Interchangeable Power Modules for Electric Lifting Machine Autonomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically operated self-propelled lifting machines face challenges in working autonomy, especially outdoors, due to battery size limitations and unfavorable environmental conditions, as well as noise and pollution issues when using removable generating sets for recharging.
Innovation Solution
A lifting machine equipped with a self-contained electrical power source and a second location for removably receiving various self-contained electrical power sources, such as batteries, fuel cells, or solar panels, allowing for adaptable power supply based on environmental conditions and available energy sources, with onboard electronics managing power distribution and adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the size of rechargeable electric batteries is increased to extend working autonomy, then working autonomy is improved, but the machine's weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting machine is designed with a universal power source interface that can accommodate multiple types of power sources (rechargeable batteries, generating sets, fuel cells). This allows the machine to switch between different power sources based on operational needs, extending working autonomy without permanently increasing battery size and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source configuration is made dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed. The machine can change its power source configuration during operation or between tasks, allowing optimization of weight vs. autonomy trade-offs by selecting appropriate power sources for specific operational requirements.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a removable generating set is used to recharge batteries outdoors, then working autonomy is extended, but environmental pollution and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machine accepts multiple types of power sources including clean energy options like fuel cells and solar panels alongside traditional generating sets. This universality allows selection of environmentally friendly power sources when operating in sensitive areas, reducing noise and pollution while maintaining extended working autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the type of power source based on environmental parameters and operational requirements. By selecting appropriate power sources (e.g., fuel cells for indoor use, solar for outdoor), the system adapts to minimize harmful factors while maintaining autonomy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of interchangeable power sources are accommodated, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal electrical connection interface is designed that can accommodate multiple power source types through a single standardized connection system. This reduces the need for multiple specialized connection systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary power management system is introduced that handles the complexity of interfacing with different power sources. This intermediary layer manages the electrical connections and power distribution, isolating the complexity from the rest of the machine systems and simplifying the overall architecture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If larger batteries are installed to operate without power supply network access, then independence from power network is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is equipped with a universal power source capability that includes both large-capacity batteries for off-grid operation and interfaces for external power sources. This allows the machine to achieve independence from power networks when needed while avoiding the permanent volume penalty of always carrying maximum battery capacity, as external power can be used when available.
Data Source
AI summary
This piece of machinery (1) comprises a system for lifting people or loads (5) and a first stand-alone electrical power source that is used to make the piece of machinery function. A second location (8) allows an optional second stand-alone electrical power source (15) to be removably accommodated. The latter is selectable from a plurality of different second sources not exclusively made up of engine generators and not exclusively made up of devices for storing electrical power. It for example allows the first stand-alone electrical power source to be recharged or the piece of machinery to be powered together therewith. The piece of machinery comprises a system for identifying the second stand-alone electrical power source among the plurality of second sources accommodated in the second location (8). On-board electronics manage the delivery of electrical power to the piece of machinery by the second source depending on the second source identified.