Exchangeable EV Battery Connector with Current-Limited Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connectors for exchangeable batteries in electric vehicles are large and robust due to the high currents required during acceleration, making them unsuitable for miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with a first exchangeable battery, a moving object connector, a first power converting section, a second battery connected in parallel, and a control section that limits the current output through the connector, allowing for miniaturization by using a second battery to handle high currents and enabling efficient charging and regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a connector is designed to handle high current (200-300 A) for motor acceleration, then the connector can support peak power demands, but the connector becomes very large and robust
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two battery units: a first battery connected through the miniaturized connector for low-current operations, and a second battery for high-current operations. This segmentation allows the connector to be sized for normal operations while the second battery provides surge capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control section acts as an intermediary that manages power distribution between the two batteries and the load. It controls the first power converting section to limit current from the first battery while allowing the second battery to supplement during high-power demands, enabling the small connector to handle peak loads indirectly.
2Device complexity
If a single battery is used to provide both normal and peak power, then the system is simpler, but the connector must be oversized for peak demands
Solution Approach 1:
The single battery system is divided into two battery units with distinct roles: the first battery handles normal operating currents through the connector, while the second battery provides additional current during peak demands. This segmentation enables connector miniaturization while maintaining the ability to meet peak power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the two batteries dynamically: the control section adjusts the current output from the first battery to be limited (normal operation) while allowing the second battery to activate during high-power scenarios, effectively changing the power distribution parameters based on demand.
3Power
If the first battery is allowed to output high current directly, then peak power is available, but the connector cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The control section and first power converting section serve as intermediaries that manage the power flow. They limit the current from the first battery to safe levels for the miniaturized connector, while the second battery acts as a supplemental power source that can provide the additional current needed for peak power demands without stressing the small connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-current capability is extracted from the connector design and relocated to the second battery. The first battery-connector system is designed for low-current operations, while the second battery is specifically utilized to provide the high-current surge capacity that would otherwise require an oversized connector.
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 miniaturizes the connector, suppresses high current flows, prevents user contact with high-output batteries, reduces production costs, and ensures continuous vehicle operation even with battery faults or exchange requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first power converting section connected between the moving object connector and a load
Implementation Method 2
a second battery connected to a power supply line in parallel to the first battery
Implementation Method 3
a control section which is configured to control the first power converting section in such a way that a current which is output from the first battery to the first power converting section via the moving object connector has a first value or a smaller value
Data Source
AI summary
An objective of the present invention is to miniaturize a connector for connecting an exchangeable battery to an electric vehicle. A power supply device includes a first battery which is exchangeable and includes a battery connector for connection to a moving object; a moving object connector disposed at the moving object and connectable to the battery connector; a first power converting section connected between the moving object connector and a load; a second battery connected to a power supply line in parallel to the first battery, wherein the power supply line is configured to connect the first power converting section to the load; and a control section which is configured to control the first power converting section in such a way that a current which is output from the first battery to the first power converting section via the moving object connector has a first value or a smaller value.