Electric Task Vehicle Power Platform for Indoor Construction Work
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The indoor use of gas-powered construction equipment is restricted, leading to inefficiencies and safety hazards due to the need for outdoor operation or cumbersome workarounds, and individual high-output equipment often goes unused, occupying space and incurring opportunity costs.
Innovation Solution
A portable, zero-emission electric vehicle (Total Task Vehicle) with high power density battery packs providing 240V DC to 380V DC and 120V AC power, capable of powering various tools and accessories, and adaptable for multiple tasks and terrains, including a ride-on and walk-behind mode, with regenerative charging and compact three-wheeled design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If gas-powered construction equipment is used for high-output tasks, then power and productivity are improved, but indoor safety hazards and regulatory compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gas-powered mechanical systems with electric power systems. The vehicle includes an electric motor coupled to the frame, powered by battery packs, substituting internal combustion engines. This eliminates exhaust emissions and fuel-related safety hazards while maintaining high-output capability through electric power transmission to wheels and attachment equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform that can perform multiple functions. The vehicle includes multiple powered attachment ports that can mechanically and electrically couple with various accessory equipment. A single electric vehicle can replace multiple specialized gas-powered tools and equipment, providing high output for different tasks while maintaining safety for indoor use.
2Productivity
If multiple specialized high-output equipment are purchased for different tasks, then task-specific performance is improved, but equipment cost and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal vehicle platform with multiple powered attachment ports that can accommodate various accessory equipment for different tasks. Instead of purchasing separate specialized equipment for each task, users can attach different accessories to the same electric vehicle platform, reducing the total quantity of equipment needed while maintaining task-specific performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple equipment functions into a single integrated vehicle system. The vehicle merges propulsion, power transmission, and accessory equipment control into one platform. By combining what would traditionally require multiple separate gas-powered tools into a single electric vehicle with attachment capabilities, the system reduces equipment quantity and simplifies management.
3Ease of operation
If individual high-output equipment is stored when not in use, then equipment availability is improved, but space occupation and opportunity costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple pieces of equipment into a single vehicle platform with attachment ports. Instead of storing multiple separate high-output equipment items when not in use, users store one integrated vehicle. The attachment ports allow quick connection and disconnection of accessories, maintaining availability while dramatically reducing storage space requirements.
4Reliability
If gas-powered equipment is used outdoors to comply with regulations, then regulatory compliance is improved, but work efficiency and time requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes gas-powered systems with electric systems, enabling compliance with indoor air quality regulations while maintaining work efficiency. The electric motor and battery power system provides sufficient high-output capability for construction tasks without requiring outdoor operation, allowing work to continue uninterrupted indoors and eliminating time losses associated with moving equipment outdoors.
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 efficient, safe, and flexible on-site operation of multiple tasks without gas-powered equipment, reducing manual labor and equipment idle time, while navigating indoor spaces and varying terrains with ease.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor coupled to the frame... configured to transmit a force generated by the motor
Implementation Method 2
at least one battery pack received in a receptacle in the frame... configured to selectively receive power from the at least one battery pack
Implementation Method 3
a power transmission device coupled between the electric motor and at least one of the first axle or the second axle and configured to transmit a force generated by the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A total task vehicle (TTV) may operate indoors to move a variety of different types of materials and accomplish a variety of different types of tasks, using tools and accessories powered by/connected to the TTV. One or more high power density (HD) battery packs may provide both 240V DC to 380V DC and 120V AC power to propel the TTV and also to function as a generator for tools and accessories attached to the TTV. A high torque/high speed convertible drive system may allow the TTV to operate in a ride-on mode, a walk-behind mode, providing for flexibility and adaptability in use of the TTV.