Elastic Rack Mounts for Battery Transport Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transportation of large numbers of batteries is risky and subject to strict safety regulations, requiring a safer and more secure method for storing and transporting electrical energy.

Innovation Solution

A transport container with elastic connecting members between racks and walls acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer, preventing damage during transport and ensuring secure positioning of batteries, while also incorporating a cooling/heating system and electrical components for autonomous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If batteries are transported in large numbers in a conventional fixed rack system, then the energy storage capacity increases, but the risk of damage and safety hazards increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of batteriesVSAvoidsafety during transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by installing elastic connecting members (shock absorbers) between the racks and the container walls before transport. These cushioning elements are pre-positioned to absorb shocks and vibrations during transportation, protecting the batteries from damage while maintaining the ability to transport large numbers of batteries safely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by using elastic, movable connecting members instead of rigid fixed connections. The racks are suspended via these elastic members that allow controlled movement and absorption of transport-induced forces, transforming the static rack system into a dynamic one that adapts to transport conditions, thereby improving safety while maintaining high battery capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connections are used to secure racks in the container, then the positioning stability improves, but the shock absorption capability during transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverack positioningVSAvoidshock damage to batteries
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from rigid connections to elastic connections, changing the mechanical properties of the connecting members. The elastic connecting members have controlled stiffness parameters that allow them to maintain rack positioning stability while simultaneously absorbing shock forces, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and shock protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If multiple racks are installed per unit surface area, then the energy storage capacity increases, but the risk of rack-to-rack damage during transport increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidrack collision damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by using elastic connecting members as mediators between the racks and the container structure. These intermediaries absorb and dissipate collision forces, preventing direct rack-to-rack damage while allowing high-density rack arrangement for increased energy storage capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a safer and more efficient method for transporting batteries by reducing the risk of damage and ensuring secure positioning, while allowing for autonomous operation without additional power sources, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the one or more racks is fixedly attached to at least two of the group comprising said bottom, the walls of the transport container via elastic connecting members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3499605A1Transport container comprising an assembly for storing and transporting electrical energy
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 BREDENOORD
  • EP3499605A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3499605A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3499605A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport container comprising an assembly for storing and transporting electrical energy. The transport container comprises at least a bottom, a set of circumferential side walls and a top wall. In addition, the assembly comprises one or more racks for holding one or more batteries, wherein at least one of the one or more racks is fixedly attached to at least two walls of the transport container via elastic connecting members. The invention further relates to a method for storing and transporting electrical energy using such a transport container, wherein the one or more batteries are fixedly arranged in the racks and are substantially completely charged during the transport towards a user location.