Split Battery Lift Architecture for Continuous Turntable Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lift devices face challenges in efficiently managing battery power distribution and rotation between base and turntable assemblies, leading to potential operational restrictions due to battery level thresholds, and lack remote monitoring and control capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A lift device with a split battery architecture and slip ring transmission system that allows for dynamic power distribution between base and turntable batteries, along with a controller that monitors and manages battery levels, and enables remote operation and monitoring through wireless communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a single battery pack is used in the base assembly, then the device structure is simpler, but the operational duration is limited due to battery level thresholds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational durationVSAvoidbattery system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is divided into multiple battery packs distributed across different assemblies (base assembly and turntable assembly). Each battery pack independently powers its local assembly, eliminating the need for power transmission through rotating joints and extending operational duration without requiring a single large complex battery system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If power is transmitted through the slip ring transmission during turntable rotation, then the turntable can rotate freely, but electrical contact reliability deteriorates due to wear and brush issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturntable rotation freedomVSAvoidelectrical contact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission function is extracted from the slip ring transmission system. Each assembly (base and turntable) has its own independent battery packs that directly power their respective components, eliminating the need for electrical contact through the rotating slip ring interface while maintaining full rotational freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If battery packs are distributed across multiple assemblies, then operational continuity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidbattery management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each battery pack independently manages its own assembly's power needs without requiring complex inter-assembly power management. The base assembly batteries power base components, and turntable assembly batteries power turntable components, simplifying the overall management architecture while ensuring operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If a single large battery pack is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the adaptability to different operational modes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mode adaptabilityVSAvoidbattery configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented battery architecture allows flexible configuration where different combinations of battery packs can serve different operational modes. The base assembly and turntable assembly can operate independently or together, enabling versatile operational adaptability without requiring a single fixed large battery system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Ensures continuous operation by managing battery levels, preventing operational restrictions, and allowing for remote monitoring and control, enhancing efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The slip ring transmission is electrically coupled with both the base assembly batteries and the turntable batteries

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction through slip ring: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4115491B1Lift device with split battery pack
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 OSHKOSH CORPORATION
  • EP4115491B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4115491B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4115491B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lift device includes a base assembly, a turntable assembly, and a controller. The base assembly includes multiple base assembly batteries. The turntable assembly is rotatably coupled with the base assembly through a slip ring transmission. The turntable assembly includes multiple turntable assembly batteries. The controller is configured to operate the base assembly batteries to discharge electrical energy to the turntable batteries through the slip ring transmission. The slip ring transmission is configured to both (1) drive the turntable assembly to rotate relative to the base assembly and (2) to electrically and communicably couple electrical components of the base assembly with electrical components of the turntable assembly.