Removable EV Trunk Battery Charging for Range Anxiety Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure is underdeveloped compared to traditional fueling stations, leading to 'range anxiety' among electric vehicle owners due to insufficient or occupied charging stations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a distribution hub with a battery cabinet and a delivery service that allows electric vehicles to charge using removable batteries, which can be obtained or returned at the distribution hub or delivered to the vehicle's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed charging stations are used, then charging infrastructure is established, but accessibility is limited and range anxiety persists
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into portable battery units that can be independently distributed and deployed. Each battery unit functions as a standalone charging resource, allowing the system to scale flexibly without requiring fixed infrastructure at every location.
Solution Approach 2:
A delivery service acts as an intermediary between the charging infrastructure and electric vehicles. This mediator transports battery units to users' locations, bridging the gap between fixed charging facilities and mobile vehicles without requiring permanent installations at every destination.
2Reliability
If more charging stations are built, then charging availability increases, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging infrastructure transitions from static fixed stations to dynamic portable battery units. These units can be moved and redeployed based on demand fluctuations, allowing the system to adapt charging availability to changing user needs without permanent infrastructure commitments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of charging resources by making them mobile rather than fixed. Battery units can be transported to various locations and returned when depleted, fundamentally altering the parameter of spatial fixedness while maintaining charging availability.
3Ease of operation
If portable batteries are delivered to vehicle locations, then charging accessibility improves, but delivery service complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated components including RFID identification for battery recognition, GPS tracking for location monitoring, and automated routing optimization. These self-service features reduce manual intervention in the delivery process while maintaining operational complexity management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through real-time tracking of battery locations, charge levels, and delivery status. This feedback enables dynamic route optimization and resource allocation, allowing the delivery service to adapt to changing conditions while managing complexity through data-driven decision making.
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 addresses range anxiety by providing a flexible and accessible charging solution, ensuring that electric vehicles can be charged at any location, reducing the reliance on fixed charging stations.
Implementation Method 1
a charger used to charge the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A battery distribution hub includes a cabinet with a plurality of batteries therein that may be removed, such as via a lift, and disposed within the trunk of a vehicle. A suitable charging cable for the battery is also provided, that electrically interfaces the battery with the battery charging system in the vehicle. The trunk of the vehicle includes an internal electrical port into which the charging cable can be plugged to electrically connect the battery disposed in the trunk of the vehicle with the vehicle battery charging electronics.