Semi-Autonomous Vehicle Coupling for Electric Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face limitations due to low power density batteries and long recharge times, affecting their travel range, and existing range-extending solutions do not effectively address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A semi-autonomous vehicle system that couples to a parent vehicle via a high-voltage DC electrical power bus, enabling electric power transfer and communication, with a control system managing power flow and sensory data to maintain synchronized operation and safety, and optionally includes an internal combustion engine or fuel cell for enhanced power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries with higher power density are used, then travel range is improved, but battery cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into two independent parts: a high-power-density battery for energy storage and a high-energy-density fuel tank for extended range. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving long travel range without the complexity of developing a single ultra-high-performance battery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines a battery system and a fuel cell system into a hybrid power architecture. The battery provides immediate power and the fuel cell extends range, merging the advantages of both energy storage technologies to achieve extended travel range while managing complexity through modular integration.
2Use of energy by moving object
If battery size is increased to extend range, then travel range is improved, but vehicle weight and cargo space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from a single battery system and separates it into two components: a compact high-power battery for immediate needs and a fuel cell system for extended energy supply. This extraction allows the vehicle to achieve extended range without proportionally increasing battery weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy density parameter by introducing a fuel cell system with significantly higher energy density than conventional batteries. This parameter change allows the system to store more energy per unit weight, extending travel range without proportionally increasing overall system weight.
3Power
If mechanical coupling is used for range extension, then power transfer is improved, but system complexity and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical coupling with wireless power transfer technology. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and reduces system complexity by using electromagnetic fields for power transfer, while maintaining or improving power transfer capability through contactless energy transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary for power transfer between the battery system and the wheel motors. This intermediary eliminates the need for direct mechanical connections, reducing wear and complexity while enabling efficient power transmission through wireless energy transfer.
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 enhances the travel range of electric vehicles by providing a reliable and efficient power transfer mechanism, ensuring continuous operation while minimizing mechanical load and maximizing safety, and can reduce battery weight and cargo space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling device consisting essentially of a high-voltage DC electrical power bus electrically coupled to the high-voltage electrical energy storage system
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-autonomous vehicle couplable to a parent vehicle is described, and includes a chassis supported on first and second axles coupled to a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system configured to transfer torque to one of the wheels, a steering system configured to control direction of travel of the semi-autonomous vehicle, a braking system configured to apply braking force to the wheels, a high-voltage electrical energy storage system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system operatively couples to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system. A coupling device is configured to electrically couple the semi-autonomous vehicle to the parent vehicle, the coupling device consisting essentially of a high-voltage DC electrical power bus electrically coupled to the high-voltage electrical energy storage system.