Handling Machine Battery Layout for Compactness and Lateral Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The compactness of handling machines is compromised by traditional battery arrangements, particularly in small machines, and there is a need to address the impact on lateral balance and accessibility while minimizing damage from shocks.

Innovation Solution

The placement of first and second electrical energy storage units on either side of the lifting arm, positioned at the rear of the chassis, maintains lateral balance and allows easy access while protecting the batteries from impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If batteries are positioned behind the chassis, then accessibility is improved, but compactness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidcompactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single longitudinal placement (behind chassis) to a distributed transverse arrangement (both sides of lifting arm), utilizing the lateral dimension to resolve the conflict between accessibility and compactness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If batteries are placed on one side of the lifting arm, then accessibility is improved, but lateral balance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidlateral balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric mass distribution (50-60% on one side, 40-50% on the other) rather than perfect symmetry, allowing practical accessibility while maintaining sufficient lateral balance through controlled asymmetry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from unilateral placement to bilateral distribution, utilizing both lateral dimensions to achieve balance while preserving accessibility benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If batteries are positioned at the rear, then protection from shocks is improved, but accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from shocksVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent redistributes battery placement from the longitudinal rear position to lateral positions on both sides of the lifting arm, utilizing transverse space to simultaneously achieve shock protection and accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4685099A1Handling machine

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 MANITOU BF SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a handling machine (1) comprising: - a chassis (2); - a lifting arm (20); - a front axle (3) and a rear axle (4); - a cabin (6) which is positioned between the front axle (3) and the rear axle (4) and on a first side of the lifting arm (20); - at least one electric motor; - a first and a second electrical energy storage unit which are connected to the at least one electric motor and fixed to the chassis (2) on either side of the lifting arm (20), the first electrical energy storage unit (40A) being positioned behind the cabin (6) on the first side of the lifting arm (20) and the second electrical energy storage unit (40B) being arranged on a second side of the lifting arm (20), opposite the first side, at least partially opposite the first electrical energy storage unit in a transverse direction orthogonal to the median longitudinal plane.