Electric Vehicle Battery Lock with Automatic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric bicycles with mechanical battery locks require a physical key for unlocking, which can be inconvenient and may not provide adequate theft protection, as users may not always carry the key or have it readily available.
Innovation Solution
An electrically unlockable battery lock that automatically locks when the battery is inserted and can only be unlocked using a control unit integrated into the on-board computer or the battery lock, ensuring that the battery remains secured unless the user is present and actively unlocks it, preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical key-based battery lock is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must carry and locate the physical key
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-based locking system with an electrically actuated locking mechanism. The battery lock comprises a bolt that can be actuated by an electric drive (motor or electromagnetic actuator) to engage or disengage from a bolt receptacle, eliminating the need for mechanical keys and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit integrated into the on-board computer serves multiple functions: it controls the battery lock, the drive motor, and the frame lock. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems while improving the overall ease of operation through centralized control.
2Reliability
If a mechanical key lock is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the reliability of theft protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key lock with an electrically controlled locking system that can be integrated into the vehicle's existing control architecture. The control unit can receive authentication signals and control the electric drive actuating the bolt, providing enhanced theft protection through electronic security measures while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the battery lock control function with the existing on-board computer and control unit that already control the drive motor and frame lock. This integration consolidates control functions, manages device complexity, and enhances theft protection by using the same security system for multiple locking functions.
3Ease of operation
If the battery lock is always locked for security, then the theft protection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the user cannot easily remove the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system where the battery lock state changes based on operational conditions. The control unit monitors whether the vehicle is in motion and automatically unlocks the battery lock when the vehicle is stationary, allowing easy battery removal for charging while maintaining locked state during motion for theft protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors vehicle motion status and provides feedback control to the battery lock. When the vehicle is detected to be in motion, the battery lock remains engaged; when stationary, the lock is automatically disengaged, enabling easy battery removal. This feedback-based control resolves the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
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
Enhances user convenience and theft protection by eliminating the need for a physical key and ensuring the battery is always secured unless the user intentionally unlocks it, thereby reducing the risk of theft.
Implementation Method 1
The battery lock (24) includes an electric drive by means of which the bolt can be brought at least temporarily into an unlocking position, which releases the battery (18)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle comprising an electrically operated drive motor, further comprising a battery for supplying power to the drive motor, said battery being secured in a battery compartment in the vehicle by means of a battery lock and being removable from the battery compartment once the battery lock has been unlocked, and comprising a control unit for the battery lock.