Modular Mobile Work Platform for Swappable Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified mobile apparatus face challenges in achieving high performance work operations while minimizing energy consumption due to lower energy density of batteries and hydrogen compared to fossil fuels, requiring a new approach to machine platform design and efficient energy management, along with complex safety measures for energy storage.
Innovation Solution
A modular design for mobile apparatus with a main frame and rotating sub-frame, featuring energy storage modules, energy transformation means, and power train components connected through a central wiring harness, allowing for efficient energy distribution and rapid module exchange, including safety features for hydrogen storage and energy conversion systems, and a thermal management system for optimal component temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries and hydrogen are used as energy storage means, then renewable energy and electricity can be utilized, but energy density is lower than fossil fuels requiring larger storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple modular battery units or hydrogen tanks that can be independently connected or disconnected. This segmentation allows flexible configuration to achieve required energy capacity while maintaining manageable individual component sizes and enabling parallel energy supply paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple energy storage means (batteries and/or hydrogen tanks) are combined in parallel configurations to aggregate their energy capacity. The modular design enables these components to work together as an integrated energy system, achieving high total energy density comparable to fossil fuels while retaining the benefits of electrified powertrains.
2Reliability
If safety measures for batteries and hydrogen storage are implemented, then operational safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Safety functions are distributed across multiple independent modular units, each with its own safety systems. This segmentation isolates potential failure points and allows safety measures to be implemented at the component level rather than requiring complex system-wide solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design employs universal safety components and standardized safety protocols that can be applied across different energy storage types (batteries and hydrogen tanks). This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using the same safety architecture for different energy carriers.
3Ease of repair
If modular design with removable modules is implemented, then maintenance and exchange of components is facilitated, but connection complexity through wiring harness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into modular plug-and-play interfaces that accompany each removable module. This segmentation allows modules to be independently connected or disconnected without affecting the entire wiring harness, simplifying maintenance while managing connection complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Universal multi-functional connection interfaces are designed to handle multiple functions (power supply, control signals, data communication) through single standardized connectors. This reduces the number of separate connections required and simplifies module exchange procedures.
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
The modular design enhances energy efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and ensures safe operation by allowing for efficient energy distribution and module exchange, while the thermal management system optimizes component temperatures, extending the life of batteries and reducing energy costs.
Implementation Method 1
thermal management system for optimal component temperature control
Implementation Method 2
energy transformation means for transforming energy to electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile apparatus includes a main-frame with displacing means configured to displace the mobile apparatus, a rotating sub-frame rotatably connected to the main-frame such that the sub-frame is rotatable relative to the main frame and a working arm connected to the sub-frame. The main-frame and/or the sub-frame includes a plurality of modules respectively including energy storage means configured for storing energy, energy transformation means for transforming energy to electrical energy, and power train means for driving the displacing means. The modules are connectable through any one of a high voltage, low voltage or bus control system or a combination thereof and the modules are removably mountable.