Electric Vehicle Battery Swap via Electromagnet Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face challenges such as difficulty in finding charging stations, long recharge times, and safety concerns for emergency responders due to high voltage batteries, limiting their practicality for long-distance travel and public acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows for rapid battery replacement by disconnecting and removing a spent battery using an electromagnet connector, which can be remotely activated, and replacing it with a fully charged battery using robotic mechanisms, ensuring safety and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If electric vehicles use traditional charging stations with outlets, then the infrastructure requirement is met, but the recharging time is excessively long and locations are difficult to find
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into removable rechargeable battery packs that can be independently exchanged. This allows the battery to be separated from the vehicle chassis, enabling quick swap operations at charging stations without requiring complex plug-and-charge infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rechargeable battery is extracted as a standalone component that can be removed from the vehicle and replaced with a charged unit. This extraction approach eliminates the need for lengthy charging processes and simplifies the charging infrastructure to basic battery storage and exchange facilities.
2Length of moving object
If electric vehicles use high voltage batteries for longer range, then the travel capability is improved, but safety risks for emergency responders increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high voltage battery is extracted as a removable component with isolated electrical connections. When removed from the vehicle, the battery's electrical hazards are contained within the isolated pack, preventing arc flash and electrocution risks to emergency responders who may need to access the vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
Electromagnetic connectors serve as intermediaries between the battery and vehicle electrical system. These connectors include built-in isolation mechanisms and safety features that prevent direct exposure to high voltage, protecting both users and emergency responders while enabling full power transmission when connected.
3Length of moving object
If electric vehicles use heavy rechargeable batteries for longer range, then the travel capability is improved, but the battery removal and replacement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical lifting and handling of heavy batteries is replaced with automated robotic mechanisms. The robotic system uses sensors, actuators, and control systems to automatically grasp, lift, and install battery packs, eliminating the need for manual handling of heavy components and enabling rapid exchange operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery exchange system is designed to be self-servicing through automated mechanisms that perform the entire replacement process without human intervention. The robotic system autonomously identifies the battery type, executes the removal and installation sequence, and verifies proper connection, making the process as simple as refueling a conventional vehicle.
4Productivity
If electric vehicles use complex charging infrastructure, then the charging capability is improved, but the difficulty in finding charging locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging infrastructure is designed with universal battery packs that can be exchanged across different vehicle models and locations. This standardization allows any charging station to service any compatible vehicle, greatly increasing the number of accessible locations and eliminating the need for vehicle-specific charging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging function is extracted from the vehicle and relocated to stationary battery storage facilities. This separation allows charging stations to be established at convenient locations such as gas stations, retail centers, and rest areas, making them as accessible as traditional fueling locations while providing full charging capability.
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 quick and safe battery replacement, reducing wait times and enhancing the usability of electric vehicles for long-distance travel, improving their acceptance among the general public by addressing infrastructure limitations and safety concerns.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnet is selectively powered by a secondary battery which is adapted to disconnect the releasable electrical connector from the rechargeable battery when said electromagnet is not electrically activated.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to recharge an electric vehicle in which the rechargeable battery within the electric vehicle. The rechargeable battery is disengaged from electric vehicle, removed, and a replacement rechargeable battery is placed within the electric vehicle. In this manner, the electric vehicle is fully charged without having to wait at a charging station. An added feature is the easy disconnect of the rechargeable battery from the electric vehicle using an electromagnet connector for the electrical connection. The electromagnet is selectively powered by a secondary battery and adapted to disconnect the releasable electrical connector from the rechargeable battery when said electromagnet is not activated.