Removable Battery Module With Multipurpose Charging Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle power storage systems require expensive and bulky electrical relays to disconnect the motor from the AC charge inlet during charging, and vice versa, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A removable module with a latching mechanism that allows detachment from the vehicle for charging and reattachment for propulsion, eliminating the need for these relays by using a self-contained rechargeable energy storage system with integrated DC/DC converter and power factor correction circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical relays are used to disconnect the motor from the AC charge inlet during charging, then electrical isolation is achieved, but the system becomes expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power electronics functionality from the vehicle chassis and places it within the removable battery module itself. The battery module contains an integrated inverter that can independently control electrical connections, eliminating the need for external electrical relays in the vehicle's charging system. This extraction of functionality resolves the contradiction by removing the bulky relay components while maintaining reliable electrical isolation through the battery module's internal control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as energy storage and as an active electrical control device. The integrated inverter within the battery module can perform multiple functions including charging control, motor power delivery, and electrical isolation, replacing what would traditionally require separate relays and control systems. This universal design reduces overall system complexity while ensuring reliable electrical management.
2Reliability
If electrical relays are used to disconnect during charging, then safety is improved, but cost and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy electrical relay components from the vehicle system and integrates the necessary electrical control functionality directly into the battery module. The battery module's internal inverter and control circuitry provide the required electrical isolation and safety functions during charging without requiring additional external relay hardware, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining charging safety.
3Productivity
If a removable battery module is used for charging, then charging efficiency is improved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection functions into a single integrated removable battery module that contains both the energy storage and the electrical control infrastructure. The module features integrated terminals and an inverter that handle all electrical connections in one unified interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate connection points and reducing overall connection complexity despite enabling efficient removable charging operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable module and a method for operating the removable module. The removable module has a multipurpose connector that connect the removable module to a motor when the removable module is attached to a vehicle. Dual-purpose circuitry in the removable module can output electric energy to the motor when the multipurpose connector connects the removable module to the motor. The multipurpose connector can connect the removable module to the electric vehicle supply equipment when the removable module is detached from the vehicle. While the removable module is detached from the vehicle, the dual-purpose circuitry cannot output electric energy to the motor. When the multipurpose connector connects the removable module to the electric vehicle supply equipment, the dual-purpose circuitry can receive electric power from the electric vehicle supply equipment.