Portable Robot Battery Swap for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging systems are inconvenient, as they require manual operation and are not ubiquitously available, leading to missed charging instances and limited vehicle range, which restricts the use of electric vehicles due to the inefficiencies of existing battery technology and charging infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A robotically operated system that enables the exchange of modular battery packs at any remote location, using a portable robot with a microprocessor, battery tray, lift, motor, wheels, navigation system, and wireless communication to quickly swap depleted batteries with fully charged ones, reducing the need for fixed charging stations and enhancing accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual charging operation is used, then charging can be performed at fixed locations, but convenience is reduced and charging instances may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs automatic identification and charging operations without requiring manual user intervention. The vehicle autonomously communicates with charging stations to initiate and complete charging processes, eliminating the need for operators to manually plug in power cables and ensuring charging occurs at every appropriate opportunity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed charging stations are used, then charging infrastructure is established, but accessibility is limited and range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The charging infrastructure transitions from fixed, stationary charging stations to mobile, dynamically deployable charging units. These mobile charging vehicles can be positioned anywhere needed, providing charging services at remote locations, events, or along travel routes, thereby dramatically expanding accessibility without requiring extensive fixed infrastructure installation.
3Length of moving object
If battery technology is improved to increase range, then vehicle autonomy is extended, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into modular units that can be independently manufactured, stored, and exchanged. Instead of building expensive large-capacity batteries, the system uses multiple smaller, standardized battery modules that can be combined in different configurations. This modular approach reduces individual module costs through standardized mass production while providing flexible range options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a battery exchange program where depleted battery modules are quickly swapped out for charged ones at mobile charging stations. Used batteries are collected, recharged offline using cheaper electricity rates, and returned to service. This circular economy approach separates the cost of battery capacity from the cost of charging, allowing extended range through module quantity rather than individual module expense.
4Loss of time
If charging time is reduced, then vehicle availability is improved, but infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Batteries are pre-charged at mobile charging stations before being exchanged with depleted modules in vehicles. The charging process occurs in advance during periods when vehicles are not in use or when electricity rates are lower, separating the charging operation from the vehicle operation timeline. This preliminary charging action enables rapid battery exchange without requiring the vehicle itself to undergo lengthy charging cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging function is extracted from the vehicle and relocated to external mobile charging stations. By removing the charging process from the vehicle context and performing it at dedicated charging locations, the system achieves rapid battery replacement without requiring complex high-power charging infrastructure at every vehicle location. The charging infrastructure is consolidated at mobile stations rather than distributed across all possible vehicle stops.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatus for a robotic charging station for charging a battery of an electric vehicle. A semi-autonomous portable robot is programmed to interchange depleted rechargeable batteries disposed in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Portable battery pod dispenses batteries to semi-autonomous portable robot for swap. Semi-autonomous portable robot uses navigational sensors to transport battery to predetermined position at the battery interchange location. Battery disposition and configuration data are wirelessly communicated by battery pod to semi-autonomous portable robot. Battery pod is also in electrical communication with vehicle for timely latching and unlatching of battery modules.