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 between base and turntable assemblies, leading to restricted operations due to battery level thresholds, and lack of autonomous or semi-autonomous functionality for remote monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
A lift device with a split battery architecture and slip ring transmission system that allows base assembly batteries to charge and power turntable batteries, enabling continuous operation and remote control through a controller that monitors battery levels and adjusts power distribution, and integrates with wireless communication for remote monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single battery pack is used in the base assembly, then the device structure is simpler, but the turntable assembly cannot operate autonomously and is restricted by battery level thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into two independent battery packs: a base assembly battery pack and a turntable assembly battery pack. This segmentation allows the turntable to have its own power source for autonomous operation while the base has independent power for mobility and control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The turntable battery pack is extracted from the base assembly and positioned independently on the turntable. This extraction enables the turntable to operate autonomously without being constrained by the base battery's charge level, while still allowing wireless power transfer when needed.
2Productivity
If the turntable battery level drops below a threshold, then power management is simplified, but operational restrictions are imposed that limit continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
A controller continuously monitors the charge levels of both the base battery pack and turntable battery pack. When the turntable battery level drops below a threshold, the controller automatically initiates wireless power transfer from the base battery to the turntable battery, eliminating operational restrictions while maintaining efficient power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages its own power distribution without external intervention. The controller detects low battery levels and autonomously activates the wireless power transfer mechanism to recharge the turntable battery, enabling continuous operation without manual power management.
3Ease of operation
If wireless power transfer is implemented between base and turntable, then autonomous operation is enabled, but the system complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system performs multiple functions: it enables remote monitoring of battery levels, transmits control signals for device operation, and coordinates power transfer operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the battery packs, wireless communication system, and power transfer mechanism. It consolidates coordination of these subsystems into a single control unit, managing the complexity rather than distributing it across multiple independent control elements.
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 maintaining battery levels, enables autonomous or semi-autonomous functionality, and enhances operational efficiency by allowing remote monitoring and control of lift devices.
Implementation Method 1
The slip ring transmission is electrically coupled with both the base assembly batteries and the turntable batteries
Data Source
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.