Movable Battery Pack Guideways for Boat Stability Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric boats face challenges in efficiently redistributing battery weight to optimize performance, stability, and efficiency, as traditional methods like water tanks or heavy bags are slow and add unnecessary weight.
Innovation Solution
A system with movable battery packs and actuators along guideways under the deck, controlled by a controller and user input device, allows for dynamic redistribution of battery weight based on user input and sensor data to enhance performance and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional water tanks or heavy bags are used for weight redistribution, then stability can be improved, but the system becomes slower and adds unnecessary weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ballast function from traditional heavy water tanks or bags and integrates it directly into the battery pack structure. The battery pack itself serves as the moving weight without requiring additional ballast components, thereby eliminating unnecessary weight while maintaining stability improvement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is designed to serve multiple functions: providing electrical power to the propulsion system and simultaneously acting as a movable ballast for weight redistribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ballast systems, reducing overall system weight while maintaining stability control capabilities.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional water tanks or heavy bags are used for weight redistribution, then stability can be improved, but the redistribution process becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic weight redistribution system where battery packs can be rapidly repositioned along guideways using actuators. This dynamic capability allows quick adjustment of weight distribution in response to changing operational conditions, significantly faster than traditional manual or hydraulic ballast systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional hydraulic or manual ballast redistribution mechanisms with an electric actuator system that moves battery packs along guideways. This substitution enables faster, more precise, and more reliable weight redistribution controlled by a control system based on sensor feedback.
3Productivity
If battery packs are made movable along guideways with actuators, then weight redistribution speed and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery storage system into multiple independent, movable battery packs that can be individually repositioned along separate guideways. This segmentation allows flexible weight distribution adjustments while using standardized, modular components that simplify the overall system architecture and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces guideways as intermediary structures that facilitate smooth, constrained movement of battery packs between different locations in the hull. These guideways provide a simple mechanical interface that reduces complexity by eliminating the need for complex mounting and dismounting mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If battery packs are relocated dynamically based on user input and sensor data, then performance optimization is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor boat attitude (pitch, roll, heel) and provide data to the control system. The controller automatically processes this feedback and adjusts battery pack positions accordingly, enabling adaptive performance optimization without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated control algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a boat includes a first guideway installed under a main deck of the boat, a first battery pack coupled to the first guideway under the main deck, and a first actuator configured to move the first battery pack along the first guideway. A controller is electrically and/or signally coupled with the first actuator. A user input device is electrically and/or signally coupled with the controller. The controller is configured to control the first actuator to move the first battery pack along the first guideway in response to an input to the user input device so as to relocate the weight of the first battery pack under the main deck.