Electric Material Handler Battery Layout for Machine Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from diesel-powered to electrically powered working machines disrupts weight distribution, stability, and requires significant infrastructure changes, complicating assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The electric energy storage units are strategically located aft of the cab and on the opposite side of the centerline, with separate assemblies providing counterbalance and optimized weight distribution, utilizing the space freed by the absence of a diesel engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the diesel engine is removed to transition to electric power, then environmental performance and indoor usability are improved, but weight distribution and machine stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electric energy storage system is divided into multiple separate assemblies distributed at different locations on the machine body. The first assembly is positioned aft of the cab while the second assembly is positioned on the opposite side of the centerline, creating a segmented weight distribution pattern that mimics the balanced configuration of traditional diesel engine placement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the machine body are assigned specific energy storage assemblies with optimized positions and capacities. The aft region contains the first assembly while the opposite side region contains the second assembly, allowing local optimization of weight distribution to compensate for the removed diesel engine's balancing effect.
2Power
If electric energy storage units are added to replace the diesel engine, then power delivery and torque are improved, but weight distribution and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The operator cab is positioned on one side of the centerline creating an asymmetric weight distribution, and the electric energy storage assemblies are strategically placed to counterbalance this asymmetry. The first assembly aft of the cab and the second assembly on the opposite side work together to restore balance despite the asymmetric cab placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric energy storage assemblies function as counterweights to compensate for the removed diesel engine. By positioning assemblies at specific locations (aft of cab and on opposite side), they create counterbalancing moments that maintain machine stability and proper weight distribution.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the machine is reconfigured for electric power, then environmental performance is improved, but assembly and maintenance efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into separate assemblies that can be independently positioned and serviced. This modular segmentation allows assembly teams to work on different assemblies simultaneously and enables maintenance of one assembly without completely dismantling the powertrain system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric energy storage assemblies are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide power storage, act as counterweights for stability, and serve as modular units that can be independently accessed for maintenance. This multi-functionality consolidates several system requirements into unified components.
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine having a front and a rear defined by the principal direction of travel, the machine defining a fore-aft centerline, the machine comprising a body mounted on a ground-engaging structure to permit movement of the machine over the ground; an operator cab mounted on the body towards a first side of the centerline; a single lifting arm pivotably mounted towards an aft end of the body, the lifting arm being located within a lifting arm housing, wherein the lifting arm housing comprises a sidewall distal the cab; a drive assembly including a first electric motor for providing power to the ground-engaging structure; a first high voltage electric energy storage unit assembly, including at least one high voltage electric energy storage unit, located aft of the cab; and a second high voltage electric energy storage unit assembly, including at least one high voltage electric energy storage unit, located to a second side of the centerline, opposite the first side of the centerline.