Multi-Connection Plate for Universal Battery Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of connecting and replacing batteries in electric or hybrid vehicles lies in ensuring both electrical and ventilation connections, particularly due to the varying types of batteries and the need for a system that is economically viable, reliable, robust, flexible, and universal for easy deployment in battery exchange stations.

Innovation Solution

A connection system comprising a multi-connection plate with aligned ducts for heat transfer fluid circulation, an electrical connector, and flexible fixing elements, allowing for vertical connection and disconnection of batteries, along with a separate air conditioner for battery cooling, ensuring efficient energy supply and cooling during all phases of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a battery exchange station is implemented with automated devices for removing and replacing batteries, then battery replacement efficiency is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases due to the multitude of different battery types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery replacement efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal connection system with standardized interfaces that can accommodate multiple battery types. The connection system includes a multi-connection plate with standardized electrical connectors, ventilation ducts, and fixing elements that work across different battery configurations, allowing a single automated device to handle various battery types without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is divided into modular components including a multi-connection plate, electrical connectors, ventilation ducts, and fixing elements. This segmentation allows the system to be configured for different battery types while maintaining a standardized interface, reducing the complexity of handling multiple battery types with a single universal device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If manual battery replacement is implemented, then the cost and complexity of the system is reduced, but the weight and physical effort required for battery replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidbattery weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a universal connection system with standardized interfaces that acts as an intermediary between the battery and the vehicle. This connection system includes fixing elements and mounting mechanisms that enable automated or semi-automated handling, reducing the physical effort required to move heavy batteries while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If a connection system with multiple ducts for heat transfer fluid is implemented, then battery cooling efficiency is improved, but the complexity of assembly and disconnection operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery cooling efficiencyVSAvoidassembly and disconnection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple cooling ducts (cold duct and hot ducts) into a single multi-connection plate assembly. The ducts are pre-positioned and integrated with the electrical connectors and fixing elements, allowing the entire cooling system to be connected or disconnected as a single unit during battery exchange operations, maintaining cooling efficiency while simplifying assembly and disconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is pre-configured with ducts, connectors, and fixing elements in their final positions before battery installation. The multi-connection plate is prepared in advance with all necessary connection points, allowing for rapid connection and disconnection during battery exchange without requiring complex alignment or assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If a universal connection system is designed to accommodate multiple battery types, then adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper alignment and connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with battery typesVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements localized connection points and interfaces on the multi-connection plate that are specifically designed to accommodate variations in battery types. Each connection point has standardized dimensions and tolerances, allowing the system to adapt to different battery configurations while maintaining consistent manufacturing precision requirements for each local interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 system enables optimal battery operation with easy assembly and replacement, providing reliable and efficient energy supply while ensuring sufficient cooling, and is compatible with multiple battery types and assembly/disassembly operations, facilitating rapid and automated battery exchange.

Implementation Method 1

three ducts substantially aligned in a direction transverse to the rear of the battery, including a central cold duct suitable for an inlet of a heat transfer fluid and two hot ducts sides suitable for an outlet of the heat transfer fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2681065B1System for connecting a power-supply battery of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2015.09.30 RENAULT SA
  • EP2681065B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2681065B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2681065B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for connecting a power-supply battery (10) to a motor vehicle, including a device for ventilating the battery (10), characterized in that it includes a multi-connection plate (22) which includes openings (23) for connecting to at least two ducts (26, 27) for circulating a heat-transport fluid, and for connecting to the battery (10) so as to connect said at least two ducts (26, 27) to an inner circulation circuit of the battery.