Detachable Electricity Supply Unit for Electric Vehicle Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles designed for limited ranges face challenges when used for longer trips due to the lack of infrastructure for quick charging or battery replacement, as existing solutions are not universally available.
Innovation Solution
A detachable electricity supply unit with a mechanical coupling system that includes a housing for energy storage or generation modules, such as fuel cells or internal combustion engines, which can be easily mounted and dismounted from the vehicle, providing additional energy capacity without requiring local infrastructure for charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a detachable electricity supply unit is added to extend range, then the vehicle can operate for longer ranges without local infrastructure, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electricity supply system is divided into a base battery unit integrated into the vehicle and a detachable extension unit that can be added when long-range operation is needed. This allows the vehicle to maintain optimal weight for city driving while having the option to extend range by attaching an additional energy storage module.
Solution Approach 2:
The electricity supply configuration is made dynamic and adaptable - the vehicle can operate with just the base battery for short trips, or attach the extension unit for long-range operation. The mechanical coupling system enables quick attachment and detachment of the electricity supply unit based on driving needs.
2Reliability
If a housing with crash behavior design is used for the electricity supply unit, then crash safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing for the electricity supply unit combines multiple functions: it protects the energy storage modules, provides a mechanical interface for attachment/detachment, and incorporates crash behavior elements that work with the vehicle's existing safety structure. The floor pan design integrates energy absorption capabilities directly into the housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it is a protective enclosure, a mechanical coupling interface, and an energy absorption element in crash situations. The ball neck and receptacle design provides both attachment functionality and structural integration with the vehicle body.
3Ease of operation
If the electricity supply unit is designed to be detachably mounted, then ease of operation for range adjustment is improved, but the mechanical coupling system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling system uses a nested structure where the ball neck on the cross member fits into the receptacle on the electricity supply unit housing. This simple geometric interface enables easy attachment and detachment while providing stable mechanical connection without complex locking mechanisms.
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 extended range operation without the need for local charging infrastructure, while also optimizing vehicle weight and crash safety by integrating energy storage or generation modules within a protective housing that enhances the vehicle's energy absorption capabilities during crashes.
Implementation Method 1
the electricity supply unit detects an electricity generation module... the electricity generation module is designed as a fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
the electricity generation module is in the form of a power unit, in particular a power unit with an internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 3
a battery and an electric motor that can be operated by the battery to drive the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to improve a vehicle comprising a body, a battery and an electric motor powered by the battery for driving the vehicle, so that it can also be used for greater ranges, it is proposed that an additional power supply unit can be detachably mounted on a rear area of the body by means of a mechanical coupling system and that the power supply unit provides electricity to extend the range.