Two-Post EV Battery Lift With Coordinated Alignment Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-post lift systems struggle to efficiently and precisely lift and align electric vehicle batteries, which are large and heavy, requiring manual adjustment and alignment of mechanical and electrical connectors during installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A two-post lift apparatus with coordinated lift members for vehicles and batteries, featuring parallel vehicle and battery lift tracks, actuators, and adjustable lift arms with swivel and telescoping mechanisms for precise engagement and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional two-post lift system is used for battery replacement, then the vehicle can be lifted, but the battery cannot be precisely aligned and lifted efficiently due to lack of dedicated battery lift mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vehicle lift system and battery lift system into a single integrated two-post lift apparatus. The vehicle lift carriages and battery lift carriages are merged on the same posts, allowing coordinated lifting of both vehicle and battery. This integration enables the battery to be lifted precisely into alignment with the vehicle's battery receptacle while the vehicle is simultaneously supported, eliminating the need for separate manual alignment operations and significantly improving battery replacement efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of lift arms is used, then the system can accommodate different vehicle sizes, but the alignment precision for battery connectors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable lift arms with telescoping sections that can extend and retract, and pivotal connections that allow angular adjustment. The vehicle lift arms and battery lift arms both feature these dynamic characteristics, enabling precise positioning of the battery relative to the vehicle. This dynamic adjustability ensures accurate alignment of mechanical and electrical connectors while accommodating various battery and vehicle configurations, achieving high measurement precision without requiring overly complex fixed mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate lift systems for vehicle and battery are used, then each can be optimized independently, but the overall system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the two-post lift apparatus with universal multi-functionality, where the same posts and actuators serve both vehicle lifting and battery lifting functions. The vehicle lift carriages and battery lift carriages share the vertical posts, and the actuators can independently control both lifting operations. This universal design allows the system to perform multiple functions (vehicle support, battery lifting, coordinated alignment) without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining high adaptability for different vehicle and battery types.
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
Facilitates efficient and precise lifting and lowering of electric vehicle batteries, ensuring accurate alignment of mechanical and electrical connectors, reducing manual effort and enhancing safety and efficiency in battery replacement processes.
Implementation Method 1
The lift arms are adjusted in length and angular position to engage front and back and left and right lift points of the vehicle... an actuator, such as a pressurized fluid cylinder connected between the lift carriage and the post
Data Source
AI summary
A combination two post vehicle and battery lift includes a pair of upstanding post assemblies, each having a vehicle lift assembly and battery lift assembly. Each lift assembly includes a lift carriage having lift arms articulated thereto. The lift assemblies are operated in coordination to lift and lower an electric vehicle and a battery in relation to the vehicle.