Removable Battery Power Switching for eVTOL Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metropolitan areas face severe traffic congestion and packed mass transit systems, necessitating a more efficient and rapid personal transportation solution.
Innovation Solution
A personal transportation system utilizing a lightweight vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a removable battery that switches power sources from an internal battery to a larger removable battery upon occupant entry, enabling efficient vertical takeoffs and landings, and using a docking station for battery swapping and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a lightweight aircraft with internal battery is used for vertical takeoff and landing, then the aircraft can operate in dense urban areas avoiding traffic congestion, but the operating range and duration are limited by the internal battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent battery components: an internal battery integrated into the aircraft and a removable battery that can be detached and attached. This segmentation allows the aircraft to use the internal battery for vertical takeoff and landing operations, then switch to the larger removable battery for extended range flights, effectively resolving the contradiction between quick urban transportation and extended operating duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power source parameter dynamically by switching between the internal battery and the removable battery. The internal battery provides power for VTOL operations where speed and quick deployment are critical, while the removable battery provides extended energy capacity for longer duration operations, allowing the aircraft to adapt its energy parameters to different operational requirements.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a larger removable battery is used to extend range, then the operating duration and range are increased, but the device complexity increases due to battery swapping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The removable battery is extracted as a separate, independent component from the aircraft system. This extraction allows the battery to be manufactured, charged, and maintained independently, simplifying the overall system architecture. The battery swapping mechanism only needs to handle the mechanical attachment and detachment of the battery pack, rather than integrating a complex charging system into the aircraft, thus extending operating duration while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable battery serves as a self-contained power unit that can be independently charged and replaced. Users can charge the removable battery separately using standard charging infrastructure, and the aircraft system automatically detects and switches to the removable battery when it is attached, reducing the complexity of battery management systems and enabling extended operations without requiring complex integrated power management.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the aircraft switches power sources from internal battery to removable battery, then the energy capacity is optimized for extended operations, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional switching procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft system incorporates automatic feedback mechanisms that detect the presence and status of the removable battery. When the removable battery is attached, the system automatically detects it and switches power sources without requiring manual intervention from the pilot or operator. This feedback-based automatic switching optimizes energy capacity by utilizing the larger removable battery while maintaining ease of operation through elimination of manual switching procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery mounting interface acts as an intermediary that facilitates automatic power source switching. The physical connection of the removable battery to the aircraft triggers an automatic detection and switching sequence, mediating between the two power sources. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to optimize energy capacity by seamlessly transitioning between batteries while keeping the operation simple and intuitive for the user.
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 system allows for quick and efficient transportation within dense cities by avoiding traffic congestion, extending the range of the aircraft through a second aircraft, and optimizing battery usage for extended operations.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical landing of an aircraft is performed using a first battery
Implementation Method 2
a vertical takeoff of the aircraft is performed using the second removable battery
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical landing of an aircraft is performed using the first battery where the aircraft is unoccupied when the vertical landing is performed, the unoccupied aircraft includes the first battery, and the unoccupied aircraft excludes a second, removable battery. In response to detecting that the second, removable battery is detachably coupled to the aircraft, a power source for the aircraft is switched from the first battery to the second, removable battery. After switching the switch power source, a vertical takeoff of the aircraft is performed using the second, removable battery, wherein the aircraft is occupied when the vertical takeoff is performed.