Machine-to-Machine Charging for Continuous Worksite Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging electric machines at worksites, especially those far from electrical infrastructure, is challenging due to power level constraints and the need to complete tasks efficiently without interruptions, such as uninterrupted paving or milling.
Innovation Solution
A system for machine-to-machine power transfer using wired or wireless charging, facilitated by capacitors or super capacitors, to maintain continuous operation of machines like paving and milling equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If machines are operated far from electrical infrastructure, then mobility and worksite accessibility are improved, but power availability and charging reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables machines to charge each other autonomously without external infrastructure. The paving machine with sufficient power automatically provides charge to the milling machine that needs power, creating a self-sufficient power sharing network at remote worksites.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless power transfer system acts as an intermediary between machines with excess power and machines needing power. The system uses wireless charging technology to transfer energy between machines without physical connection or external charging infrastructure.
2Reliability
If machines return to charging zones for recharging, then power levels are maintained, but productivity and task completion time deteriorate due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation of machines by enabling on-the-go charging. Instead of returning to charging zones, machines can charge each other at any location during operation, eliminating interruptions and maintaining continuous productive action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the charging paradigm from centralized location-based charging to distributed mobile charging. Power transfer occurs in the spatial dimension between any two machines at any position on the worksite, not at fixed charging zones.
3Reliability
If energy storage devices are exchanged between machines, then power availability is restored, but device complexity and operational time loss increase due to interchangeability requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical battery exchange with wireless power transfer. Instead of physically swapping energy storage devices between machines, power is transferred wirelessly from one machine to another, eliminating the complexity of interchangeable battery designs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures uninterrupted operation of machines by managing power transfer in real-time, minimizing work stoppages and enhancing the quality and efficiency of tasks like paving and milling.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy accumulator, a second energy accumulator
Implementation Method 2
facilitated by capacitors or super capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method may operatively couple machines, each powered, at least in part by an energy accumulator, together to charge one machine using power of another machine. On condition that a first remaining amount of power in a first machine is less a first total amount of power needed to complete a first task and charging of the first machine takes priority over completion of a second task to be completed by a second machine, the second machine can travel to the first machine and charge a first energy accumulator in the first machine.