Detachable Hopper Energy Storage for Longer Paver Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional road construction machines face limitations in operating range and time due to the use of diesel fuel, and electrified machines require larger and heavier energy storage devices, leading to reduced working time and potential interruptions in construction sites.
Innovation Solution
A road construction machine equipped with a detachable material bunker insert featuring a secondary storage unit, which can be powered by electrical or fossil fuels, allowing for extended operation without interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a battery is used as the energy source for an electric road construction machine, then the machine can operate without fossil fuels and reduce emissions, but the operating range and working time are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into a primary battery and a secondary energy storage device (such as a fuel tank). The primary battery handles immediate power needs, while the secondary device provides extended energy supply, allowing the machine to operate for longer periods without increasing the size of the main battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary energy storage device is integrated within or alongside the material hopper structure. The material hopper is divided into a permanent part (hopper body) and a removable insert, with the secondary energy storage device housed within the insert. This nesting approach allows efficient use of space without increasing the overall machine footprint.
2Duration of action of moving object
If larger energy storage devices are used to extend the operating range, then the machine can operate for longer periods, but the machine size and weight increase drastically
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into primary and secondary components with different functions. The primary battery provides immediate power, while the secondary device (fuel tank or additional battery) extends range. This segmentation allows the machine to achieve extended operating range without requiring a single large energy storage device that would increase machine size.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary energy storage device is positioned within the material hopper volume, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. By integrating the energy storage system into the existing hopper structure rather than adding external components, the machine achieves extended range without increasing its external dimensions.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the battery is replaced or recharged during operation, then the machine can continue working, but the construction site must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary energy storage device is pre-filled with fuel or pre-charged before being installed in the machine. This preliminary preparation allows the device to be quickly swapped when the primary battery is depleted, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site recharging or battery replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a removable insert design that allows the secondary energy storage device to be quickly exchanged. When the primary energy source is depleted, the insert can be rapidly removed and replaced with a pre-filled one, minimizing downtime. The used insert can be recovered and refilled offline during non-operational periods.
4Reliability
If the machine is driven away from the construction site with an empty battery, then another machine with a charged battery can replace it, but the construction site is interrupted for an extended period
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary energy storage device is pre-filled with fuel or pre-charged before installation, eliminating the need to transport empty energy storage devices to and from the construction site. This preliminary preparation ensures that replacement units are ready for immediate installation, maintaining continuous operation without extended interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is equipped with dual energy storage capabilities, allowing it to autonomously extend its own operating range without requiring external support or replacement from other machines. The secondary energy storage device enables the same machine to continue working on-site without being replaced, eliminating the coordination and time losses associated with machine swaps.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A road construction machine (1) comprises a chassis (12, 112) for moving the road construction machine (1), a primary drive (3, 103) for driving the chassis (12, 112), a primary storage unit (17, 117) for supplying the primary drive (3, 103) with electrical energy or an energy source, a material hopper (7, 107), and a material hopper insert (14, 114, 14a) for receiving paving material (EM). The material hopper insert (14, 114, 14a) is detachably mounted on the material hopper (7, 107). The material bunker insert (14, 114, 14a) has at least one secondary storage (15, 115, 15a) for driving the chassis (12, 112) and/or for supplying the primary drive (3, 103) with electrical energy or the energy medium.