Mobile Charging Station With Regenerative Braking for Outdoor Power Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of providing power to outdoor landscaping equipment without access to electrical outlets, as states ban internal combustion engines and transition to all-electric operation, necessitating a portable and efficient power solution.
Innovation Solution
A mobile charging station equipped with energy storage devices, outlets, and a regenerative braking system to generate charge, allowing for on-site battery charging of landscaping equipment and personal utility vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If internal combustion engine landscaping equipment is used, then power is available for operation, but pollution is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces internal combustion engine power systems with electric power systems. The mobile charging station uses battery packs and capacitors as energy storage devices to provide electrical power, eliminating the need for fossil fuel combustion and associated pollution while maintaining operational power for landscaping equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile charging station acts as an intermediary power source between the electrical grid and outdoor landscaping equipment. It receives power from the grid via a charging port and provides portable power through outlets and charging cables, enabling electric equipment operation in areas without direct electrical access.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If electric landscaping equipment is used, then pollution is reduced, but power availability is limited in areas without electrical outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charging station is designed as a multi-functional unit that can charge multiple types of equipment simultaneously. It includes multiple outlets, charging cables for different connectors, and can charge both the station's own battery packs and external equipment battery packs, providing universal power solutions for various electric landscaping tools and personal utility vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile charging station incorporates regenerative braking capability that converts kinetic energy during vehicle deceleration into electrical energy to recharge battery packs. This dynamic energy recovery system increases overall energy availability and extends operational time without requiring external power sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile charging station is deployed, then power availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charging station uses modular battery packs and capacitors that can be independently replaced or recharged. The system is divided into separate functional modules including energy storage units, power conversion equipment, charging interfaces, and vehicle components, allowing for simplified maintenance and operation despite the overall system complexity.
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
Enables on-site charging of electric landscaping equipment and vehicles, ensuring continuous operation in outdoor settings where electrical outlets are unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
a regenerative brake including a generator configured to generate a charge from a braking of the plurality of wheels
Implementation Method 2
the generator is a drive motor of the mobile charging station that configured for reverse operation during breaking
Implementation Method 3
the plurality of energy storage devices are capacitors
Implementation Method 4
the plurality of energy storage devices comprise battery packs
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile charging station includes a charging platform, a plurality of wheels axially attached to the charging platform, a plurality of energy storage devices arranged on the platform, and one or more outlets electrically connected to one or more energy storage devices of the plurality of energy storage devices, each of the outlets is configured to provide power to a connectable device. The plurality of energy storage devices are capacitors and/or battery packs, and one or more charging cables electrically connected to the one or more outlets configured to provide power to the connectable device. A charging port configured to receive power that is output to recharge one or more of the plurality of battery packs. The mobile charging station may be arranged on a utility trailer or drive-powered vehicle.