Autonomous Mobile Locker Power Split Using Hydrogen Cartridges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles used for object keeping services face challenges in power management, as the varying energy demands for travel and object storage (temperature control) are difficult to accurately estimate, leading to potential power shortages that can compromise either travel or storage conditions.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous mobile body equipped with a first power source unit for the travel unit and a second power source unit, utilizing hydrogen cartridges, which supplies power to the locker unit, allowing independent power planning for travel and object storage, and enabling efficient use of space by using a fuel cell with higher energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power source is used for both travel and locker operations, then device complexity is reduced, but power supply reliability deteriorates due to inability to independently manage power for travel and temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The power source system is segmented into two independent units: a first power source unit for the travel unit and a second power source unit for the locker unit. This segmentation allows independent power management, ensuring that travel operations and temperature control operations can be powered separately, thus improving power supply reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If high energy density power source (hydrogen fuel cell) is used for locker unit, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity increases due to hydrogen cartridge management
Solution Approach 1:
Hydrogen cartridges are pre-filled and prepared outside the vehicle, allowing the locker unit to have extended power supply duration without carrying complex on-board hydrogen storage and refilling systems. The cartridges can be replaced at designated stations, simplifying the in-vehicle system while achieving long duration operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydrogen cartridge replacement station serves as an intermediary system, handling the complex tasks of hydrogen storage, cartridge refilling, and replacement. This external intermediary allows the vehicle to benefit from high energy density hydrogen power while avoiding the complexity of integrated hydrogen management systems.
3Reliability
If more power source capacity is allocated to locker unit for temperature control, then object keeping reliability is improved, but travel distance capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power source capacity is segmented and allocated to separate units: the first power source unit is dedicated to travel operations while the second power source unit (with high energy density hydrogen) is dedicated to locker temperature control. This segmentation allows optimization of each subsystem's power capacity independently, ensuring sufficient travel distance while maintaining reliable temperature control without the trade-off that would exist with a shared power source.
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
This solution ensures reliable travel and effective object storage conditions by allowing separate power management for travel and storage, maximizing space in the vehicle and enabling efficient hydrogen cartridge replacement, thus enhancing the convenience and reliability of object keeping services.
Implementation Method 1
a second power source unit including at least one hydrogen cartridge, the second power source unit being configured to supply electric power to the locker unit by hydrogen filled in the hydrogen cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous mobile body comprises a travel unit configured to move autonomously; a locker unit capable of housing an object; a first power source unit configured to supply electric power to the travel unit; and a second power source unit including at least one hydrogen cartridge, the second power source unit being configured to supply electric power to the locker unit by hydrogen filled in the hydrogen cartridge.