Removable Power Unit for Utility Vehicle Emission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility vehicles with internal combustion engines face restrictions in areas where exhaust gas emissions are prohibited, and they typically require frequent refueling, limiting their operational duration and power output.
Innovation Solution
A utility vehicle design featuring an electromotor powered by a combination of a first and second electrical power unit, where the second unit is removably coupled for quick exchange, allowing extended operation without emissions and high power output, and optionally omitting the internal combustion engine to reduce weight and increase electrical power capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a large first electrical power unit is provided to power the utility vehicle for a long period, then the operational duration is extended, but the weight of the utility vehicle increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power unit is divided into two separate units: a first electrical power unit permanently integrated into the vehicle and a second electrical power unit that can be removably coupled. This segmentation allows the system to achieve long operational duration by using both units together, while the removable second unit can be exchanged when depleted, avoiding the need for a single large heavy battery pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static power configuration to a dynamic one where the second electrical power unit can be coupled and decoupled based on operational needs. This dynamic configuration allows the vehicle to adapt its power capacity, achieving extended operational duration only when the second unit is attached, thereby optimizing the weight-power ratio.
2Power
If an internal combustion engine is used to provide high power output, then the power output is sufficient, but exhaust gas emissions are produced that are restricted or prohibited in certain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The internal combustion engine is replaced with an electromotor powered by electrical power units. This substitution eliminates exhaust gas emissions entirely while maintaining the capability to deliver high power output when both electrical power units are coupled to the vehicle.
3Loss of time
If the second electrical power unit is removably coupled for quick exchange, then the up-time of the utility vehicle is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arrangement serves multiple functions: it permanently integrates the first electrical power unit while also enabling the removable coupling of the second electrical power unit. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve extended operational duration and quick exchange capability without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
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
Enables operation in emission-restricted areas for an extended period at high power output, with the ability to quickly exchange power units for extended uptime, and provides a safer, more practical conversion of existing vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an electromotor arranged for moving said utility vehicle and/or powering said tool
Implementation Method 2
a first electrical power unit, coupled to said electromotor, arranged for powering said electromotor; a second electrical power unit, removably coupled to said coupling arrangement, arranged for powering said electromotor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A utility vehicle (1), such as a tractor, comprising: - a coupling arrangement (3A, 3B) arranged for removably coupling a tool, such as an agricultural implement, to said utility vehicle (1); - an electromotor (7) arranged for moving said utility vehicle (1) and/or powering said tool; - a first electrical power unit (9), coupled to said electromotor (7), arranged for powering said electromotor (7); - a second electrical power unit (11), removably coupled to said coupling arrangement (3A, 3B), arranged for powering said electromotor (7). A method (101) of using the utility vehicle (1).