Interchangeable Energy Storage Modules with Variable Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in providing replacement storage modules for obsolete energy stores in motor vehicles, where manufacturing costs are high due to low demand and stored modules age unused, as vehicle series progress and legal regulations require continued support for earlier designs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an electrical energy store with interchangeable storage modules of two types, where modules of a second type with higher energy density can replace one module of a first type, maintaining compatibility without requiring adjustments to the energy store's structure, by coordinating dimensions and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storage modules are produced in advance for replacement, then replacement parts are available for older vehicle series, but manufacturing costs are high due to low demand and stored modules age unused
Solution Approach 1:
The energy store is divided into multiple interchangeable storage modules that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the system to use a small inventory of universal modules that can serve multiple vehicle series, reducing the need to manufacture and store large quantities of series-specific modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage modules are designed with standardized dimensions, connection interfaces, and electrical characteristics that make them universally compatible across different vehicle series. A single module design can replace modules in various energy store configurations, eliminating the need to maintain separate inventories for different vehicle models.
2Reliability
If storage modules are produced in advance for replacement, then replacement parts are available for older vehicle series, but stored modules age and deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining a static inventory of pre-produced modules, the system enables dynamic replacement where modules are exchanged between different energy stores. Modules that are removed from service can be reinstalled in other vehicles, effectively extending their operational life and reducing the need for new production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a recovery mechanism where storage modules are not discarded after a single use but are continuously circulated and reused across different vehicle series. This extends the operational lifespan of each module and reduces waste from unused stored inventory.
3Quantity of substance
If newer high-energy-density modules are used, then energy storage capacity increases, but compatibility with older energy store structures must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention allows for parameter changes in module capacity and energy density while maintaining constant interface parameters such as connection terminals, mounting dimensions, and electrical characteristics. This enables progressive upgrading of energy density without requiring redesign of the overall energy store structure.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the energy store into standardized modules, the system allows individual modules to be upgraded to higher capacity versions while the overall system architecture remains unchanged. The standardized interface enables mixing of different module types within the same energy store.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical energy-storage unit has a plurality of electrically coupled and interchangeable storage modules each with a multiplicity of storage cells connected in series or in parallel. The energy-storage unit has storage modules of a first type, which have a certain energy density. The energy-storage unit has storage modules of a second type which have a higher energy density than the storage modules of the first type. At least two storage modules of the second type fit into the spatial volume of a storage module of the first type.