Electric Vehicle Range Extension via Non-Electrical Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicles face limitations due to battery technology, including low power density, high weight, and short range, which are exacerbated by the degradation of battery capacity over charging cycles, and there is a need for alternatives to internal combustion engines that offer improved performance and environmental sustainability.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electric drive system with a non-electrical power source, such as a combustion engine or alternative energy sources like solar or compressed air, to enhance vehicle performance by extending range and power without compromising the ability to revert to pure electric operation, featuring a non-electrical assembly that can drive or charge the battery independently of the electric drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend range, then vehicle range is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into multiple modular battery packs that can be independently configured. This allows the vehicle to achieve extended range through multiple smaller units rather than one large heavy battery, optimizing the weight-range balance while maintaining electrical connectivity and power distribution across all modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery packs are designed with nested structural arrangements where smaller battery modules are housed within larger pack assemblies. This nested configuration optimizes space utilization, reduces overall structural weight, and allows for compact integration into the vehicle chassis while maintaining accessibility for maintenance and replacement.
2Duration of action of moving object
If non-electrical assembly is added to extend range, then vehicle range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-electrical assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a range-extending power source and as a structural support component for the battery system. This dual functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures, thereby limiting complexity increase while achieving extended operational range through combined electrical and non-electrical power delivery.
3Productivity
If battery weight is reduced to improve performance, then vehicle performance is improved, but energy storage capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system incorporates dynamic power management that adjusts power delivery based on real-time vehicle performance requirements. The system dynamically allocates power between multiple battery packs and the non-electrical assembly, optimizing performance output while minimizing the effective weight and energy consumption, thereby maintaining high performance without requiring maximum static battery capacity.
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
This solution enhances the range and power of electric vehicles, allows for easier upgrading of electric drive components, and provides a backup system to prevent range anxiety, ensuring continuous operation and reduced battery strain through regenerative charging and support systems.
Implementation Method 1
A battery 27 provides electrical power to the motor 26
Implementation Method 2
an electrical motor 26 coupled to a transmission 25 to drive the vehicle axle 21
Implementation Method 3
a non-electrical assembly 129 to enhance the performance of the electric vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses electric vehicles and methods to operate such vehicles, comprising an electric drive capable of moving the vehicles, together with a non-battery operative feature to enhance the performance of the vehicle, such as extending the range or increasing the power. The non-electrical enhanced feature is independent and not integrated with the electric drive, to enable the return of the vehicle design to pure electrical power with minimum modification.