Segmented Battery Packs with Combined Switch for Replaceable Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large electrical devices, such as all-electric vehicles and buses, often have non-removable or cumbersome removable batteries that hinder user convenience and efficiency due to their size and weight.
Innovation Solution
An electrical system comprising multiple independent small battery packs with a battery management system, a combined switch, and a safety switch, allowing for adjustable capacity and efficient replacement, with each battery pack including a power switch and an electric-quantity display device to manage power output and indicate battery status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single large battery is used to provide sufficient capacity, then the total energy storage is adequate, but the battery becomes excessively large and heavy, hindering user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large battery into multiple smaller battery packs (e.g., three 12V batteries instead of one large battery). Each battery pack is independently manageable, allowing the system to achieve the same total energy storage while reducing the weight and size of individual battery units, making them easier to handle and replace.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a single large battery is used, then energy storage capacity is sufficient, but the battery becomes non-removable or requires dedicated removal tools, reducing ease of replacement
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the battery system into multiple smaller, standardized battery packs, the patent enables easy removal and replacement of individual packs without requiring specialized tools. Users can simply disconnect and replace a single battery pack rather than dealing with a large, integrated battery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the battery packs with universal characteristics - standardized terminals, uniform dimensions, and common mounting mechanisms - allowing the same battery pack design to be used across different positions and configurations. This universality simplifies replacement procedures and enables users to carry spare packs for immediate substitution.
3Weight of moving object
If multiple independent battery packs are used instead of a single large battery, then battery size and weight are reduced for easier handling, but the system complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple battery packs into a unified system through a common control circuit and integrated mounting structure. The control circuit manages charge distribution and monitoring across all packs, while the standardized mounting system allows them to be installed as a cohesive unit, reducing the practical complexity despite having multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical or standardized battery packs throughout the system, all with the same voltage, capacity, physical dimensions, and connection interfaces. This homogeneity simplifies the control logic and replacement procedures, as the system treats all packs uniformly, reducing the cognitive and operational complexity compared to managing different types of battery components.
4Ease of repair
If multiple independent battery packs are used, then battery replacement becomes easier and capacity is adjustable, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that automatically manages the multiple battery packs without requiring user intervention. The control circuit autonomously monitors the state of charge of each pack, determines which pack should be discharged based on usage patterns, and manages recharging sequences, thereby simplifying the user experience despite the presence of multiple battery components.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical system with replaceable batteries comprises an electrical system and a combined switch. The electrical system comprises a plurality of battery packs (1, 2, 3); all the battery packs are independently arranged each other; and an electric-quantity display device which is used for displaying the electric-quantity information indicating signals of the battery packs and a gear switch which is used for mutually switching the battery packs are arranged on the combined switch. Each battery pack comprises a battery (A1, A2, A3), a power switches (B1, B2, B3) and a battery management system (C1, C2, C3). The battery management systems receive and combine the output signals of the combined switches with the electric-quantity information indicating signals, thereby controlling whether the power switches are closed to provide power output or not.