Modular Battery Tray with Integrated Diagnostics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems for vehicles, such as golf cars and carts, are difficult to install and maintain due to the need for individual battery installation and electrolyte filling, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with a tray having multiple receptacles for batteries, a conductive layer for electrical connection, and a cover with a diagnostic system that allows for simultaneous electrolyte filling and easy access to terminals, integrated with a self-docking plug-in system for quick connection to the vehicle's power system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual batteries are installed separately with individual hold downs and cables, then each battery can be independently secured and connected, but the installation and maintenance process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual batteries into a single integrated battery assembly unit that includes a tray, multiple batteries, conductive layer, and cover as one modular component. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation of individual hold downs and cables, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the integrated conductive layer and terminal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery assembly serves multiple functions as a single unit: it provides structural support through the tray, electrical connection through the conductive layer and terminal, protection through the cover, and diagnostic capability through the integrated computer. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies both installation and maintenance operations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple individual batteries are used, then electrical capacity requirements can be met, but the time required for electrolyte filling and maintenance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple batteries into a single assembly unit with a common cover that provides unified access to all batteries. This allows maintenance personnel to service multiple batteries simultaneously through one access point rather than opening and servicing each battery individually, dramatically reducing the time required for electrolyte filling and ongoing maintenance while maintaining the required electrical energy capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The batteries are pre-assembled into a complete unit with the conductive layer and terminal already in place during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly means that when the battery assembly is installed in the vehicle, it is ready for immediate use without requiring separate installation steps for electrical connections, and maintenance can begin immediately after a single cover removal.
3Volume of moving object
If batteries are installed underneath the seat, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility for installation and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple batteries into a single compact assembly unit with integrated electrical connections and a unified cover. This consolidation reduces the overall space required compared to installing individual batteries separately, while the single cover design provides easy access to all batteries simultaneously. The assembly can be installed as one unit in the space-constrained area under the seat, maintaining good space utilization while improving accessibility during maintenance.
4Reliability
If separate battery hold downs and individual cables are used, then each battery can be securely retained and electrically connected, but the number of parts for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple hold downs and individual cables into an integrated tray and conductive layer structure. The tray provides unified mechanical retention for all batteries through its design, while the conductive layer provides continuous electrical connection across all batteries. This eliminates the need for multiple separate hold down fasteners and individual cable connections, significantly reducing the number of parts while maintaining secure retention and reliable electrical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The battery system includes a tray having a plurality of battery receptacles. A plurality of batteries are also provided, each battery in the plurality of batteries being received in a battery receptacle. A conductive layer in electrical communication with the plurality of batteries and a terminal for electrically coupling to a vehicle are also provided in the battery system. A cover interlocks with the tray. The cover carries a computer and a diagnostic identification system for the plurality of batteries. A housing for a battery system and a vehicle including a battery system are also disclosed.