules, but the device complexity increases requiring multiple connectors and fixing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule installation and removalVSAvoidconnector and fixing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector and structural fixing mechanisms are integrated into a single unified connection interface. When a battery module is inserted, both the electrical connection and mechanical fixation occur simultaneously through one action, eliminating the need for separate connector assembly steps and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If multiple connectors are integrated into the support, then the reliability is improved ensuring secure electrical and structural connection, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidnumber of connectors
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple electrical contacts and grounding paths are integrated into a single connector assembly that establishes all necessary electrical connections simultaneously upon module insertion. This merging approach maintains comprehensive electrical connectivity and reliability while presenting a single simple interface to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3223341B1Auxiliary detachable battery system, support and removable battery module of said auxiliary detachable battery system
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 FICO TRIAD
  • EP3223341B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3223341B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3223341B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Auxiliary detachable battery system (1) for being located in a luggage compartment of a vehicle that comprises a support (3) and a plurality of removable battery modules (2) wherein the support (3) covers the floor of the luggage compartment and supports the plurality of removable battery modules (2) which are fixable to it (3). Both elements (2, 3) comprise a plurality of signal and power connectors (12', 12) configured for being interconnected.