Quick-Replace Hybrid Vehicle Modules for Range-Weight Tradeoffs

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The contradiction between endurance mileage and load weight in vehicles, particularly in short-distance and long-distance driving, is not adequately addressed, and the cumbersome process of battery replacement in existing hybrid vehicles restricts their development and user acceptance.

Innovation Solution

A quick-replacement hybrid vehicle platform that includes a range extension module with an engine, a battery module, and an electric drive module, featuring quick-replacement connectors and a modular design, allowing for adaptable power supply without directly participating in driving, thus optimizing endurance mileage without increasing noise or weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If hybrid power system components (batteries, motors, electronic controls) are added to extend endurance mileage, then the endurance mileage is improved, but the vehicle weight and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveendurance mileageVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle power system is segmented into a base electric drive module and an optional range extension module. The range extension module containing the engine and additional battery can be added only when long-distance driving is needed, rather than being permanently installed in all vehicles. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain light weight for daily commuting while gaining extended range capability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle configuration is made dynamic and adaptable through the quick-replacement mechanism. The range extension module can be quickly attached or detached based on driving needs, transforming the vehicle from a static configuration to a dynamic one that adjusts its weight and capability according to the situation. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by allowing the vehicle to be lightweight most of the time while occasionally gaining extended range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If range extension module is permanently installed in the vehicle, then the endurance mileage is improved, but the vehicle becomes cumbersome and the user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveendurance mileageVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle system is divided into essential base components and optional extension components. The range extension module is segmented as a separate, removable unit rather than being permanently integrated. This allows users to have a clean, simple vehicle for daily use while being able to add the extension module for long-distance trips, maintaining ease of operation in both scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If battery replacement process is made quick and simple, then the ease of operation is improved, but the technical complexity of the replacement system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery replacement processVSAvoidreplacement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery replacement process is merged with the range extension module attachment process. Instead of separate operations, the electrical connectors are integrated into the mechanical coupling mechanism. When the range extension module is attached, the electrical connections are automatically made; when detached, connections are automatically broken. This merging simplifies the user experience while the automated control system manages the technical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection system is designed to automatically connect and disconnect without manual intervention. The quick-replacement mechanism incorporates self-service features where the electrical contacts engage or disengage automatically as part of the mechanical attachment or detachment process, reducing the complexity of manual wiring operations while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240174120A1Quick-replacement hybrid vehicle, platform and method
Publication Date: 2024.05.30 ZHEJIANG GEELY HLDG GRP CO LTD
  • US20240174120A1 patent drawing
  • US20240174120A1 patent drawing
  • US20240174120A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a quick-replacement hybrid vehicle, a platform and a method. The vehicle includes an electric drive module, a range extension module and a battery module. The range extension module is provided on the vehicle in a quick-replacement manner, and the range extension module includes an engine; the battery module is electrically connected to the range extension module and the electric drive module; and the battery module is provided on the vehicle in the quick-replacement manner.