Distributed Battery Layout for Continuous Working Machine Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of minimizing stoppage of traveling and work due to battery charging in electrified working machines, such as agricultural and construction machines, is addressed by increasing the number of energy storages or batteries loaded on the machine.
Innovation Solution
A working machine design incorporating a first moving entity, a second moving entity with a working device, and a storage system that includes a supply path and connector for energy transfer, allowing seamless switching between energy sources to maintain operation without interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If as many batteries as possible are loaded on the working machine, then the stoppage time for charging is reduced, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple independent battery units that can be separately loaded and managed. Each battery unit operates independently, allowing one battery to be charged while others continue powering the working machine, thereby reducing charging stoppage time while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single centralized battery location to a multi-dimensional distributed battery configuration. Batteries are placed in multiple locations including on the working device itself, creating spatial redundancy that enables continuous operation during charging cycles without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Loss of time
If as many batteries as possible are loaded on the working machine, then the stoppage time for charging is reduced, but the weight of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into multiple smaller units distributed across the machine rather than one large centralized battery. This segmentation allows for more efficient weight distribution and enables the use of smaller, potentially lighter battery technologies while achieving the same total energy capacity, thus reducing overall machine weight while minimizing charging stoppages.
Solution Approach 2:
By distributing batteries across multiple spatial locations including the working device, the system optimizes weight distribution throughout the machine structure. This multi-dimensional placement allows for better weight balance and potentially reduces the need for additional structural support, offsetting the weight increase from multiple batteries.
3Reliability
If multiple energy storages are used, then continuous operation is achieved, but the connector and supply path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates universal multi-functionality, serving both as an electrical connection interface and as a mechanical coupling element. The supply path structure is designed to handle multiple battery units through a standardized configuration, reducing the need for separate connection mechanisms for each battery and thereby managing complexity while ensuring reliable continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connector functions into an integrated system where the connection mechanism serves multiple purposes simultaneously - electrical power transfer, mechanical attachment, and potentially communication functions. This consolidation reduces the overall complexity of the supply path while maintaining reliable power distribution across multiple battery units.
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine includes a traveling vehicle that is a first moving entity, a working device that is a second moving entity coupled to the first moving entity, and a sub battery loaded on the second moving entity to store an energy source to drive the traveling vehicle. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly provide a configuration to load the sub battery on the traveling vehicle, and a battery can be easily loaded. In a case where the traveling vehicle includes a main battery, the traveling and work can be continued according to a capacity of the sub battery without being stopped in order to charge the main battery that has a decreased remaining charge level.