Vehicle Drive Train Interface for Rapid Energy Unit Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The driving range of vehicles powered by electric motors is limited, and existing solutions for increasing range, such as replacing rechargeable batteries with combustion engines or fuel cells, require longer standstill times for exchange and are not flexible enough to enhance both range and driving comfort.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle drive train system with an interface allowing easy and fast exchangeability of units, including rechargeable batteries and combustion engines or fuel cells, which can convert chemically bound energy into mechanical rotational energy, and electric energy into mechanical or rotational energy, enabling flexible energy supply and increased range without prolonged standstill times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If rechargeable batteries are exchanged to increase driving range, then driving range is improved, but exchange time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power train system is divided into separable units (first unit and second unit) that can be independently exchanged. The interface allows one unit to be replaced by another without affecting the rest of the vehicle system, enabling quick battery exchanges to extend driving range without prolonged standstill times.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed to accommodate multiple types of units (rechargeable batteries and other energy storage devices) with different functions. This universal interface allows flexible exchange between units that can store electric energy, convert chemically bound energy to mechanical rotational energy, or convert mechanical rotational energy to electric energy.
2Ease of operation
If the interface is designed for easy and fast exchangeability, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal interface design handles multiple functions: mechanical connection, electrical connection, and control signal transmission. This universal interface can connect different unit types (batteries, fuel cells, etc.) without requiring multiple specialized connection mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall system despite the complexity of the interface itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unit types are supported at the interface, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is manufactured as a standardized component that can accommodate multiple unit types through a single design. This universal interface reduces manufacturing complexity by avoiding the need to produce multiple specialized interfaces for different unit types, while still providing high adaptability to connect various energy storage and conversion units.
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
The system enhances driving range and comfort by allowing quick and automatic exchange of energy units, minimizing downtime and enabling various hybrid drive modes for efficient energy use, including serial and parallel hybrid configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the first unit is designed to store electric energy and to convert chemical energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
the second unit is designed to convert chemically bound energy into mechanical rotational energy
Implementation Method 3
the second unit comprises an electric generator that is driven by the combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle having a drive train, which comprises at least one first engine and a wheel, wherein a torque can be transmitted from the first engine to the wheel by the drive train, and wherein at least one first unit of the drive train is connected to an interface, by which rapid and simple replaceability of said unit is possible, wherein the interface is designed to be connected to a second unit, which is different from the first unit, wherein both units are designed to store electricity, to convert chemically bound energy into energy of rotation and/or to convert electricity into energy of rotation and/or to convert rotation energy of rotation into electricity.