Portable Battery Power Unit for Safe Vehicle Jumpstarting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for providing electrical power in military and field operations are limited by the need for operational vehicles for jumpstarting, the bulkiness and noise of generators, and the weight of slave start battery systems, which pose hazards and logistical challenges.

Innovation Solution

A transportable electrical energy storage system comprising an electrical energy storage unit, management system, AC/DC rectifier, DC/DC converter, bi-directional adapters, and a protective case, allowing for lightweight, quiet, and efficient power supply using rechargeable cells or solid-state devices, capable of being hand-carried and recharged via various means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional jumpstarting using operational vehicles is used, then electrical power can be provided to non-operational vehicles, but vehicles must be placed in close proximity which creates safety hazards and operational risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to jumpstart vehicleVSAvoidsafety hazard from vehicle proximity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the power source function from the vehicle itself by using a portable battery unit that can be independently carried and deployed. This segmentation allows the power provision function to be decoupled from the hazardous requirement of vehicle proximity, enabling safe operation in combat environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If engine-driven portable generators are used to provide power, then electrical power can be supplied to equipment and vehicles, but the generators are bulky, require maintenance, and create noise that may attract enemy attention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to provide electrical powerVSAvoidnoise and bulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical combustion engine system with an electrical battery-based power system. This substitution eliminates the noise-generating combustion process and mechanical moving parts, resulting in a quieter, more reliable power source that requires minimal maintenance and can be easily transported by personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If slave start battery systems are used for jumpstarting, then vehicles can be jumpstarted, but the systems are too heavy for personnel to hand carry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to jumpstart vehicleVSAvoidweight of battery system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition and physical parameters of the battery system by using advanced rechargeable battery chemistries (such as lithium-ion or other high-energy-density batteries) instead of traditional lead-acid batteries. This parameter change dramatically reduces the weight while maintaining or improving the power delivery capability, enabling personnel to easily carry and deploy the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Weight of moving object

If small scale rechargeable batteries are used to power electronic systems, then portability is improved, but the power capacity is limited and battery exchange is required frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability of power sourceVSAvoidoperational time before battery exchange
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple battery cells into a single integrated power unit with consolidated power management circuitry. This merging approach increases the total energy capacity while maintaining portability, and the integrated design allows for efficient power distribution to multiple devices simultaneously, extending operational duration without requiring frequent battery exchanges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables quiet, efficient, and portable electrical power supply for jumpstarting vehicles and powering equipment, reducing logistical burdens and hazards by providing a reliable, lightweight system that can be easily carried and recharged.

Implementation Method 1

an AC/DC rectifier operably associated with the electrical energy storage unit management system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

a DC/DC converter operably associated with the electrical energy storage unit management system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC/DC conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS8618772B2Transportable electrical energy storage system including enclosure with charging and output circuitry containing interconnectable cells
Publication Date: 2013.12.31 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP
  • US8618772B2 patent drawing
  • US8618772B2 patent drawing
  • US8618772B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A transportable electrical energy storage system includes an electrical energy storage unit, an electrical energy storage unit management system operably associated with the electrical energy storage unit, an AC/DC rectifier operably associated with the electrical energy storage unit management system, and a DC/DC converter operably associated with the electrical energy storage unit management system. The system further includes at least one bi-directional adapter operatively associated with the electrical energy storage unit and a case for protecting the electrical energy storage unit, the electrical energy storage unit management system, the AC/DC rectifier, the DC/DC converter, and the at least one bi-directional adapter.