Electric Vehicle Battery Drawer for Accessible Module Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle battery management systems require complete disconnection of all batteries when changing one, leading to power interruptions and inefficient mechanical handling of battery changes, which limits the utilization of residual voltage and increases the weight of batteries to be moved.

Innovation Solution

The integration of battery management electronics within a drawer system that reduces external cable connections, uses roller bearings or telescopic rails for smooth drawer movement, and includes lifters and pressers for secure connections, allowing for easy and safe replacement of individual battery cells or modules with reduced weight and improved accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If batteries are arranged in a drawer that can be pulled out for replacement, then accessibility and ease of battery change is improved, but complete disconnection of all batteries occurs when changing one battery, causing power interruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery replacement accessibilityVSAvoidpower supply continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is segmented into multiple independent battery units, each with its own plug contacts. This allows individual batteries to be connected or disconnected independently through the drawer mechanism, enabling replacement of single batteries without affecting the power supply from other batteries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drawer with connection terminals serves as an intermediary mechanism between the batteries and the vehicle's power system. It provides a controlled interface that enables selective connection/disconnection of individual batteries through plug contacts, preventing complete power interruption during battery replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual battery cells are replaced separately, then battery management flexibility and residual voltage utilization is improved, but mechanical handling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery management flexibilityVSAvoidmechanical handling system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is divided into individual replaceable battery units or modules, each manageable independently. This segmentation enables flexible battery management where cells can be replaced based on their individual state of charge or condition, while the standardized drawer mechanism keeps handling simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drawer mechanism with standardized connection terminals serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for batteries, enables electrical connection through plug contacts, and facilitates easy replacement. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the flexibility in battery management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3504077B1Electric vehicle with device for arranging batteries
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 CONSTIN
  • EP3504077B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for arranging batteries in electric vehicles, wherein the batteries consist of individual battery cells or modules (3) of individual battery cells, which are held individually in a magazine of the body in a removable manner and are detachably contacted, so that only the individual battery cells or modules have to be exchanged for battery replacement. According to the invention, the magazine is designed as at least one drawer (2) which is arranged so that it can be pulled out laterally and/or to the rear and/or to the front of the body (1) of the electric vehicle until it reaches a stop, wherein, in the pulled-out position, all individual battery cells or modules (3) can be individually removed upwards from the at least one drawer (2). The individual battery cells or modules (3) comprise plug contacts (9) for connection contacts in the drawer (2), wherein the connection contacts are connected to a battery management electronics (10) in the drawer (2) and the battery management electronics (10) is or can be connected to the power electronics for operating the vehicle.