Refuse Vehicle Battery Cell Layout for Modular Electric Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse vehicles rely on combustion engines, which contribute to environmental pollution and operational inefficiencies, while also facing challenges in efficiently powering the vehicle and its actuators.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a fully electric energy storage and/or generation system within the refuse vehicle, comprising battery cells and control hardware, which are detachably coupled to the body assembly and chassis, providing power to the electric motor and actuators without a combustion engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a combustion engine is used to power the refuse vehicle, then the vehicle can generate sufficient power for operation, but it contributes to environmental pollution and operational inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the combustion engine (mechanical/chemical system) with an electric motor powered by battery cells. This substitution eliminates harmful exhaust emissions while providing sufficient power for refuse vehicle operation through the electric drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from chemical energy (combustion engine) to electrical energy (battery cells). This parameter change fundamentally alters the power generation method, eliminating pollution while maintaining operational power requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If battery cells are integrated into the refuse vehicle, then the vehicle achieves cleaner and more efficient operation, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery system into multiple individual battery cells that are positioned between the body assembly and chassis. This segmentation allows for optimized weight distribution and structural integration, managing the overall weight impact while achieving cleaner operation.
3Ease of repair
If the battery system is made modular and detachably coupled, then maintenance costs are reduced and operational uptime is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into modular, detachably coupled battery cells that can be individually accessed and replaced. This segmentation enables easy maintenance and repair operations while the standardized coupling mechanisms manage the complexity through proven connection designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic battery system where cells can be detached and replaced during operation or maintenance periods. This dynamic capability enhances operational uptime through hot-swappable batteries while the established detaching mechanisms keep the system manageable.
4Volume of moving object
If battery cells are positioned between the body assembly and chassis, then the vehicle achieves efficient space utilization, but the structural complexity of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions battery cells in the vertical dimension between the body assembly and chassis, utilizing otherwise wasted space. This dimensional placement achieves efficient space utilization while the standardized positioning mechanisms manage structural complexity.
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
This solution enables a cleaner, more efficient operation of refuse vehicles by eliminating combustion engines, reducing maintenance costs through modular and easily replaceable battery systems, and enhancing operational uptime with hot-swappable batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of a fully electric energy storage and/or generation system within the refuse vehicle, comprising battery cells and control hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a chassis, a body assembly, and a plurality of battery cells. The chassis includes a plurality of frame members. The body assembly is coupled to the plurality of frame members of the chassis. A bottom periphery of the body assembly is defined by a point at which the body assembly couples or contacts a top of the chassis. An uppermost periphery of the plurality of battery cells is spaced a distance below the bottom periphery of the body assembly. At least a portion of the plurality of battery cells extends lower than the plurality of frame members of the chassis.