Modular Battery Charger with Server-Controlled Locking for EV Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited infrastructure for charging and exchanging batteries in electric vehicles restricts the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, as many areas lack the necessary infrastructure for battery charging or exchanging, leading to concerns for vehicle owners about battery availability and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle battery exchange system where homeowners install battery chargers in parking areas, equipped with locking devices and a server that guides vehicles to the chargers for battery exchange, authenticates transactions, and manages payment based on battery durability, allowing for secure and efficient battery swapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery charging infrastructure is established, then electric vehicle supply increases, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery infrastructure is segmented into modular battery chargers that can be independently deployed at individual parking locations. Each charger contains its own locking device, battery storage capacity, and control system, allowing incremental deployment without requiring a centralized complex infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery charger system enables self-service operation where vehicles can autonomously exchange batteries through automated locking/unlocking mechanisms and server-based authentication. The system manages its own operations including battery charging, locking state control, and transaction processing without requiring manual intervention.
2Reliability
If battery exchange infrastructure is established, then battery availability improves, but infrastructure accessibility worsens due to limited locations
Solution Approach 1:
The battery charger is designed as a universal infrastructure that can be deployed at any parking location with electrical power access. It serves multiple functions including battery storage, charging, secure locking, and automated exchange operations, making it adaptable to various locations and vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from requiring specialized battery exchange locations to enabling exchange at any standard parking space. By distributing battery chargers across ordinary parking areas rather than concentrating them in dedicated exchange stations, the system adds a spatial dimension that dramatically improves accessibility.
3Productivity
If battery locking device is unlocked for exchange, then battery exchange speed increases, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device operates with continuous feedback control through server-based authentication. The server receives authentication information, verifies it against stored data, and provides real-time control signals to unlock or maintain locking state. This closed-loop feedback ensures security protocols are executed before and during the exchange process.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the vehicle and the locking device. Rather than direct vehicle-to-locker communication, the server mediates the authentication and control process, receiving authentication data from the vehicle, processing it against stored information, and controlling the locking device accordingly, thereby maintaining security while enabling exchange.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple batteries are stored in battery charger, then service coverage improves, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple batteries are arranged in a nested or stacked configuration within the battery charger housing. The charger contains individual battery slots or compartments that efficiently utilize internal space, allowing multiple battery units to be stored in a compact arrangement that minimizes the external footprint of the charger.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle battery exchange system includes: a battery charger configured to store multiple batteries therein, and including a first battery locking device that is configured to be unlocked when each of the batteries is withdrawn from the battery charger and is configured to be locked when the batteries are stored in the battery charger, the battery charger charging a battery among the stored batteries when a state-of-charge of the corresponding battery is insufficient; and a server configured to: communicate with the battery charger and a vehicle and guiding the vehicle to a position of the battery charger when a charge request is received from the vehicle, control the first battery locking device to be unlocked when the vehicle is authenticated, and control the first battery locking device to be locked when exchange of batteries between the authenticated vehicle and the battery charger is completed.